International Nurses’ Day, Leading Care Innovation

Media Release

International Nurses’ Day – Leading Care Innovations

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is proudly celebrating International Nurses’ Day on 12 May.

In choosing the theme “Nurses leading care innovations” for International Nurses’ Day the International Council of Nurses (ICN) aims to raise awareness of the nursing contribution to health care innovation, which, it says, “is seldom recognised, publicised or shared among nursing and the wider public”. Nurses here in New Zealand have many stories to tell that can inspire and engage people to improve their health so it's time to market our profile, and evolving roles, and help the public understand what is possible through nursing.

“Nurses in New Zealand are innovative professionals with a wealth of skills and knowledge. International Nurses Day is one opportunity to celebrate the work they do,” NZNO CEO Geoff Annals said.

Internationally, nurses are fast becoming the first and primary point of contact for health services, often for people who find it difficult to access the mainstream health services. “The need for innovative solutions has never been greater as health care environments globally struggle to provide equitable, safe and effective health services, while at the same time containing costs.” New Zealand is no different and the current economic climate makes this need all the more apparent.

Innovation can apply to tools, technologies and processes but it can also apply to the way organisations or nurses behave, work or act. It's a matter of working together with other health professionals so that the best outcomes for patients can be achieved.

Nursing innovations are vital in the efforts to address current and future global health challenges. Internationally these include aging populations, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, an increase in non-communicable diseases, poverty, inadequate resources and workforce shortages. Within New Zealand nurses are responding to health need by establishing new services and reaching out to the public in new and inventive ways.

Examples of innovative practice include:

-Piki Te Ora Nursing Services which is improving access to services for Maori in Taranaki

-'HINT' services in Gisborne where nurses provide free health checks to industries who indicate their willingness to improve the health of their staff.

-Nurses in Westport and Hokitika changing their practice to meet local needs

-Choices/Kahungunu Health Services running an indoor sports court and gym enabling clients to improve their physical health and well-being

NZNO supports nursing innovations and applauds the innovators and the organisations that enable their work. Releasing the potential of nursing to meet health need is a key to improving New Zealand's health.

ENDS

© Scoop Media