RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Difficult times of epidemics, wars and an ageing population have made humanity aware of the important role to be played by those who, at the risk of their own health and lives, help and care for others, are the new superheroes of modern reality. Nurses are the foundation of any healthcare system. Today, many of them are on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Without nurses and other health professionals, the world will not win the fight against epidemics or pandemics or achieve the health potential of populations. AIM: The main purpose of this article is to draw attention to the heroic work of nurses and the role they have to fulfil in society. Their daily work, hardship and courage can be called heroism, especially when in times of epidemics or pandemics they risk their own lives to care for and support those most in need. CONCLUSION: The greatest heroes of today are health professionals, among whom nurses play a key role. The new superheroes can be a symbol of hope, tenacity, courage and persistence of humanity, no matter how difficult a challenge fate presents. Implications for nursing, and Social Policy.