COVID-19 has put the nursing profession on the front line of defence in the battle against the disease. Nurses not only offer critical care to the people who suffer from the virus, but they provide hope and a sense of humanity to those who find themselves isolated from friends and family. Let’s think of our nurses and how much we rely on them during National Nursing Week, May 11-17.
Nurses are putting their lives at risk every time they go to work. The dedication they have for their profession and patients is never-ending.
OPSEU is extremely proud to represent many of these professionals, who work as Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners in hospitals, long term care homes, group homes, correctional facilities, home and community care, and mental health workplaces. Their value to our wellbeing is immeasurable.
While this is National Nurses Week in Canada, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as “The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife”. Never in our lifetime have we been so keenly aware of the contributions the nursing profession has made to our lives.
The WHO chose 2020 for the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” because it represents 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, a British social reformer and founder of modern nursing. From the time of her humble start as a lone health care crusader to the present day, nursing has become one of the most respected and essential professions in the world.
As a Registered Practical Nurse myself, I know first-hand how hard these professionals work, often under extremely demanding situations, to ensure that we are all taken care of.
They are heroes.
OPSEU thanks and salutes Nurses and all healthcare professionals everywhere for everything they do. We owe them our health, and our sincerest appreciation.
You too can show your appreciation for healthcare professionals by sharing some, or all, of the social media graphics/statements you see on this page. “This year, let’s commit to real change in health care” is something we can all support.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
