Canada marks National Nursing Week this week

By Mark Ribble

In 1971, the International Council of Nurses designated May 12, the birthday of the famous Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses’ Day.

Fourteen years later, the members of the Canadian Nurses Association voted to make the week of May 12 National Nurses’ Week. Now known as National Nursing Week in Canada, nurses all over the country are celebrated during this week.

National Nursing Week takes on a much more important meaning with the COVID-19 crisis.

This year’s theme of Nursing Week is ‘A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health’.

Some of Erie Shores HealthCare’s ‘Superheroes’ pose outside the Intensive Care Unit last week. With National Nursing Week being observed this week, nurses all over Canada will be honoured for their tireless work, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

At Erie Shores HealthCare and other hospitals across Canada, that theme is more impactful than ever.

The Sun reached out to Kristin Kennedy, who is Erie Shores HealthCare’s Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive.

“The COVID pandemic has shown us that there is not one single position that leads success in the face of diversity,” Kennedy said.

“It takes the team surrounding our nurses to positively impact each patient we care for, including housekeepers, lab technicians, diagnostic imaging technicians, physicians, allied health, maintenance technicians to name a few,” she added.

With 142 Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners at Erie Shores HealthCare, Kennedy is faced with the task of leading this team, but is quick to share the recognition.

“Collectively, we are strong and resilient,” she said.

KRISTIN KENNEDY

Kennedy has been a Registered Nurse for 23 years, with vast experience throughout Canada and the United States. She joined Erie Shores in her current capacity in 2018.

The COVID-19 crisis has presented many challenges and she expects the challenges will continue.

“The pandemic has changed the way we deliver care within our hospital and will be a practice that we will need to become accustomed to in the months ahead,” she said.

With the hospital committed to safety of staff, patients and visitors, they are planning for a future systematic and safe return to elective surgeries and diagnostic procedures. Screen assessments prior to entering, face masks, modified visitor guidelines and social distancing will be common going forward.

In Kennedy’s 23 years in nursing, she has seen many changes. “Modern day nurses work in a technical and progressive environment,” she said. “Nurses are decision-makers, advocates and caregivers of complex and acutely ill patients.”

She credits the local community’s support with helping the entire staff during the pandemic.

“It is beyond touching and can bring tears to one’s eyes,” she said.

Through all of this, she is proud of her staff and co-workers in their fight against the dreaded virus.

“As I walk the halls of ESHC, I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished and I am excited for what is on the horizon,” she said. “Our future is limitless with the staff, physicians and leaders in place. I am so honoured to work at ESHC.”

National Nursing week continues through the rest of this week.