Dedicated nursing staff across NSW will take part in a host of activities on Monday as part of celebrations to mark International Nurses Day (12 May).
Registered nurses, enrolled nurses, assistants in nursing and student nurses will be recognised for their contribution towards improved health care services and the delivery of better health outcomes during special breakfasts, morning tea, BBQ lunches and afternoon tea with colleagues and their communities.
General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), Brett Holmes, said with more than 79,000 nurses currently working throughout the State, it is an opportunity for all nurses to celebrate the vast improvements and efforts in nursing, both past and present.
“The nursing workforce is the largest group of health professionals and a vital resource for the health of our population,” Mr Holmes said.
“A recent survey identified nursing as the most ethical and honest profession in Australia – an achievement all nurses should be very proud of.
“It’s extremely rare to find a nurse who isn’t passionate about their job or willing to go above and beyond to provide the highest levels of patient care for those in their local community.
“Our health, aged care and disability systems rely on the professionalism of nurses and the contribution they make to society is invaluable.”
The NSWNMA has adapted this year’s theme Nurses and Midwives’: A Force for Change – Putting Patient Safety First from the International Council of Nurses.
Nurses are considered ‘a force for change’ by acknowledging their responsibility to engage and develop innovative models of care that contribute to effective nursing and policy development.
The NSWNMA will also participate in a global day of action on International Nurses Day and reaffirm the need to work collectively to protect the nursing profession, patients, communities, work, health and the environment.
As Global Nurses United, this group of international affiliates works collaboratively with all healthcare workers and others committed to providing economic and social justice.
“We are proud to provide ongoing support to our members and will continue to resist any privatisation of our public health system or cuts to health care services provided in NSW,” Mr Holmes said.
“Our members recently voted to continue the fight to secure safe care for all patients, which includes our push for mandatory safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and a safe work environment.
“Universal health care is a fundamental human right for all Australians and we will continue to lobby the state and federal governments on behalf of our members to ensure that Medicare is not dismantled in the future.”
International Nurses Day is celebrated worldwide on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who was widely considered to be the founder of modern nursing.
Download the media release:
Nurses celebrate delivering ‘A force for change’ in their communities
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