Nursing Now

Abstract

The work of the global Nursing Now campaign is to advocate for raising the status and profile of nursing to contribute to universal health coverage. The campaign was conceived by Lord Nigel Crisp following an exploration of global nursing by the British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) that in its report noted that investing in nursing could improve health, promote gender equality, and support economic growth. The campaign has advocated for high-level support from governments and the World Health Organization for increasing investment in nursing, which includes not only educating more nurses, but also supporting their advanced practice. Nursing Now has developed in a social context that is all about changing roles within society—the roles of women, who no longer want to be overlooked or patronized, and of young people who want to be both seen and heard. Nursing, through Nursing Now, has a voice—a new voice that is not seen as complaining but as making arguments for change. The huge need for care in our global society is pushing a new agenda, but so are nurses, who increasingly want a voice, and this movement has impelled Nursing Now as it impels young nurses toward a different future.