Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been acknowledging, supporting, and praising our health care workers for their tireless efforts to save lives and support and help those that are sick or injured.
We used to salute our healthcare workers every night at 7:00, clapping, shouting, and banging pots out our windows and on our balconies in support of our Health Care Heroes.
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Recently, doctors and nurses have been extremely overworked and overlooked and are calling for action this week on the shortage of staff and safety for patients. Organized by the B.C. Nurses’ Union, the protest this week is focused on better working conditions as contract negotiations are being held later this year. Union President Aman Grewal said earlier this week, “Nurses everywhere are stretched thin after two years of the pandemic. It’s taking a toll on them, physically and mentally. They are just getting burnt out, they are getting called in on their days off, they are having to extend their shifts.”
Highlighting these concerns seems fitting as it is National Nurses Week this week, which gives us some insight into why our Nurses are using their voices to call for change, not praise.
The theme of National Nursing Week is #WeAnswerTheCall, developed by the CNA (Canadian Nurses Association), its focus is to showcase the different roles that nurses play in the health care system. The week is aimed to bring attention to nurses and bring awareness to the public and government of the many different sacrifices and contributions of nurses.
National Nurses Week first started in 1971, when the ICN designated May 12th, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.
Commemorate the anniversary of Florence Nightingale and nurses all around the world this week by showing your support through social media, joining the peaceful protests, or just showing your appreciation to these hard-working everyday heroes.
Our government values all that nurses do to protect, promote and support the safety, health and well-being of people in #BC and I recognize that the past two years have been especially challenging. #NationalNursingWeek https://t.co/hrkKyMc5Ki
— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) May 9, 2022