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ICN report says empowering nurses can save lives and strengthen health systems
May 12, 2026
By AI, Created 5:26 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – The International Council of Nurses released a new global report on International Nurses Day calling for urgent investment in nursing. ICN says a stronger nursing workforce could improve access to care, save millions of lives and help close major health and economic gaps worldwide.
Why it matters: - The International Council of Nurses says empowering nurses is one of the fastest ways to improve health outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen health systems. - The report argues that investment in nursing could also support economic growth, with major gains tied to better workforce coverage and stronger primary care. - ICN says the current nurse shortage and rising global health pressures put progress toward Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals at risk.
What happened: - On International Nurses Day, the International Council of Nurses released a new global report, Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives. - The report calls for urgent investment in nursing and frames empowerment as a structural issue tied to policy, working conditions and leadership. - ICN said the world has nearly 30 million nurses, making nursing the largest and most trusted health workforce. - ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano said governments should invest for impact and structurally empower nurses, including nurse leadership and decision-making.
The details: - The report introduces seven core nursing powers: The Power of Trust, The Power of the Professional, The Power of Numbers, The Power of Practice, The Power of Care, The Power of Proximity and The Power of Peace. - ICN says the framework shows nursing is a multidimensional force, not a single function. - The report says closing nursing and health workforce gaps could save 189 million years of life and add $1.1 trillion to the global economy. - ICN says scaling primary care, where nurses play a central role, could save 60 million lives by 2030. - ICN says the evidence in the report comes from global data, real-world examples and ICN policy work. - ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton said the report shows investing in nursing is one of the highest-return investments any health system can make.
Between the lines: - The report is also a rebuttal to the idea that nursing is only a support role. - ICN is pushing a broader policy agenda that links nursing to health equity, crisis response and economic resilience. - The emphasis on “structural” empowerment suggests ICN wants governments to move beyond symbolic support and fund measurable workforce changes.
What’s next: - ICN is calling on governments to back national workforce plans with funding. - The group also wants improved working conditions, stronger education, expanded scope of practice and greater nursing leadership. - ICN says the next step is to turn commitments into action so nurses can work at full potential. - Read the report
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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