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HSN celebrates National Nursing Week

More than 1,500 nurses work at Health Sciences North
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Monday marks the start of National Nursing Week in Canada. Health Sciences North is thanking its team of more than 1,500 nurses who provide care to patients every day. File photo.

Monday marks the start of National Nursing Week in Canada. Health Sciences North is thanking its team of more than 1,500 nurses who provide care to patients every day.

The nursing team at the hospital includes registered nurses, nurse technicians, registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse clinical leaders, nurse clinicians, clinical nurse specialists, occupational health nurses, infection control nurses, entorostomal therapists, and nurses working in management and administration. 

Together, nurses make up 40 per cent of the hospital’s total workforce, and provide the majority of front-line care to patients.

“Every hospital would come to a virtual standstill without nurses. They provide care and comfort to patients and their families, they advocate for their patients, and the entire health care system depends on them. Nurses are highly knowledgeable, skilled professionals, and are the heart and soul of health care,” said

David McNeil, Health Sciences North’s vice-president of patient services and clinical transformation, and chief nursing executive, in a press release.

In addition to providing front-line care, nurses at Health Sciences North take part in research, develop new models of care, lead community wellness initiatives, serve as teachers and mentors to medical learners, and help family members and patients navigate the health-care system.

“I love being a nurse. I love helping people and seeing them get better. I think nurses are the backbone of health care. They provide care from the initial visit to the hospital to follow-up at home,” said Sylvie St. Louis, a registered practical nurse at the hospital, in a press release.

Celebrating National Nursing Week reminds staff, volunteers, patients and the public that nurses work hard and are committed to each and every one of their patients.

“My nurse Kathie was an absolute stand-out. Whether ensuring we understood what the doctor was telling us, doing what she could to make sure I was comfortable, or following up after I had been discharged to ensure I made it home safe, Kathie’s exceptional care is something that brought undeniable comfort to my wife, myself and even our extended family,” said Mike Inglis, a former patient at Health Sciences North who found himself needing emergency brain surgery earlier this year.  

“Nurses truly are unsung heroes. We are much more grateful than words could ever express for the care provided to us by the nurses at HSN.” 

To honour its nurses, HSN collected some of their stories. Visit HSN’s Facebook page to get a glimpse into the lives of HSN’s dedicated nurses.

National Nursing Week in Canada always coincides with International Nurses Day and Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Born on May 12, 1820, Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing.


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