THE MINISTER for Health Stephen Donnelly and the Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health have paid tribute to nurses in Ireland on International Day of the Nurse 2022.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, with the theme for this year's day being 'Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Invest in Nursing and respect rights to secure global health.'
"I'm delighted to join with you today in celebrating the International Day of the Nurse," Minister Donnelly said.
"I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism and sustained commitment that nurses throughout Ireland have shown in delivering care to patients, especially during the past two years. Nurses provide the care and compassion for patients and their families at the most challenging times of their lives."
He also paid tribute to midwives after International Day of the Widwife last week.
"I was delighted to also recognise the International Day of the Midwife last week," Donnelly said. "At last week’s National Midwifery Conference: ‘Coming Together to Celebrate and Showcase’, midwives showcased the huge contribution they’re making to women and infant health experiences and outcomes. Nurses and midwives work together to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.
"As you consider the influence and the really positive impact you have on healthcare today, you can be rightly proud of your profession and the difference you’re making to patients’ lives."
Today is #InternationalNursesDay. Nurses work tirelessly to ensure patients receive endless care and attention. We extend a huge thank you to every nurse and student nurse in Ireland and abroad on this day, we really appreciate your hard work and compassion. #HereForLife pic.twitter.com/Ka8dIiRdRa
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) May 12, 2022
Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Rachel Kenna, said:
"As we celebrate International Day of the Nurse 2022, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Irish nurses working at home and abroad, all the nurses from overseas who work in the Irish healthcare system and who now call Ireland home and all our nursing colleagues working in every corner of the globe.
"This year we are more aware than ever before how critical the nursing workforce is, for care delivery at so many levels across the system, including on the front-line, leading and managing teams, conducting research, informing evidence-based practice, influencing developing and implementing policy and educating future generations of nurses and midwives."
The HSE and the NHS are coming together under the #HereForLife with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in celebrating nursing and midwifery professions.
"This is a great opportunity to share and understand the totality of the contribution of nursing and midwifery professions," Kenna said. "Based on the new Enabling Professionalism Framework, launched on International Day of the Midwife last week, nursing and midwifery staff are sharing their expertise and professionalism through videos or photos on their social media today.
"On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the CNO’s Office, thank you for the care, compassion, and commitment you continue to demonstrate in so many ways. Please take time today to celebrate you, our profession, and the difference you make to patients. Enjoy your day."
See More: International Nurses Day, Stephen Donnelly
