Help celebrate nurses next week

During National Nursing Week (May 7-13), Islanders are encouraged to celebrate and thank Prince Edward Island’s nearly 2,000 nurses for their commitment to quality patient care.

Nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work in a variety of health care settings across the province. Government’s balanced 2018-19 operating budget invests in primary care, long-term care and mental health through the hiring of nurses and other dedicated health care professionals.

"I want to express my appreciation for all of the Islanders who work in nursing – for their tireless efforts, compassion and the teamwork they display on a regular basis," said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Mitchell. "Please remember to thank a nurse during nursing week, and show your appreciation for the tremendous contribution they make to our community."

Since last April, Health PEI hired 91 new registered nurse graduates into permanent full-time and casual positions and 28 new licensed practical nurse graduates into casual positions. An additional 20 LPNs are expected to be hired along with seven new full-time nurse practitioners.

“Nurses contribute so much to our health care system and, most importantly, to our patients and their families,” says Marion Dowling, registered nurse and chief of Nursing, Allied Health and Patient Experience. “As our health care system continues to evolve to address the changing health care needs of Islanders, nurses continue to play a pivotal role in healing, supporting, and advocating for patients and their well-being. This week is an opportunity for us all to reflect and celebrate the extraordinary and compassionate care our nurses deliver every day.”

 "National Nursing Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution that the province's nurses, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), are making for the health of our population,” said Dawn Rix-Moore, licensed practical nurse and executive director of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Prince Edward Island. “LPNs, like all nurses, are committed to providing safe, competent, ethical, and compassionate care. This commitment makes a difference to their clients and contributes to the advancement of quality health care in the province."

 Last April, Health PEI released the three-year nursing strategy - Health PEI Nursing Strategy: 2017-2020 (www.healthpei.ca/nursingstrategy) - which outlines the direction for the nursing profession within the province. Among the strategic priorities is building and strengthening recruitment and retention activities, including hiring more new graduate nurses.

Media contact:
Amanda Hamel
ajhamel@gov.pe.ca  

Backgrounder:

 About National Nursing Week:

The week draws attention to nurses, increasing the awareness of the public, policy-makers and governments of the many contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians.

In 1971, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) designated May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses Day. In 1985, Canadian Nurses Association members passed a resolution to begin negotiations with the federal government to have the week containing May 12 proclaimed as National Nurses Week annually. Soon after, the federal minister of health proclaimed the second week of May as National Nurses Week. In 1993, the name was changed to National Nursing Week to emphasize the profession's accomplishments as a discipline.

About Health PEI Nursing Strategy:

The Health PEI Nursing Strategy: 2017-2020 outlines five strategic priorities:

1. Building and strengthening recruitment and retention activities;
2.  Creating and sustaining empowered work environments for nurses;
3. Fostering excellence in clinical practice;
4. Optimizing the patient experience through effective collaboration and partnerships; and,
5. Lead innovation to provide optimal care for patients.