The Year of the Nurse

2020 Marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale. In her honour the World Health Organisation announced that 2020 would be the International Year of the Nurse, little did they know how strongly their importance would be made known. The COVID -19 pandemic has truly highlighted their work and the year has turned out to be one which has also put a lot of strain on our nurses.

As our retirement Care Home is an essential service, all our nurses continue to work throughout the pandemic. Although it is an extremely stressful situation with concerns of contracting the virus and taking it home to their families, it has also been a huge privilege to be there for the residents when their families were in lockdown and to be able to support each other and the carer staff.

I can attest to their selfless acts and professionalism. Going far above what their day to day jobs required to alleviate fear and depression within our Retirement Homes. These ladies are true heroes, with nursing as their passion. I thank them for their incredible love, concern and stamina they have shown throughout this difficult year.
The Nurses Pledge which all nurses recite at graduation states: “I solemnly pledge myself to the service of humanity”. “The total health of my patients will be my first consideration”. “I will maintain the utmost respect for all human life. I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour”.

Florence Nightingale – Born 12 May 1820 Died 13 August 1910, 90 years old.
“Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift – there is nothing small about it.” Florence Nightingale

Author: Hilary Davis