The ‘2nd National Nursing Knowledge Update Symposium’, where the evolving dynamics, current challenges, and future solutions of the nursing profession were discussed, was held at Beylikdüzü Campus.

The event began with opening speeches by Prof. Dr. Nail Yılmaz, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Istanbul Beykent University; Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Yenmez, Chief Physician of Istanbul Beykent University Hospital; Prof. Dr. Esra Karaca, Head of the Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences; and Dr. Aşkın Selvi, Director of Healthcare Services at Istanbul Beykent University Hospital. The programme then continued with sessions covering a range of topics.

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Nail Yılmaz from the Faculty of Health Sciences stated, ‘At the health sciences meeting we are holding today, we are presented with information that will make our lives easier. As someone who has been in this profession for 55 years, I can say that the fundamental unit guiding decisions across all areas of health is the cell. The cell is the building block of all tissues in the organism and, as such, forms the foundation of the health sciences. Health sciences is a vital discipline that bridges gaps across all areas of healthcare.

‘Nursing is more than a profession; it is a commitment to professionalism.’

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Yenmez, Chief Physician of Istanbul Beykent University Hospital, highlighted the significance and professional responsibilities of the nursing profession in his speech at the symposium.

Dr. Yenmez said, ‘In my eyes, nursing is not only a profession but also a reflection of true professionalism. When I researched the definition of this profession, I found that nursing is described as a health discipline aimed at protecting and promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and society, as well as providing care in cases of illness. Professionals are shaped through disciplined training.’

Addressing the young healthcare professionals of the future, Dr. Yenmez continued his speech by saying, ‘You are members of a profession that places conscience and compassion above all else. I would like to give you some advice. Always give your best effort. Because labour gains meaning only when guided by knowledge and responsibility. As you take responsibility and continue to develop yourself, the value of your labour will grow.’

The international theme for 2025 is ‘Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’.

Highlighting the significance of holding the symposium during Nursing Week, Prof. Dr. Esra Karaca, Head of the Nursing Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, said, ‘We deliberately scheduled this symposium to coincide with Nursing Week, which takes place from 12 to 18 May. As you know, this week is an important time when issues and proposed solutions related to nursing are discussed, and various activities are organised within the professional community. To make this process meaningful, we decided to hold our symposium on these dates.’

Pointing out that the National Nursing Council selects a theme each year, with this year’s being ‘Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies’, Prof. Dr. Karaca highlighted how investing in the nursing profession can strengthen the country’s economy.

Referring to the challenges faced by nurses, Karaca said, ‘There are issues such as staff shortages, violence against healthcare workers, inadequate remuneration, burnout, and unfavourable working conditions. If the recommendations of the National Nursing Council are implemented, health services will be strengthened.’

‘Nursing is both a health science and a healing art.’

Dr. Aşkın Selvi, Director of Healthcare Services at Istanbul Beykent University Hospital, stated that while solutions to the challenges faced by the nursing profession have long been sought, these efforts have mostly remained at the level of discussion. Mentioning that even raising awareness is an important start, Dr. Selvi stated that solutions have started to be produced in this direction.

Referring to the process of the nursing profession, Dr. Selvi said, ‘From Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, to the present day, nursing has been regarded not only as a profession but also as a sacred duty dedicated to humanity. This is because nursing addresses the physical, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual aspects of the individual, approaching the human being with a holistic perspective. In this respect, it is both a health science and a healing art.’

Current challenges and the future of nursing were discussed from all perspectives.

Following the opening speeches, the symposium commenced with a session titled ‘The Importance of Associations in the Nursing Profession’, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seda Çağlar from Istanbul University. The symposium, which explored various dimensions of today’s health system, continued with sessions focusing on individualised nursing care, current approaches in neonatal nursing, disaster and emergency nursing, and artificial intelligence applications in diabetes.

The past, present and future of nursing were discussed.

At the symposium, the historical development of the nursing profession and its evolving roles today were examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Specialist panellists explained the profession’s evolution from past to present and highlighted the new responsibilities that nurses will undertake in the future. Particularly in the sessions on artificial intelligence and mobile technology, the evolution of the nursing profession through technological advancements and the role of digital tools in patient care were emphasised.