International Nurses Day is held on May 12 annually. It’s a moment to recognise their incredible labour and, more importantly, to appreciate their colossal contribution to the health care system development.
Nurses, commonly, for noble reasons, are the backbone of health care. They enter people’s lives, from childhood to geriatric care, emergencies through to long-term recovery in hospitals, clinics, communities, schools and homes.
Globally, nurses provide not just medical care but also emotional care, comfort and hope. Regardless of the difficult conditions of work, including emotional exhaustion, most especially in developing countries. International Nurses Day reminds us that nurses are so special and deserve the best in society, including incentives, professional development and better working conditions.
International Nurses Day is closely associated with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who was born on May 12. Nurses today continue to admire Nightingale’s work, which provided them with both clinical and ethical knowledge; she was indeed an advocate for patients’ care needs beyond medications and monitoring.
The nurse, in turn, has become a crusader for the vulnerable, an educator of families, a counsellor, a leader, an innovator in healthcare who is always there for patients during crises, and a comforter during moments of fear and uncertainty.
The novel COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nurses worldwide who endured and risked their lives to save others. Their bravery and sacrifice have garnered international acclaim today.
To all the nurses worldwide: Thank you for your care. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for the healing hands and compassionate hearts. Indeed, you are the heartbeat of health care.
The author is Dr Mrs Catherine Deynu, a former Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh