ONA's registered nurses, allied health professionals to celebrate Nursing Week 2010

Nurses still the heart of health care, even in trying times

The Ontario Nurses' Association's (ONA) 55,000 registered nurses and allied health professionals will be celebrating Nursing Week 2010 with a range of events and activities to recognize their special contributions to health care.

Along with ONA's more than 12,000 nursing student affiliates, nurses working in hospitals, long-term care, public health, the community, clinics and industry will celebrate National Nursing Week with visits from the union's President and board members and with numerous local activities. ONA's 2010 Nursing Week theme is Celebrate Our Nurses: The Heart of Health Care. Nursing Week runs from May 10 to 16.

Noting that RNs in Ontario are continuing to experience nursing cuts and rising workplace pressure, ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN, says this is the week - which marks Florence Nightingale's birthday - to put the spotlight on the priceless contributions that nurses make.

"Our nurses need to know that their hard work, dedication and professionalism is valued and recognized, and Nursing Week is the perfect time to do so," she said. "Our Nursing Week theme reflects the value our members bring to their patients, clients and residents every day."

Haslam-Stroud is asking that members of the public join in celebrating the achievements of nurses. As our health-care system is reorganized and we face the loss of services, beds and nurses, it's our nurses who continue to advocate for quality care.