Press release
Minister for Health and Chief Nursing Officer mark International Day of the Nurse 2022
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Today, on International Day of the Nurse 2022, the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly paid tribute to all nurses working across healthcare in Ireland:
"I delighted to join with you today in celebrating the International Day of the Nurse. I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism and sustained commitment that nurses throughout Ireland have shown in delivering care to patients, especially during the past two years. Nurses provide the care and compassion for patients and their families at the most challenging times of their lives.
"I was delighted to also recognise the International Day of the Midwife last week. At last week’s National Midwifery Conference: ‘Coming Together to Celebrate and Showcase’, midwives showcased the huge contribution they’re making to women and infant health experiences and outcomes. Nurses and midwives work together to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.
"As you consider the influence and the really positive impact you have on healthcare today, you can be rightly proud of your profession and the difference you’re making to patients’ lives."
Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Rachel Kenna, said:
"As we celebrate International Day of the Nurse 2022, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Irish nurses working at home and abroad, all the nurses from overseas who work in the Irish healthcare system and who now call Ireland home and all our nursing colleagues working in every corner of the globe.
"This year we are more aware that ever before how critical the nursing workforce is, for care delivery at so many levels across the system, including on the front-line, leading and managing teams, conducting research, informing evidence-based practice, influencing developing and implementing policy and educating future generations of nurses and midwives.
"Today's theme for International Day of the Nurse is Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health. Global Health or “Health for all” means bringing quality healthcare within the reach of all nations in the world. As nurses, we are uniquely positioned and distinctly skilled to play a significant role in achieving this and to influence the development of healthcare.
"The #hereforlife campaign brings Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) in Ireland and the UK together with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Foundation in celebration of nursing and midwifery professions. This is a great opportunity to share and understand the totality of the contribution of nursing and midwifery professions. Based on the new Enabling Professionalism Framework, launched on International Day of the Midwife last week, nursing and midwifery staff are sharing their expertise and professionalism through videos or photos on their social media today.
"I am very proud to be a nurse and honoured to be in the position of CNO and play this important role in informing and influencing policy at government level, to invest in us so that we can positively impact nursing and midwifery professions, the patients we care for and the systems we work in.
"On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the CNO’s Office, thank you for the care, compassion, and commitment you continue to demonstrate in so many ways. Please take time today to celebrate you, our profession, and the difference you make to patients. Enjoy your day."
For more information about the Enabling Professionalism Framework and the #HereforLife campaign please visit the herefor.life website.