Nurses hailed for dedication and care in patient well-being

 When KNH Nurses staged a strike over salary delays. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

International Nurses Week is celebrated across the world to highlight the incredible work nurses do every day. 

From May 6 to May 12, people from all walks of life come together to recognise the dedication, compassion, and expertise of nurses worldwide.

This coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. 

First established by the International Council of Nurses in 1965, International Nurses Week has since become a cherished tradition, honoring the remarkable contribution of nurses to healthcare and society.

National Security Advisor Dr Monica Juma, who was the chief guest at the event in the Nairobi Hospital amphitheater, emphasized the importance of not only celebrating the invaluable work of nurses but also acknowledging their achievements.

Dr Juma said nurses are compassionate caregivers who tirelessly provide comfort, healing, and support.

“It's truly commendable to witness nurses being honored for their exceptional performance and their contributions to research," she said in a speech read on her behalf by Brigadier Caroline Musyoka. 

"The efforts of nurses in writing and presenting research abstracts at scientific conferences not only demonstrate their dedication to advancing the healthcare field but also underscore their capacity for innovation and intellectual curiosity," she said.

Nairobi Hospital CEO James Nyamongo, appreciated the exceptional dedication and care exhibited by nurses, emphasizing their pivotal role in patient well-being.

“Personally, I have been a beneficiary, not once, of nurses’ care and kindness when I was indisposed and in need of expert care. Nurses do not disappoint,” Nyamongo said.

He said the events theme, "Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care," underscores nurses' indispensable contribution to shaping the healthcare landscape. 

"The Kenya government’s vision of having a healthy, productive, and globally competitive nation can only be achieved when nurses play a central role," he said.

The Director Nursing Services Mary Kamau commended nurses for their invaluable contribution acknowledging their significance in the global nursing community.

“As we celebrate the nurses today, we may not remember their names but at the end of the day, nurses impact our lives positively and dispense comfort, passion and care without even a prescription,” said Kamau.

“I encourage each of you to embrace opportunities for research and evidence-based practice to enhance patient care,” she told nurses.

This annual celebration holds significance in encouraging the participation from various stakeholders, including nurses, healthcare organisations, professional associations, educational institutions and government agencies.

The stakeholders organise activities to celebrate and honor nurses, such as recognition ceremonies, educational workshops, community outreach programmes, social media campaigns, nurse-led initiatives, wellness activities, volunteer opportunities, and professional development opportunities.

The event recognized and awarded nurses for their excellence in fields such as oncology, infection prevention and scientific research.