May 10-16, 2021 is Canada’s National Nursing Week, an annual observance that draws attention to the tremendous work done by the nursing profession. Held every May during the week of Florence Nightingale’s birthday (May 12 – International Nurses Day), the week is not just one of celebration but also advocacy, increasing awareness of the countless contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians. The theme for this year’s Canadian Nursing Week is #WeAnswerTheCall, developed by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA-AIIC) to highlight the many ways that nurses can support a patient’s health care journey. The overarching themes for International Nurses Day (from ICN) is: “Nurses: A Voice to Lead” and “A Vision for Future Healthcare”.
With these themes in mind, the School of Nursing is launching a thought leadership series this week, written by faculty, lecturers, and alumni, that discusses a range of health and policy concerns facing our communities today; from advocating for more equitable access to midwifery services and non-pharmacological therapies, to the importance interprofessionalism and Cultural Safety to the future of health care. With this campaign, the School of Nursing and Faculty of Health Sciences seek to celebrate and amplify the voices and opinions of our nursing colleagues and peers.
As Dr. Erna Snelgrove-Clarke, School of Nursing Director and Vice-Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences wrote in today’s campaign launch piece, “this year’s Nursing Week is the second to take place during the COVID-19 global health crisis." Throughout the pandemic, nurses have continuously proven that their leadership, commitment, and skills make them an essential part of our health care. COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the critical role nurses play in driving conversations on our communities’ health and health care policy. As a faculty, we are immensely grateful to work alongside them, and celebrate their work throughout this week, and beyond.