National Nursing Week message from Chief Nursing Officer, Sharon Garratt

The National Nursing Week annual celebrations take place from Monday to the Sunday of the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. The theme this year is #WeAnswerTheCall and was developed by the Canadian Nursing Association (CNA) to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey. The pandemic brought to light the courage and commitment that nurses work under every day and showed the important role that nurses play in the community.

The COVID-19 virus continues to change requiring us to adapt and respond to new challenges. The past two years has taught us a lot about what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. We have provided amazing and compassionate care under very stressful conditions. We have gained knowledge and experience. We have new tools such as virtual care options, vaccines and therapeutics.

As we celebrate National Nursing Week this year, it’s time to focus on our personal and team wellness. To everyone that provides nursing care, take the time to reflect on your contributions as individuals and as teams. To everyone who has been cared for by a nurse, take the time to personally thank them. To everyone who knows a nurse you care about, let them know you honour and respect their contributions. Add your voice to the celebration on social media by using the hashtag #WeAnswerTheCall. For more information or to download the National Nursing Week digital poster, visit the CNA website.