Recognizing the work of nurses worldwide

Celebrated each year on May 12, International Nurses Day recognizes the contributions of nurses to health-care systems worldwide. The day was established by the International Council of Nurses in 1974, and May 12 marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is the founder of modern nursing (described as a highly skilled, evidence-based health-care profession focused on comprehensive patient care, disease prevention, and health promotion by the American Nurses Association).

Nurses spend most of their day at their job — in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and more. They spend their time taking care of patients, performing diagnostics, keeping people safe, prescribing medications and doing treatment administration. This work can be long and tiring — for some nurses working in hospital settings, a workday can last up to 12 hours. With the length of work shifts, quick decision-making and attention to detail required, nurses demonstrate remarkable resilience, skill and dedication every single day.

There are several different types of nurses, each trained to provide care in specific ways. Registered nurses provide direct patient care, give medications, monitor health and work closely with doctors in hospitals, clinics, schools and nursing homes. Licensed practical nurses support registered nurses and doctors — they help patients with daily activities and take vital signs. Nurse practitioners can often diagnose illnesses and provide medication, and work in clinics, hospitals and community health centres. Specialized nurses are trained to work in specific fields, allowing them to provide expert care for patients with specific needs. Overall, these different types of nurses play an essential role in providing high-quality health care.

Before becoming a nurse, years of schooling are required. According to The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba website, you must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. To become a licensed practical nurse, you complete a practical nursing diploma program, which usually takes two to three years. These training opportunities highlight the preparation and responsibility that comes with a career in nursing.

All around the world, nursing is different. For example, in Canada and the United States, nurses can diagnose and prescribe medication, whereas in other places in the world, nurses work under doctors and focus more on basic care due to high patient loads and fewer resources. In Australia, nurses in rural and remote areas often serve as the main health-care providers for their communities and they take on these expanded roles because there are fewer doctors available.

International Nurses Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the important contributions nurses make to health care around the world. In Manitoba, this work is supported by organizations such as the Manitoba Nurses Union (MNU), a professional trade union that represents and supports nurses by advocating for their rights, improving working conditions, and negotiating fair wages and benefits. Founded in 1975 by grassroots nurses, MNU represents over 13,000 nurses across Manitoba. It’s also affiliated with the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, Canada’s largest national nursing organization, which represents nearly 250,000 frontline and student nurses across the country.

Nursing is a demanding yet essential profession that impacts people’s lives every day around the world. Whether in large hospitals or remote communities, nurses provide critical care and support that keep health-care systems running. International Nurses Day is a time to recognize their dedication and to appreciate the difference they make in countless lives.

» Marie Lychuk is a Grade 10 student at École secondaire Neelin High School