International Day of the Midwife 2025 (Monday 5 May) and International Nurse’s Day 2025 (Monday 12 May)
The Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, the Chief Nursing Officer in the Department of Health and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) have collaborated to create 2 videos for International Day of the Midwife (Monday 5 May) and International Nurse’s Day (Monday 12 May). The videos focus on frontline nurses and midwives across our services.
A collaborative storytelling event was held in the NMBI offices in April. At this event, frontline nurses, midwives and service users shared stories from all divisions and areas of practice.
“By sharing stories, we celebrate and highlight the work of our midwifery and nursing professions. Storytelling can be inspiring for the listener. These stories connect us to the core values of our professions, reminding us why we do what we do and reinforcing the meaningful impact of our practice”. (EE Drake 2020)
The videos capture stories and views which will help connect nurses and midwives to our core values of care, commitment and compassion while celebrating their professions with colleagues. The videos will be shared in advance of both days with directors across nursing and midwifery services and schools of nursing and midwifery to support local celebrations.
Photographs and quotes from the event will be shared on HSE social media along with the videos. The event has also been included as a special focus in the April edition of the NMBI ezine.
Read the NMBI ezine article
Watch the International Nurses Day 2025 (video)
Watch the International Day of the Midwife 2025 (video)
International Nurses Day (Monday 12 May 2025)
The theme for International Nurses Day 2025 is "Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.". This theme highlights the significant economic contribution of nurses to healthcare and the importance of investing in their wellbeing.
This year’s theme highlights how a healthy nursing workforce:
- strengthens economies
- improves health systems
- leads to better patient outcomes
Prioritising nurses' physical, mental and emotional health boosts retention, reduces burnout and enhances care quality. A well-supported workforce empowers nurses to take on leadership roles and drive improvements in our health system.
Leading with Hearts and Minds Podcast Series - Leading from a strategic position: A conversation with our Chief Nursing Officer
In this episode, Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, gives an overview of her role and shares lessons she has learned. She talks about:
- leading and influencing policy at a national strategic level
- her vision for nursing and midwifery in Ireland
- how the Expert Review Body Report recommendations are shaping both professions
Listen to this episode of the Leading with Hearts and Minds Podcast
International Day of the Midwife (Monday 5 May 2025)
The theme for International Day of the Midwife 2025 is: ‘Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis’.
Midwives are critical in a world facing an unprecedented number of crises. These include conflicts, pandemics and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Midwives:
- provide safe births, antenatal and postnatal care
- provide contraception, abortion care and care for survivors of gender-based violence
- support breastfeeding, ensuring newborns receive safe, clean and reliable nutrition
- prepare communities with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and healthy during emergencies
Their inclusion in crisis preparation and response planning is vital. It ensures optimal outcomes for women, children and their families when facing challenging situations.
Midwives offer compassionate care, expert guidance and unwavering support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. International Day of the Midwife celebrates their dedication, professionalism and commitment to ensuring safe and positive childbirth experiences.
Leading with Hearts and Minds Podcast Series - A Labour of Love: Leading a diverse midwifery workforce and building trust in the system
In this episode, Ms Mary Brosnan, Director of Midwifery and Nursing, The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, reflects on:
- what inspired her to become a midwife
- some of the challenges she faced as a director
- adapting her leadership style to optimise care delivery and team cohesion
- her hopes for the future of the midwifery profession and those who access maternity care in Ireland
Listen to the Leading with Hearts and Minds podcast episode
Midwifery Career Pathways
There are 2 pathways to becoming a midwife in Ireland. If you are a registered general nurse, you can apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery Sponsorship programme. This is supported by the ONMSD and runs back-to-back every 18 months. If you are an undergraduate, you can complete the BSc.(Hons) Midwifery.