International Nurses Day 2025
A blog written by Debra Vincent-Scott, one of our MSA Nurse Specialists:
As my nursing career comes to a close and with International Nurses Day upon us, this is a perfect time to reflect on how much has changed since I first qualified.
150 years ago, Florence Nightingale founded a nursing school in London with many of the practices and protocols she introduced still being core to modern nursing today.
My nursing journey started a mere 45 years ago, when qualification as a highly respected state-registered nurse followed fully funded training. Students lived in nurses’ homes, protected by rules including signing every male visitor in and out before curfew at 10pm!
In the late seventies, we wanted to become a ward sister or matron. Now, nurses lead on innovative practice and shape the future of health and social care. They are required to self-fund a nursing degree, often studying up to master’s level to reach more senior roles, such as a nurse specialist or nurse consultant. Many do this while working long hours, caring for a family, running a household, and worrying about repaying student loans.
Half of my career has been working with people living with neurodegenerative conditions and I am thankful to have seen so much progress made in research. This is leading to a better understanding of how to help people manage and live as well as possible with these conditions.
Compassionate care remains at the heart of nursing, even though massive advances in science, technology, and changing health needs have reshaped our profession.
Nurses are always there for their patients, through the highs and lows of life, from birth to death. Although still an incredibly tough and emotionally draining job, it has been the greatest privilege to be a nurse.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the blogs published on these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MSA Trust.
