Global Nursing Report Highlights Digital Tools for Climate-Responsive Care
Global, Monday, 12 May 2025.
Nurses are increasingly using digital technologies to tackle climate-related healthcare challenges, as emphasized in a 2025 WHO report, showing a shift towards tech-based equitable healthcare solutions.
Global Nursing Workforce Growth and Distribution
The latest data reveals significant growth in the global nursing workforce, increasing from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023 [1]. Despite this positive trend, the distribution remains notably uneven, with 78% of the world’s nurses concentrated in countries representing just 49% of the global population [1]. The global nursing shortage, while improving from 6.2 million in 2020 to 5.8 million in 2023, continues to present challenges for healthcare systems worldwide [1].
Advanced Practice and Digital Integration
A significant advancement in nursing practice is evident with 62% of countries now reporting the existence of advanced practice nursing roles, showing an increase from 53% in 2020 [1]. This evolution in nursing practice comes at a crucial time, as the healthcare sector faces increasing demands for technologically integrated care delivery. The International Council of Nurses (ICN), representing over 16 million nurses worldwide through more than 130 national associations, is actively promoting the advancement of nursing knowledge and competency in digital healthcare solutions [5].
Workforce Sustainability and Future Challenges
Critical workforce challenges loom on the horizon, with 19% of the current global nursing workforce expected to retire within the next decade [1]. This demographic shift particularly affects high-income countries, where 23% of nurses are foreign-born [1]. Adding to these challenges, only 42% of countries report having provisions for nurses’ mental health support, despite increased workloads and trauma experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. The 2025 International Nurses Day theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,’ directly addresses these concerns, calling for immediate funding and solutions to protect nurses’ emotional, mental, and physical well-being [2].
Leadership and Educational Development
While 82% of countries report having a senior government nursing official, leadership development opportunities remain significantly limited in low-income countries, where only 25% offer structured leadership programs [1]. The ICN has responded to this disparity by launching the ‘Caring for Nurses Agenda’ on May 12, 2025, which outlines key actions needed to support nursing leadership and improve population health outcomes [5]. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, as emphasized by ICN President Dr. Pamela Cipriano [3].