Nurses, a force for change

Nurses, a force for change. International Nurses Day, 12 May

Thursday 12 May is International Nurses Day; Florence Nightingale’s birthday and the day when all around the world people take the time to thank nurses for the great work they do.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Manager, Nursing and Professional Services, Jane MacGeorge says, “Nurses are the largest profession in the health system, and without them the health outcomes for people receiving care and treatment in the health system would not be improving as they are.”

“I often reflect that nurses hold the world together. We are in every community, culture and society the world over. Nurses are the women and men who see health holistically and are able to innovate and advocate for whole person, whole whānau and whole population health.”

“The theme for this year’s International Nurses Day is Nurses: A Force for Change: Improving health systems' resilience and here at NZNO we are certainly taking that challenge on board. NZNO members are at every level advocating for a resilient New Zealand health system where everyone can access the healthcare they need, where and when they need it.”

“Along with the World Health Organisation and the International Council of Nurses, NZNO believes that action on the causes of ill health, like poor housing, transport, work and education, should be a core part of nurses’ business. Not only does it improve clinical outcomes, and saves money but taking action to reduce health inequalities is a matter of equity and social justice.” MacGeorge says.

“So, we’re saying a big ‘thank you’ to all nurses on 12 May. Nurses, you’re great!”

ENDS.

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