Happy International Nurse's Day

Today we celebrate our Nurses across the globe. As we celebrate we try to forget about the many issues that challenge us on a daily basis. A day in the life of a Nurse is not one to be envied, as the Nurse, especially those with children and families start as early as 4am, where we get up and prepare for the day ahead; we prepare physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. We have to take off the robes of being a wife, mother, daughter, son and husband and attire our minds, hearts and hands with our Nursing suits. Nurses once they step into the work area assume the role of Carer, Teacher, Counsellor, Mother, Sister, Pastor, Nurturer, Advocate, Protector, Mentor and the list goes on and on. Even with these challenges we always get up, dress up and show up.

The shortage of resources, human and material does not make the situation any better. Nurses here in Jamaica are working with a cadre which is over 40 years old. There has been extensive expansion of services, and there is much talk of more expansion and addition of infrastructure and services, yet there is no talk of an increase in the number of Nurses needed to manage these expanded services. Yet the Nurses of Jamaica everyday get up, dress up and show up.

We remind you that Nursing based on a poll in 2020 came out as the most “Trusted Profession”. We practice in clinical and non-clinical settings. We are flexible and strategically positioned to impact care and even as we recover from this pandemic, we are the ones that will be leading the charge to recovery and stabilization. Nurses are often missing from the policy making tables, it is time now that Nurse leaders invite themselves to the table, reposition ourselves from the bedside to the boardroom and show that we are not just there to be leaned on, but that we can lead and give insight for positive and sustained change, which is meaningful and impactful.

As we lead the charge we will continue to demand and disrupt for that positive change that we are and want to see in the world, even as we as always get up, dress up and show up.

Patsy Edwards Henry (Mrs) President