International Nurses day is celebrated around the world on May 12 every year. This year marked the 201st Anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the foundational philosopher of modern nursing.
The event, established in 1974 by the International Council of Nurses, also serves to highlight the important roles nurses play in healthcare.
Tabubil Hospital commemorated this special day with a small program. In attendance were staff and representatives from the hospital and its management, including OTML Health Services.
Hospital Administrator, Ms. Margareth Samei, in her speech acknowledged that nurses are indeed “A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare’ in alignment with the theme and challenged them to revisit their ‘Code of Ethics’ to continually improve patient care.
Director Nursing Services, Ms. Mary Kaibau also shared similar sentiments and added, “nurses go a step further from their usual job and create a lively and happy environment to cheer up the patients and raise their morale to fight against their illnesses including COVID-19, “she said.
In his speech, acting OTML Health Services Manager, Mr John Kepolon, revealed that he was motivated to be a health worker through the actions of nurses when he had a medical condition when he was a young boy.
The speeches highlighted the importance of nurses who have been at the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play despite the dismal nurse to patient ratio.
The program ended with the lighting of candles to signify nurses being a light in one’s darkest times. Two cakes were cut and shared with staff.