Celebrating nursing

4 May 2005

Celebrating nursing – there has never been a better time to be a nurse

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s Director of Nursing, Dr Elaine Papps says “There are exciting professional opportunities for nurses in the 21st century, with the development of nurse-practitioner roles, a renewed emphasis on primary care, and a national and international shortage of nurses.”

“The beauty of nursing is that there is a need for staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so people can opt to work hours to fit in with their family or lifestyle,” Dr Papps said.

The DHB is joining in international celebrations on Thursday 12th May, International Nurses Day, with an expo showcasing the importance, variety and commitment of nurses. Information will also be available on training, career pathways and opportunities for professional development .

The expo includes displays from various specialty areas with staff on hand to answer questions. The expo will be held from 10:00am – 2:00pm on Thursday 12th May, in Harding Hall at Hawke’s Bay Hospital. Entry is off McLeod Street, Hastings.

Dr Papps said while most people think of a hospital ward setting when they think of nurses, there are many opportunities in the community, with district nursing, public health nurses. Some nurses choose to specialise in certain areas eg paediatrics, mental health, theatre or occupational health.

“There really has not been a better time to be a nurse, whether you are considering nursing as a new career option, are looking to return to nursing or to up-skill into a nurse professional role, we are here to answer your questions and support you into careers which offer professional, personal and financial reward” says Dr Papps.

End Media opportunity: Interview and photo options can be arranged, eg Profile a day in the life of a theatre nurse, an emergency department nurse, flight nurse, case co-ordinator, nurse practitioner or public health nurse.

ENDS

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