International Nurses Day, observed each year on 12 May, commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale, remembered as “The Lady with the Lamp” and the founder of modern nursing.

Today, her legacy continues to light the way for our extraordinary nurses who care for our communities every day.

This year’s International Nurses Day theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” reminds us that when nurses feel supported and empowered, patients and communities benefit too.

Eight incredible Cabrini nurses – from Hospital in the Home and theatre nursing to stroke care, palliative care, refugee health and acute services – share what inspired them to pursue nursing and what empowers them in their work.

For Devan, recent graduate and enrolled nurse, nursing was always about helping others. “For me, helping someone gives me a sense of inner peace,” Devan said. “If I’m having a bad day and I help someone, it’s not a bad day anymore.”

Now working in theatre, Devan thrives on the variety and challenge of each day.

“Every day is new for me – I get to learn and be challenged. Supportive educators and colleagues are what make me feel empowered.”

For Alice, RN for Hospital in the Home (HITH), nursing offered a career with endless opportunities for growth and learning.

“I love problem-solving and finding ways to improve practice while caring for people,” Alice said. “For me, empowerment is about feeling appreciated and having opportunities for career progression.”

Suzy, Stroke Coordinator for 3 South and 3 Central, discovered her passion for caring for others from a young age.

“I was a girl guide and used to go to nursing homes and feed the elderly,” Suzy said. “That gave me insight into caring for people and not only what I could do for someone, but also what I could get back – that feeling of doing something positive.”

For Fu-Yu, RN on 4 North, it’s the small but meaningful things she can do for her patients that matter most.

“Something as simple as crushing a tablet so a patient can take their medication more easily can make a real difference,” Fu-Yu said.

Supporting graduate nurses is also something she finds rewarding.

“I’m really happy to teach and support the new grads coming through.” Fu-yu said.

For Ashlea, refugee health nurse at the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Centre, nursing has provided her with opportunities to learn and connect with people.

“After almost 18 years in this profession, I still honestly feel like I have one of the best jobs in the world,” Ashlea said. “Nursing gives you the freedom to follow your curiosity while encountering people from all walks of life.”

For Ashlea, empowerment comes from working within a supportive team and building strong connections within the community.

“Health doesn’t exist in isolation,” Ashlea said. “I feel lucky to work within a wonderful trauma-informed team, alongside interpreters and allied health professionals who help support our clients.”

For Dushan, clinical nurse specialist in the palliative care inpatient unit, improving quality of life is what drives him.

“At the end of the shift, I can think about the ways I’ve helped people,” Dushan said. “It’s a rewarding career. That’s what motivates me to do more. Feeling heard and supported by my team is what empowers me.”

Tina, clinical nurse specialist on Ground South at Brighton, values both the variety nursing offers and the opportunity to care for patients with individual needs.

For Judith, clinical nurse specialist and scrub scout nurse in the Brighton theatres, nursing is grounded in advocacy and responsibility.

“Everything we do contributes to patient outcomes,” Judith said. “We may not always be seen, but we’re a vital part of the patient journey.”

To all our incredible nursing staff caring for our community, your impact is felt and your work changes lives. Thank you for all you do – today and every day.