Theme: “Our Nurse’s, Our Future. Caring for Nurse’s strengthens economies”
My colleagues, today with a joyful heart I greet you and wish you a Happy International Nurses Day. May 12th recognizes Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary, the founder of Nursing, and aims to give recognition to the profession’s influence on the economy, society, and culture while encouraging nurse’s acceptance, support, and inclusion on a global scale.
This year the International Nurse’s Day theme is “Our Nurse’s, Our Future. Caring for Nurse’s strengthens economies”. This theme highlights how crucial it is to promote Nurses’ health and wellness. It emphasizes the importance of a healthy Nursing workforce to provide high- quality care, as well as to improve healthcare systems and increase economic resilience on a global scale.
The theme urges for immediate funding and workable solutions to safeguard Nurses from emotional, mental and physical difficulties while
making sure they are respected, safeguarded, valued and protected. By implementing Nurses’ wellbeing first, healthcare systems can improve community outcomes and create more sustainable economies.
Nurses are the backbone of patient care and public health, and this special day honours our unwavering commitment, compassion, dedication and essential contributions to healthcare systems throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Nurses’ have varied roles ranging from clinical care to leadership, education to research. Daily, we are faced with many challenges, such as burnout,
staff shortages, inadequate supplies, salary discrepancies, job security and an organizational structure that limits upward mobility.
It is a call to action for governments, organizations and the public to advocate for the creation of safer, more supportive and positive work environments that foster high performing cultures. Ultimately ensuring improved access to and quality of patient care, higher workforce retention and stronger more resilient health systems that benefit our society on a whole. The old adage remains true “ A healthy Nation is a wealthy Nation”.
Nurses are indeed the catalyst for change in healthcare, acting as a driving force for improvement and innovation. They are uniquely positioned to influence patient care, advocate for policy changes and improve health systems. Their expertise and knowledge make them essential in improving patient safety, expanding access to healthcare and creating inclusive and equitable healthcare environments.
Nurses play a crucial role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing global health challenges and promoting sustainable development. Nurses contribute significantly to SDG3 (Good Health and well- being) and are actively involved in other goals related to education, gender equality and poverty reduction. Nurses can also contribute to SDG13 (Climate Action) by promoting sustainable practices in healthcare settings.
I deeply encourage all Nurses to be steadfast, continue praying together, encouraging, supporting, uplifting and empowering each other to be the change we want to see. Every action starts with the man in the mirror. Gratitude is expressed to all my colleagues for your continued support. With God all things are possible. In our profession we know that nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God. Romans 8 vs. 39. My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart. He is mine forever. Psalms 73 vs. 26. My colleagues, I envision that nursing WILL improve and our working conditions will be enhanced.
Let us never let our spirit be daunted, let us continue to show empathy, compassion and excellent customer service and advocate on our patients behalf. Together we can improve our health system and our economy. Remember our theme “ Our Nurses, Our future. Caring for Nurses strengthens economies”.
I applaud all Nurses and extend best wishes as we celebrate during the course of the month. Continue to practice self-care and make time to do your health checks. Find something that relaxes you. Listen to music, do a puzzle, spend time with family. We are often so busy taking care of everyone that we neglect our own health, ignore the sign of our own body which results with co morbidities. Mental
Health well – being and self -care must be practiced at all times.
We are in this together.
Happy International Nurses Day, Colleagues
Nekisha St. Bernard
President GNA INC.