International Nurses Day The Braemar Way

Simple acts of kindness and appreciation will be the kaupapa behind recognising nurses at Hamilton's Braemar Hospital next week, in celebration of International Nurses Day on May 12.

The hospital's 165 nurses will continue their dedicated patient care while being given special moments to be appreciated by their colleagues throughout the month of May.

Braemar Hospital General Manager Clinical Services Pru Sheahan said "International Nurses Day gives us the perfect opportunity to pause and recognise the tremendous contribution our nursing workforce makes to ensuring quality healthcare in our community.”

The celebrations in May will include several thoughtful gestures designed to honour the nursing staff, best suited to the needs of the various teams across Braemar Hospital. Personalised notes of appreciation from colleagues, special appreciation gifts, team outings, lunches and dinners are some of the activities planned.

"From pre-operative assessments to in-theatre, to post-surgical recovery, our nurses guide patients through every step of their healthcare journey with compassion and expertise," Pru added. "International Nurses Day is about celebrating that dedication, but also about reminding ourselves that this appreciation should extend throughout the year."

Braemar Hospital acknowledges the importance of the nursing profession by also employing more than 30 nurses in leadership positions, supporting its clinical quality and safety, clinical professional development, and day-to-day operational requirements.

The International Council of Nurses has celebrated this special day since 1965, choosing Florence Nightingale's birthday to honour the profession worldwide.

For nurses like Helena Macdonald, who has worked at Braemar Hospital for 32 years, her advice to those entering the profession reflects her enduring passion.

"Nursing is a wonderful profession. It leads into so many different fields. I love coming to work every day. Just to be doing something caring and compassionate makes every day meaningful," says Helena.

"Our hope is that every nurse at Braemar feels seen and appreciated," said Pru. "Their skill, compassion, and dedication deserve to be celebrated not just during International Nurses Day, but every day."

Braemar Hospital is widely recognised as one of New Zealand's leading private surgical hospitals and the only private hospital in Aotearoa New Zealand that is a Living Wage Employer. The hospital is 100% owned by Braemar Charitable Trust which works to improve healthcare outcomes by supporting medical research, building health sector capability and delivering a community surgery programme.

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