Why nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare today

A new episode of Open Consultation highlights the essential yet often overlooked role of nurses in healthcare. Host Margarida Graça Santos sits down with Leonor Pacheco, a palliative care nurse and communicator, to discuss the challenges and significance of the profession. Their conversation sheds light on how nurses support patients at every stage—from prevention to end-of-life care. Nurses are frequently the first and last healthcare professionals patients interact with. They guide individuals through illness, recovery, and even their final moments. Despite this vital role, the profession has long struggled with undervaluation—a reality underscored by a nurse's memory of a doctor dismissing her with the words, 'You're not paid to think.' Her response, 'But in fact, I am,' reflects the critical thinking and expertise nurses bring to their work.

Germany has taken steps to recognise nursing more formally since the 1990s. Political measures include the 2020 generalist training reform and the BEEP law, which expanded nurses' professional competencies. The upcoming Pflegeberufebeteiligungsverordnung, set to take effect in February 2026, will further enable their participation in decision-making. Efforts to simplify the recognition of foreign qualifications, such as the Triple Win programme launched in 2016, have also supported international recruitment, though private initiatives remain the primary driver. The episode underscores how nursing extends far beyond basic care. Nurses contribute to prevention, treatment, and emotional support, shaping the entire healthcare experience. While progress has been made in professional recognition, the conversation makes clear that greater appreciation and systemic change are still needed.