By Cynthia Yates, a local nurse at the Creston Valley Hospital
National Nursing Week, from May 9 to 15, is a time for others to show nurses their appreciation for a profession that is vital to the wellness of our community.
May 12 is also recognized around the world as International Nurses Day. Florence Nightingale, considered the pioneer of modern nursing, was born on May 12, 1890. She trained other nurses during the Crimean War, organized care for wounded soldiers, and is known for improving hospital hygiene and sanitation practices.
The theme this year developed by the Canadian Nurses Association is #WeAnswerTheCall. The focus is to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey.
READ MORE: PETERS: Nurses give far more than just medical care
The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing highlights the opportunity to appreciate the courage and commitment that nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students display every day in the face of an increasingly complex and challenging health care profession. On a provincial level, the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives highlights the vital role that nurses play in the wellness of our communities. From advocating for the vulnerable, caring for seniors and elders, conducting innovative research and helping shape public policy, nurses play an integral role in every aspect of our health-care system, while also supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of clients and families.
Provincially, the British Columbia Nurses Union have chosen to shine the light on the critical state of our health-care system and the devastating impact on nurses, patients, and our communities. Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid overdose crisis, and continuing to work while critically short staffed is having a profound impact on nurses’ physical and mental health. Despite these challenges, nurses continue to be come to work and care for their communities. This is what the heart of Nursing Week is about - celebrating nurses’ dedication to the profession and their continued advocacy for a health-care system that provides quality patient-centered care with adequate resources.
On a local level, this is time to thank the nurses who dedicate their lives to providing health services to the Creston Valley and surrounding areas. These services include Acute Care, Emergency, Obstetrics, Operating Room, Renal, Public Health, Long-Term Care, Primary Care, Palliative Care, Medical Clinics, and Mental Health and Substance Use. This is all made possible because of our nurses!
They provide direct patient care, advocacy, education, and assistance for individuals and families to navigate the health-care system and access resources. Their focus is to provide care for others and promote wellness. It is important to honour and support those that give back so much of themselves to keep others healthy and safe.
As a nurse myself, I am proud to be part of the nursing team here in Creston and I thank all the nurses I work with, and know, for your continuous inspiration. Cheers to all the nurses who care for our community!
Scroll below to meet some of our local nurses from the Creston Valley Hospital:
