They are there for us when we are feeling our worst. They comfort, assess, provide treatment, encourage and attend to our health care needs.
They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, find their way through snow storms to get to work and work extra shifts when requested. They ensure that the patient is number one.
They form the nucleus of our hospital. They are nurses.
The Wellington Health Care Alliance (consisting of North Wellington Health Care, Palmerston and District Hospital and Louise Marshall Hospital , and Groves Memorial Community Hospital) is joining the rest of Canada in celebrating National Nurses Week. There are 186 registered nurses and registered practical nurses in that organization the alliance recognized the important role they fulfill in the health care system.
According to the RNAO (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario), nurses represent the single largest group of health professionals in Ontario. They have the knowledge, skills and compassion to help people stay healthy, and care for them when they are sick.
Janet Vallery, Groves Hospital board chair congratulated nurses on behalf of the board.
“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of nurses,” she said. “I feel privileged to honour them during this special week and want them to know that they are valued every week.”
Patti-Jo McLellan Shaw, North Wellington Health Care’s board chairman, added her best wishes.
“It is my honour to recognize our special nurses this week and every day of the year. Their commitment to our organization and to the patient is evident at all times.”
Diane Wilkinson, vice president of clinical services for the alliance, stated, “Our nurses are a precious commodity. There is a serious nursing shortage looming and our hospitals are facing challenges just like every other hospital in Ontario. We are collaborating with our government to preserve full-time jobs, improve working conditions and ensure that safety equipment is available for our nursing staff.”
Wellington-Halton MPP Ted Arnott joined Groves’ nurses Thursday to discuss issues related to their profession.
Doris Grinspun, Executive Director of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario visited Groves on Friday as part of a provincial tour to recognize nurses during National Nurses Week. The RNAO is a professional association representing registered nurses who practice in Ontario.
It is very concerned about the shortage of nurses. Ontario is facing a critical situation unless more young people can be recruited into the profession.
Wilkinson stated, “It’s an honour for Doris Grinspun to visit Groves. We continue to work with groups like the RNAO and our government to improve the quality of work life for our nurses and to enhance their health and safety through education, acquisition of new equipment and monitoring devices and improved infection control practices.
Nurses are valued at the Wellington Health Care Alliance hospitals and are congratulated for their important role in health care. All three hospitals have several openings for nurses and continue their recruitment efforts.
