When we hear the word “humanitarian,” we might picture someone airlifting supplies into disaster zones or negotiating safe passage for civilians. But there’s another kind of humanitarian who often goes unrecognized — the nurse.
Nurses have long been silent heroes in times of crisis. Whether responding to pandemics, natural disasters, conflict zones, or refugee camps, nurses are often the first and last line of defense for affected communities. Their compassion, resilience, and clinical skills make them natural leaders in humanitarian action. And now, with HumanitarianU and Nurses International, they have the opportunity to formalize and strengthen that role.

A Free Pathway to Humanitarian Certification
We’re proud to share the Foundations of Humanitarian Action program — a completely free, accredited, and certified training designed for anyone ready to make a difference in humanitarian settings. Hosted by NextGenU.org, this program consists of 12 online courses that cover the essential principles, ethics, and practical skills needed in humanitarian work.
🌍 Whether you’re a nurse in training, a practicing clinician, or simply someone passionate about helping others in crisis, this program is for you.
💡 You can even get a first look at the program by starting with our course “Protecting Children in Humanitarian Crises: A First Look at Core Principles and Approaches.”
Nurses: The Backbone of Humanitarian Response
Let’s be clear: humanitarian work isn’t only about logistics or policy. It’s about human dignity. It’s about presence. And nurses are trained in both the science and art of care — they know how to listen, to act quickly, to comfort, and to heal.
By registering in the Foundations of Humanitarian Action, nurses will not only strengthen their capacity to respond, but also join a global network of professionals committed to ethical, community-centered crisis response.

A Certification That Empowers Action
Upon completing all 12 courses, learners will receive a free certificate affirming their readiness to engage in humanitarian action. This is more than just a badge — it’s a declaration of purpose and preparedness. It’s a way for nurses and other professionals to say: I am ready. I am needed. I will show up.
Register Today — Be the Humanitarian the World Needs
Whether you’re in the field, in a hospital, or in a classroom, your contribution matters. And with training from HumanitarianU and support from partners like Nurses International, you don’t have to walk this path alone.
🖱️ Start learning today, for free, at HumanitarianU.org/foundations-of-humanitarian-action.
The world needs more humanitarians. It already has many. They just need the tools to thrive — and that includes our nurses.
