Last week, (Friday, 12th May), Naas General Hospital marked International Nurses Day 2023, the theme of which was Our Nurses Our Future #IND2023 which aimed to highlight the contribution of nurses to the healthcare sector and shine the light on nurses and on a brighter future.
In Naas, the day was celebrated by all colleagues with an event that recognised the quality improvement initiatives developed by nursing and the ongoing learning of the nursing staff within the hospital.
Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare in Ireland. They influence and lead on the design and delivery of safe, quality-focused care that encompasses compassion and commitment. The nursing profession is transforming, with many advances in career opportunities, supportive innovations, and digital-enabled healthcare.
Angela Reilly, Assistant Director of Nursing, and her daughter Orla Reilly, Nursing Student/Health Care Assistant, spoke of their reasons for joining the nursing profession. Orla has followed in the footsteps of both of her parents who met while nursing in St James Hospital. To mark the International Day of the Nurse they spoke of their reasons for joining the nursing profession. Angela said “When you empower people, empower patients, to manage their diseases it makes their lives better and richer. That’s a big thing and nurses are very central to that” Orla said “It’s something really rewarding being able to see someone from the beginning to the end of their time in hospital.”
Áine Lynch, Group Director of Nursing and Midwifery for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group delivered a heartfelt thank you to her colleagues at the inaugural Dublin Midlands Hospital Group Nursing and Midwifery Conference which was held recently to celebrate International Day of the Nurse, she said, “Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery and we have a huge opportunity to work with you to really transform our health services for our patients. The Hospital Group wants to support you every step of the way and to say thank you to each and every one of you.”
Anne Murphy, Director of Nursing at Naas General Hospital said, “I am so proud of the work that is happening in Naas General Hospital to improve patient care pathways and in ensuring high-quality patient-centred care. Nursing is a very rewarding profession. There are challenges but there are very exciting aspects of nursing, it is a career that can take you in so many different directions from clinical specialties, advanced practice, leadership, management, education, to research. We are building for the future and our nurses are playing an active role in how we design and deliver patient care. It has never been more important to highlight what our profession has achieved, not only during the pandemic but also on a daily basis in making a difference in people’s lives.”
