Join us in celebrating National Nursing Week

Every May, Canadians recognize National Nursing Week (May 11 to 17, 2020) and this year the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.) feels it is particularly important to recognize the hard work and dedication of these frontline heroes.

National Nursing Week is celebrated every May to coincide with the May 12 birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is known as the founder of modern nursing. Nursing Week 2020 recognizes the 200^th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Nurses, from the bedside to the classroom to the boardroom, make the world a healthier place. This year, as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals deserve even greater appreciation.

Day in and day out, nurses are risking their lives. They’re sacrificing time with their families to ensure we have more time with ours. They’re putting their worlds on hold to keep ours moving. Nurses may not wear capes but we can all agree that they are indeed heroes.

The World Health Organization has recognized how imperative nurses are to our society and as such, 2020 has been deemed the Year of Nurses and Midwives.

“Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services. These are the people who devote their lives to caring for mothers and children; giving lifesaving immunizations and health advice; looking after older people and generally meeting everyday essential health needs. They are often the first and only point of care in their communities,” says the World Health Organization on their website.

In Canada, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is inviting people of all ages to participate in their Thank a Nurse campaign by writing a note or drawing a picture to be shared with nurses across the country. The pictures and notes can be emailed to the CNA or shared on social media by tagging @CNA.AIIC on Facebook, @CanadaNurses on Twitter and @CanadaNurses Instagram.