Prof. dr. Kim Verhaegh highlighted the vital and impactful role of nurses in the transition toward sustainable and circular (hospital) care. With approximately 222.000 registered nurses in the Netherlands – the largest group of healthcare professionals, their trusted status, central position in the healthcare system and close connection to patients make them key drivers of change. 

Prof. Verhaegh concluded with a call for action for nurses to take the lead in promoting: 1) awareness, 2) sustainable practices and policies, 3) the development of guidelines for circular care, 4) the responsible use of sustainable materials and resources, 5) patient education and engagement, 6) nursing research, 7) evidence-based practice and 8) participation in the public debate.

Yara Gutter, a health scientist, shared the results from her recently completed master thesis: a qualitative exploration of nursing students’ and educators’ perspectives (n = 13) on climate change and educational needs for sustainable caregiving in the hospital setting. Nursing students and their educators acknowledged the importance of addressing climate change in the healthcare sector, yet expressed feeling unprepared to practice sustainable caregiving, due to a lack of necessary competencies, wherein barriers to implement sustainable practices persist. 

To prepare nursing students for their future role in tackling climate change, Gutter emphasized the need to systematically integrate sustainable practices into nursing education and provide support in the educational and practice environment. While nurses are seen as key contributors, tackling climate change is a shared responsibility.