On International Nurses Day (IND), 12th May 2021, we thank you and want you to know that we think nurses are awesome!
Elle a nurse who works for the service has this message for nurses:
“Being awesome all the time means reaching out for support when required, practising self- care that feels right for you and finding joy every day. I am pleased and proud to be a nurse, never more so than on International Nurses Day.”
This year we respond to The International Council of Nurses (ICN) call to action and join nurses from all over the world to celebrate International Nurses Day. This year’s theme is a Nurses: A Voice to Lead, with the sub-theme being A Vision for Future Healthcare.
Both of these really connect with everything we do at Nurse & Midwife Support. Recently we have really focused on amplifying nurses’ stories, particularly with our story competition last year. Of course we are keen to support nurses as we move into the future, creating a vision for healthy and well supported nurses to thrive with all the changes within healthcare.
When announcing the IND 2021 theme, Annette Kennedy, ICN President said:
“This global COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world the important role that nurses play in keeping people healthy across the lifespan,” said Annette Kennedy, ICN President. “While there has been significant disruption to healthcare, there has also been significant innovation that has improved access to care. In 2021, we will focus on the changes to and innovations in nursing and how this will ultimately shape the future of healthcare.”
Nurse & Midwife Support is invested in the health, wellbeing and support of nurses. We have resources including a webinar, podcasts, newsletters, stories, blogs and website content designed to support your health and wellbeing.
Here are a few to get you started:
On this important day when we pause, reflect, celebrate and acknowledge the incredible work that nurses do and continue to do particularly in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, when so many continue to go above and beyond. Your commitment and the dedication of many in the nursing profession is noticed and we are grateful. We remember the nurses who died as a result of COVID-19 and mourn them and send condolences to their families and colleagues.
We encourage nurses and all who support them to take time to reflect, celebrate and thank themselves and their colleagues as we recognise the work of nurses. We thank every nurse working across the diverse areas nurses are employed in for your skill, dedication and evidenced based person-centered care you provide.
Tessa Moriarty, winner of our 2020 story competition for nurses joined us on the podcast to share her story and wisdom.
On the podcast Tessa says:
“In closing the story, I finish with a deep and heartfelt honouring of farewell and thanks to the hundreds of nurses worldwide who in their efforts to treat those who caught coronavirus, got it themselves and died. All in the line of duty, doing what we all do and love. Caring for others.
…nursing is such a varied and worthwhile profession. There’s been no greater thing in my life other than to have been and still be a nurse.
Love it for what it is and what it can give you.”
I agree with Tessa and join the Nurse & Midwife Support team in celebrating your awesomeness.
If you need support or recognise that a colleague needs support, please contact Nurse & Midwife Support, the national 24/7 support services for midwives, nurses and students. The service is anonymous, confidential and free - just call 1800 667 877 or email.
Thank you for all you do, and I hope you know YOU are AWESOME.
Your health matters!
Mark Aitken RN
Stakeholder Engagement Manager