International Nurses Day Archivi - HealthCareMaster HealthCareMaster

On the occasion of the International Nurses Day, celebrated on 12 May, a delegation from the Master’s Programmes in Healthcare and the Nursing Degree Programme of the University of Parma will take part in the prestigious Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service, which will be held at the historic Westminster Abbey in London.

The event, promoted by the Florence Nightingale Foundation, represents one of the most significant international occasions dedicated to the nursing profession and will be attended by important institutional figures, including Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra, highlighting the value and recognition attributed to the role of nursing professions within contemporary healthcare systems.

Representing the University of Parma will be Prof. Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Science and President of the Master’s Programmes in Healthcare, the educational tutor Massimo Guasconi, and six students from the Nursing Degree Programme, who will participate in the study day organised by the Florence Nightingale Foundation and subsequently attend the commemorative service at Westminster Abbey.

Historically dedicated to the nursing profession in memory of Florence Nightingale’s birth, 12 May also traditionally marks the conclusion of the educational pathway for the new Fellows of the Florence Nightingale Foundation. During the day, the Fellowship Award Ceremony will also take place, an important international recognition that this year will be conferred upon Prof. Antonio Bonacaro.

The Florence Nightingale Foundation Fellowship is one of the most prestigious international programmes dedicated to the development of nursing leadership and recognises commitment to promoting innovative clinical and educational practices focused on quality, patient safety, and the advancement of nursing education.

The participation of students in this international experience represents an important opportunity for educational and professional growth, encouraging dialogue with international academic and healthcare realities and reinforcing the global dimension of the nursing profession.

“On this special day for the nursing profession, it is both an honour and a pleasure to be awarded the title of Fellow of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, which I accept with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I dedicate it to my colleagues, to the students present here, and to those students who are virtually participating in these celebrations through us. May it serve as a source of inspiration and renewed spirit of service for our communities, wherever they may be” – Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Science and President of the Master’s Programmes in Healthcare.

credits Florence Nightingale Foundation

Today, May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, commemorating the birth of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. This occasion is not only a symbolic tribute but also a moment of deep reflection on the irreplaceable role that nurses play every day within the healthcare system.

Nurses are often the first professionals patients come into contact with, serving as a constant point of reference throughout the entire care journey. With competence, empathy, a spirit of service, and resilience, they contribute daily to health promotion, prevention, chronic disease management, and care in the most complex situations, including global health emergencies.

In this context, the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma have long been committed to supporting the professional growth of nurses by promoting an advanced, multidisciplinary, and innovation-oriented educational model. These programs are designed to enhance the clinical, managerial, educational, and interpersonal skills of those working in the field, while also emphasizing the ethical and human dimensions of care.

“Celebrating this day means recognizing the central role of the profession closest to individuals and communities. Nurses are often silent yet essential protagonists of the entire healthcare system. Our Master’s programs aim to train professionals capable of blending science with humanity, clinical rigor with attentive listening, and technology with meaningful relationships. I wish all nurses a wonderful and meaningful day of celebration and reflection,” said Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor of Nursing Science and coordinator of the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma.

In this spirit, the University reaffirms its commitment to promoting a culture of health based on the value of relationships, care, and shared knowledge.