The celebration program organized by the Department of Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, as part of “May 12–18 Nursing Week,” was held in an enthusiastic and meaningful atmosphere.

The event was attended by department heads, faculty members, administrative staff, students, and guests, as well as representatives from Royal Health Group and Bandırma Training and Research Hospital. The program began with opening speeches by Prof. Dr. Latife Utaş Akhan, Head of the Nursing Department, and Ms. Nagihan Çalışkan, Director of Nursing Services at Royal Health Group. In their speeches, it was emphasized that nursing is not just a profession but a collection of values devoted to serving humanity throughout life. Ethical principles, a scientific approach, and compassion for people were highlighted as the foundational elements of the profession.

Following the opening, an emotional and impactful video prepared by nursing students was presented. The video featured the recitation of the Nursing Oath by students, graduate nurses, and faculty members. These meaningful visuals reinforced the sense of professional identity and brought emotional moments to the ceremony. The video received great appreciation from the audience and was met with prolonged applause.

One of the most striking parts of the event was the presentation delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azize Atlı Özbaş, President of the Turkish Nurses Association. In her presentation titled “Investing in Nursing Strengthens Economies,” aligned with the 2025 ICN theme, she discussed nurses' often unseen contributions, their impact on economic development, and the global nursing shortage using scientific data. Özbaş emphasized the strategic importance of nursing, which influences not only the healthcare system but also societal well-being, with evidence-based findings. Throughout the presentation, the indispensable role of nursing in ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services was illustrated with compelling examples.

In the final part of the program, a musical performance prepared by the students offered the audience a blend of artistic and emotional expression. The performance drew great interest, and the students’ musical talents were applauded at length. At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the contributing students, and a group photo was taken to commemorate the day.

As Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, we are honored to once again highlight the power, value, and future of the nursing profession during this meaningful week.