Happy International Nurses’ Day 2024
Each and every one of you plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare, and I want to say a huge thank you for your incredible dedication and compassion, not just today, but every day.
As this year’s International Nurses’ Day Falls on Sunday 12 May, I am writing to you a little early to celebrate the invaluable contribution of our nursing colleagues, and all our staff at NCH&C.
Each and every one of you plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare, and I want to say a huge thank you for your incredible dedication and compassion, not just today, but every day.
Each year the International Council of Nursing sets the theme, and this year’s International Nurses’ Day theme is “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care.” The theme is about changing perceptions of nursing: we want to show nursing is an investment by highlighting the positive impact nurses have on society and the economy. We’re saying that every nurse and their perspective are crucial, not just for providing care but also for making important changes.
As we reflect on the past year, we’ve faced numerous challenges; from strikes and staffing shortages to the ongoing pressures on the NHS. Despite these difficulties, your resilience and dedication have remained unwavering. Looking ahead, I am hopeful that our collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter future, supporting our patients to live as a fulfilled live as possible in their own homes.
I’m delighted to announce that NCH&C has received the National Preceptorship Interim Quality Mark. This award recognises the quality of our preceptorship program, which provides vital support and training to newly qualified Nurses, Nursing Associates, and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) as they transition into their roles. Our commitment to excellence in preceptorship ensures that all healthcare professionals are working to the high standards we need, setting them up for success in their careers.
Additionally, I want to extend my congratulations to our newly qualified District Nurses. These dedicated individuals have completed a rigorous program to achieve a masters in district nursing, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in community care.
Community nursing holds a special place in my heart, driven by the diversity and challenges it presents. It’s where we fight for our patients and advocate for their needs, embodying the essence of nursing values.
There has never been a more important time for the voice of nursing to be heard. That’s why, from Friday 10 May until Sunday 12 May, we will be sharing stories from our nurses in celebration of International Nurses’ Day. I encourage you to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #IND2024.
On a related note, I’m delighted that Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse invited NCH&C to the exhibition, “Making the Rounds – Stories of Workhouse Nurses Told in Textiles.”
I’m always proud to be a nurse, but the exhibition really reinforced that feeling. Many of us were struck by the similarities of nursing today with what the nurses at Gressenhall experienced over 100 years ago. Of course, it has also been poignant to reflect on the way nursing has changed.
Nursing didn’t just arrive one day, it developed and grew up through the bravery and courage of individuals – many of whom were women, working at a time when this was the only career choice open to them. Over the years, nurses have pushed forward to make sure we are caring for our vulnerable people in the best way we can, but always striving to do it better. It is amazing to see how far we’ve come.
I want to extend my thanks to Gressenhall for inviting NCH&C.
As a token of their appreciation, all NHS workers can enjoy 50% off admission until 31 May 2024. Learn more about the exhibition here.
Thank you so much for everything you all do every day, remember why you decided to be a nurse and how far we have come and how much you give to your patients and colleagues.
Carolyn Fowler, Director of Nursing & Quality at NCH&C
As part of our International Nurses’ Day celebrations, we’re sharing the career stories of some of the wonderful nurses that work within the trust. We hope this will not only highlight the dedication and compassion shown by our nursing staff everyday, but also inspire those thinking of pursuing a career in nursing.
Thank you to all our nurses for your hard work in exceptionally challenging circumstances: you are amazing.
Read more about our specialist NCH&C nurses:
Ayesha Mitchell – Clinical Lead for North Norwich, District Nurse
Ella Brooks – Community Learning Disability Nurse
Fiona Kent – Lymphoedema Specialist Nurse
Julia Fromings-Hill – Community Research Nurse