TODAY, May 12, healthcare workers around the world will be celebrating International Nurses Day.

It gives people a chance to celebrate the work of nurses and how they have cared for their patients.

The theme for International Nurses Day 2022 is: Nurses, a voice to lead, with a focus on 'Invest in Nursing'.

North Cumbria Integrated Care trust (NCIC) said that the theme is particularly pertinent, as it announced earlier this year that £3.8m would be invested in permanent nursing positions.

Jill Forster, chief nurse at NCIC said: "The nurses we have here at NCIC deserve to be celebrated.

"I am proud of the dedication our nurses have shown, particularly through the last two years which has seen our nurses facing unprecedented challenges on a daily basis.

READ MORE: NCIC asks community to share thanks ahead of nurses day

"We are also devoted to creating more opportunities to enter the profession, with more routes into nursing than ever before.

"This will help to support the nurses we already have as well as helping to create our nursing workforce of NCIC’s future."

This year, NCIC are celebrating International Nurses' Day by sharing some of their inspirational nurses and their individual journey’s into nursing, from student nurse Anna-Leigh Bibby who is at the beginning of her career to Matron Christine Musgrave, who has recently taken her flexible retirement.

Miss Bibby said: "Every day is a learning day and prepares me for my future as a registered nurse. To be a good nurse you have to be kind, compassionate and resilient."

Ms Musgrave said: "During my career I have had various jobs, all of which I have enjoyed.

"The biggest high was becoming a matron and having the opportunity to share my knowledge and help develop others while provide safe patient care."

Lauren Bruce, paediatric nurse based at West Cumberland Hospital, describes what nursing means to her and her excitement for the future. She added: "Nursing is such a dynamic and changing role with lots of opportunities and different career routes.

"Being a nurse has enabled me to have lots of interesting life experiences and I am excited about what future opportunities may arise."

READ MORE: Health workers celebrate midwives on International Day of the Midwife