May 12th is International Nurses Day, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. . In January 1974, 12 May was chosen to celebrate the day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing.
In Dominica, the Ministry of Health is partnering with the National Nursing Association to hold a week of activities in recognition of nurses across the island.
GIS News sat down with Acting Principal Nursing Officer, Leticia Lestrade-Wyke who revealed that activities began on Monday, May 11th with a church service.
“We felt that this was the best way to begin the week of activities. What can we do without praise and worship? As we know, God gives us the strength to do everything,” she said.
Activities for the day’s commemoration include a public speaking competition on Tuesday May 12th.
“We have nurses and nursing supervisors from the districts and the hospital. Two participants each will represent Region 1: Roseau to St. Joseph; Region 2 from Portsmouth to Laplaine and the Princess Margaret Hospital.”
There will also be awards for impromptu speeches and prepared speeches.
Lestrade-Wyke notes that the theme relates to the planned activities since senior nurses will be advising the younger nurses on efficient resource management.
“The theme for this year is Nurses: A Force for Change. Care-effective, Cost-effective, Improving Health and Wellbeing.
“Hence why we felt that nurse managers are the ones who should be guiding junior staff so the managers will do the presentations on good, cost-effective care.”
That event takes place on Tuesday May 12th at the PMH conference room.
The Government Information Service wish to thank the nation’s nurses for their dedication and service.