12 maggio, un giorno di festa, un’occasione di lotta

May 12 – International Nurses Day

Today is our day. The day for those who are always there, even when everyone else walks away. For those who bear the pain of others on their own shoulders. For those who listen, support, run, heal. 

It is the nurses' day.

But today we cannot just settle for good wishes. It would be unfair. It would be hypocritical.

Because Italian nurses smile with dignity, but under their uniforms they grit their teeth.

Every day we fight against exhausting shifts, humiliating salaries, increasing responsibilities and decreasing respect.
Every day we face a public healthcare system that is emptying out, a deaf politics, and a society that too often forgets them.

Today, more than a celebration, we need a collective call.
To say that we are here. That "thank you" is not enough, we want justice.
We are not asking for medals, we are asking for financial recognition, professional protection, freedom of choice and a worthy career.

This day is not just a symbol. It is a reminder.

For politics: which cannot continue to make cuts on the skin of those who care.
For citizens: who must know who keeps them alive, even when the system abandons them.
For ourselves: who must stay united, organize, demand.

In our union, we honor this day not with balloons, but with actions. With every signature, with every protest, with every battle we carry on, we hold high the head of this profession.

Today we celebrate, yes. But tomorrow we will go back to fighting.
Because those who care for others have the right to be cared for by a just State.

From Vincenzo Parisi, Francesca Batani and all the leaders of Nursing Up Emilia Romagna, best wishes to all nurses. May this be the beginning of a new era, in which respect is followed by action, a profession finally recognized, protected and valued.

Happy Nurses Day.
We are here. Always. And together, we will be stronger.