Thanks nurses! International Nurses Day 12 May

Thanks nurses! International Nurses Day 12 May

Monday 12 May is International Nurses Day; Florence Nightingale’s birthday and the day when all around the world people take the time to thank nurses for the great work they do.

Nursing researcher, policy analyst and registered nurse at the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Dr Jill Clendon says, “The theme for International Nurses Day this year is ‘Nurses: a force for change’, and here at the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) we certainly know that nurses really are a force for change, in many ways and in many areas of health.”

“We have recently published our members’ priorities for nursing in the lead up to the General Election. We know that what needs to happen for our country to achieve a healthy population and a high quality health system that works for everybody, is to speak up and be a force for change at all levels.”

“Nurses around the country are working towards change at a government level as well as within their communities and practices.”

“At government level we’ve identified seven priorities for an incoming government; a sustainable, fully utilised, nursing workforce; investment in public health; a primary health care approach to population health improvement; the best start for children; safe clinical environments; social and health equity, and safe and fair employment.”

“We sincerely hope to see those priorities addressed in Thursday’s budget. It’s the only way we can make a big difference to the health of all New Zealanders”, Clendon says.

“In their practice, nurses are constantly working towards innovative solutions to improving health outcomes too.”

“For example, there are now cancer nurse coordinators whose job it is to make sure those diagnosed with cancer are treated equitably. Health inequities are differences in health status that may be caused by ethnicity, health literacy, poverty, geography, previous experiences and many other factors. Cancer nurse coordinators overcome the barriers to make sure all New Zealanders with cancer get the health care they need, where and when they need it.”

It’s an exciting example of nursing innovation”, says Dr Clendon, “and it’s great to see innovations and new ways of practice building on a body of nursing knowledge. And so, on International Nurses Day, NZNO says ‘Thanks nurses! We really appreciate the amazing work you do! You are truly a force for change.’”

ENDS.

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