To celebrate International Nurses’ Day this May, NHS Careers and the Florence Nightingale Foundation are asking nurses to go out into the community and talk about their role.

As part of these global celebrations, UK nurses are being urged to build links with local communities, including schools. Research has proven that careers talks from professionals can be a real inspiration to young people and help them succeed in life. It is also a fantastic opportunity for nurses to shatter some of the misconceptions about nursing while showing how worthwhile and fulfilling it can be.

Nurses can build on existing links with schools through their personal life or through their employer. Alternatively, they can sign-up to Inspiring the Future who will match nurses to local schools in their area. More information and the chance to sign-up to the scheme is available on the Inspiring the Future website.

But it is not just about working with schools. There are many ways that you can talk to your local community and we have developed a toolkit to help you.

There is also a suite of downloadable materials for you to use, including a leaflet, posters and a Powerpoint presentation. The materials are available to download from the resource centre. You can also order copies of our Careers in nursing booklet from the NHS Careers helpline on 0345 60 60 655.