Introduction

I have been thinking of the nurses who are contribute their services during wars and conflicts. Here are some of my thoughts.

Nursing has long been intertwined with the history of war, from the work of Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War to the vital contributions of nurses in modern conflict zones. However, contemporary warfare presents new challenges that reshape both the scope and risks of nursing practice. Today’s conflicts—characterized by urban destruction, displacement, and the erosion of international humanitarian protections—have placed nurses in increasingly precarious positions. This paper reflects on the evolving role of nurses in current wars, examines the growing number of healthcare worker deaths, considers whether the label of “hero” is appropriate, and explores how nurses may be treated once these conflicts subside.

The expanding role of nurses in modern conflict

In current war zones, nurses function far beyond traditional clinical roles. They deliver emergency trauma care in unstable environments, often improvising with limited supplies while working under constant threat. In regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Israel, Sudan and etc, nurses operate in overwhelmed hospitals, temporary field units, and refugee camps, where they address not only acute injuries but also chronic illness, maternal health, and psychological trauma (International Council of Nurses [ICN], 2024).

This expanded role reflects the adaptability and resilience inherent in nursing practice. Nurses are frequently the most consistent healthcare providers available, forming the backbone of fragile healthcare systems. Their presence ensures continuity of care even when infrastructure collapses. Yet this adaptability comes at a cost. Nurses are increasingly required to make ethical decisions under extreme conditions, balancing professional obligations with personal safety and limited resources.

Rising risks and the cost of care

Despite protections outlined in international humanitarian law, healthcare workers are facing unprecedented levels of violence. Reports from organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the ICN indicate a sharp rise in attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. In recent years, hundreds of healthcare workers—including nurses—have been killed annually, with thousands more injured or displaced (MSF, 2025; ICN, 2024).

These figures represent more than statistics; they reflect a fundamental shift in the nature of warfare. Healthcare environments, once considered protected spaces, are increasingly targeted or caught in deliberate attacks. Nurses, by virtue of their proximity to patients and their commitment to remain in place, are particularly vulnerable. The psychological burden associated with this risk is profound, contributing to moral distress, burnout, and long-term trauma.

Are nurses “heroes”? A critical reflection

The designation of nurses as “heroes” is both compelling and contested. On one level, the term acknowledges extraordinary courage. Nurses who continue to provide care amid violence, resource scarcity, and personal danger embody values that society often associates with heroism: selflessness, resilience, and compassion.

However, the label also raises critical concerns. Framing nurses as heroes may unintentionally normalize the expectation that they should endure unsafe conditions without adequate protection. As noted by the ICN (2024), such narratives can obscure systemic failures, including insufficient policy enforcement and lack of accountability for attacks on healthcare. Nurses are not inherently meant to be martyrs; they are skilled professionals entitled to safety, support, and respect.

From a reflective standpoint, the use of “hero” may be more meaningful when accompanied by tangible action—such as improved legal protections, investment in healthcare systems, and recognition of nurses’ leadership in policy and recovery efforts. Without these measures, the term risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive.

The post-war future: Recognition or neglect?

History suggests that the contributions of nurses during wartime are often followed by periods of under-recognition. After conflicts end, attention typically shifts toward reconstruction, and the long-term needs of healthcare workers—including mental health support and professional development—may be overlooked.

Yet the visibility of current conflicts offers an opportunity for change. Global awareness of attacks on healthcare has led to increased advocacy for stronger enforcement of international laws and greater protection for medical personnel. Organizations such as the ICN continue to call for sustained investment in nursing and the integration of nurses into leadership roles in post-conflict recovery.

The question remains whether these calls will translate into lasting change. A meaningful post-war response would involve not only honouring the sacrifices of nurses but also addressing the systemic issues that placed them at risk. This includes ensuring safe working conditions, providing psychological support, and recognising the critical role nurses play in rebuilding healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Nurses in contemporary wars occupy a uniquely challenging and essential role. They provide care in environments marked by danger, uncertainty, and profound human suffering, often at great personal cost. While the label of “hero” captures elements of their contribution, it should not replace the need for concrete protections and systemic change. Ultimately, the way the global community treats nurses after these conflicts will serve as a true measure of their value. Recognition must extend beyond words to include sustained support, policy reform, and a commitment to safeguarding the profession in both times of war and peace.

References

International Council of Nurses. (2024). Nurses in conflict zones: Violence, ethics, and practice. ICN.

Médecins Sans Frontières. (2025). Attacks on healthcare in conflict settings: Annual report. MSF.

Royal College of Nursing. (2025). The impact of conflict on nursing and healthcare delivery. RCN.

World Health Organization. (2024). Surveillance of attacks on healthcare: Annual report. WHO.