International Emergency Nurses Week

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, today proclaimed October 7-13 as International Emergency Nurses Week, and October 10 as Emergency Nurses Day. This year's theme is "Emergency Nursing ... Second to None When Seconds Count!"

"Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can feel secure in knowing that should they need emergency care, our emergency nurses are ready to respond," Minister Bettney said. "These well-trained men and women are often called upon to make life or death decisions. It is important to give them the recognition they deserve."

Emergency nurses must be ready to assess a patient's needs at a moment's notice. This calls for a variety of skills and extensive knowledge in the health field. Continuing education and professional development are fundamental to emergency practice and a substantial number of this province's nurses have undergone extra courses to give them advanced training in emergency situations. 

"They are continually upgrading their skills in order to care for people better," said Minister Bettney. "They are also working with emergency doctors to effectively triage to make sure patients who have extensive injuries or are very sick receive medical attention in a timely manner."

In this province, members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Nurses Association will meet October 27 for their annual convention. 

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

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