Celebrate National Children’s Nurses’ Day
Children’s nursing still faces unprecedented pressures, but that is why the profession should celebrate National Children’s Nurses’ Day on 30 June, a day dedicated solely to the values, achievements and distinctiveness of children’s nursing
Continuing pressures should not stop us celebrating National Children’s Nurses’ Day dedicated solely to the profession’s knowledge, skill and compassion
In the UK we mark many national awareness days. Such moments encourage us to pause, reflect, connect and acknowledge the causes that shape our personal and professional lives.
The Association of British Paediatric Nurses (ABPN) is adding another important date to that calendar: National Children’s Nurses’ Day, to be celebrated annually on 30 June. A day dedicated solely to the values, achievements and distinctiveness of children’s nursing.
But, given that our profession faces unprecedented pressures, is now really the time to celebrate?
'National Children’s Nurses’ Day provides the platform to celebrate the dedication, knowledge, skill and compassion of children’s nurses’
The challenges in services feel sharper than ever. We continue to navigate shifting models of care, constrained resources, and persistent uncertainty over employment opportunities for many newly registered children’s nurses.
Honour the profession and speak up about the challenges we face
The longstanding debate about specialist versus generic nursing registration remains unresolved, often leaving our identity misunderstood or diluted in broader systems.
These pressures could easily encourage silence: heads down and shoulders to the wheel. But we believe they call for the opposite. Now is precisely the time to speak up, to illuminate the breadth, expertise and impact of children’s nurses across all four nations of the UK.
National Children’s Nurses’ Day provides the platform we need. It is a moment to celebrate the dedication, knowledge, skill, and compassion of nurses committed to improving the lives of babies, children, young people, and their families. From the pioneering vision of Catherine Wood in the 19th century to the contemporary leaders shaping evidence-based child health today, children’s nursing has always been grounded in care that is informed by children’s rights, is responsive, respectful and child‑centred.
So now is precisely the time not to overlook the challenges but to honour the profession that meets them with unwavering commitment.
Let us be the first to wish you a happy National Children’s Nurses’ Day.
Further information
Ideas to celebrate include nominating the children’s nurse who has inspired you most, music, drama, artwork and home baking. Go to the Association of British Paediatric Nurses or email abpncommunications@gmail.com for more information
Have you tried RCNi Plus yet?
RCNi Plus offers unlimited access to RCNi Learning, Nursing Children and Young People, Nursing Standard, our other specialist journals and RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to store your CPD for revalidation. Use the discount code TRIALPLUS to get it half price for three months. Click here for more details
