Nurses through the profession they have chosen, make sacrifices daily to help others.

Divisional health sister northern, Mere Tikoibua, who was the chief guest at the International Nurses Day celebration at Labasa Hospital yesterday made the comment.

She said the theme for this year’s celebration was ‘A voice to lead; achieving the sustainable development goals’.

“Nurses, it is time to get involved and unite to be the advocate for our profession and for the sick,” Ms Tikoibua said to the nurses gathered at the conference room.

“You have the skills and knowledge to make the ill feel safe, secure and cared for.

“As the primary providers of health care to all communities in all settings, nurses are key to achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

She urged the nurses to use their voice, share their stories and continue to be leaders in health care for the world.

“International Nurses Day is celebrated every year around the world on May 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale and to mark the nurses’ contribution towards peoples’ health,” she said.

“Florence Nightingale, the foundational philosopher of modern nursing was born on May 12 1820.

“The International Nurses Day seeks to celebrate nurses’ stories and to inspire us by demonstrating how nurses can influence their surrounding and communities to create a healthier world.”

During the programme, nurses were given the opportunity to share their experiences over the course of their duties.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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