A message for International Women’s Day by Kath Evans, Children’s nurse

A Career of Impact and Opportunity

With 36 years in nursing, I’ve had the privilege of working across clinical care, leadership, and strategy, always driven by the desire to improve experiences and outcomes for babies, children, young people, and their families. Today, as a leader in healthcare, I look back on a career that has been as diverse as it has been rewarding, one that has taken me from hands-on patient care to shaping services that make a real difference in people’s lives. Nursing is more than a profession; it’s a vocation that offers endless opportunities to grow, innovate, and influence.

What has always inspired me about nursing is its incredible breadth, whether in clinical practice, education, research, or leadership, we are constantly learning and evolving. It’s a role that allows us to serve our communities, challenge inequalities, and push healthcare forward, ultimately helping people have better experiences and lives. The privilege of working alongside colleagues who share a deep commitment to care is something I never take for granted. Together, we are not only shaping better health outcomes but also mentoring and empowering the next generation of nurses and midwives.

Balancing a fulfilling career with personal life, studying, and even long-distance running has been a challenge at times, but it has also been a journey of resilience and joy. The ability to adapt, support each other, and celebrate our successes is what makes women in nursing and midwifery truly exceptional.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, skill, and dedication of women in our nursing and midwifery profession, because every day, in countless ways, we all make a difference.