Nurses are there every step of the way in the health-care journey of many Canadians, and that’s worth celebrating, especially during National Nursing Week.
The Canadian Nurses Association and many others are recognizing nurses the week of May 8-14. The theme for the week this year is ‘our nurses, our future.’
“This theme showcases the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey,” noted the Canadian Nurses Association website. “The pandemic brought to light the courage and commitment that nurses work under every day and showed the important role that nurses play in the community.”
The purpose of the week is to draw attention to nurses and the work they do for the well-being of everyone, and try to amplify that awareness to members of the public, policy-makers and governments.
Adrian Dix, BC’s minister of health, issued a statement recognizing National Nursing Week, and specifically honoring nurses in BC and their hard work and commitment to care.
“Nurses play a critical role in providing quality and compassionate health care through unwavering dedication to all the people they serve,” he said. “This week is a time to show our appreciation for the nurses who keep our communities and loved ones safe and healthy.”
Dix said the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the crucial role of front-line workers in BC’s health-care system and acknowledged “the incredible work nurses are doing” to keep communities safe. He also pointed out that nurses work in a range of settings – hospitals, primary-care offices, long-term care homes, public health, schools, universities, correctional facilities, government, private companies and the armed forces.
The minister listed some ways the province is supporting nurses, including introducing and expanding mental-health services, and adding new nursing seats at post-secondary institutions.
Aman Grewal, president of the BC Nurses’ Union, released a statement urging people to thank BC nurses for the “extraordinary” work they do.
“Nurses play a crucial role within our health-care system,” she said. “Despite the many challenges, our nurses continue to push forward, providing care in homes, hospitals and communities across BC I am so proud of their unwavering dedication and commitment to their patients.”
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