NLIS 2
May 10, 2004
(Health and Community Services)

 

The following statement was issued today by Elizabeth Marshall, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

National Nursing Week

I rise today to inform the House of a very important event taking place in our province this week. This week the nursing profession is celebrating National Nursing Week.

National Nursing Week recognizes the important role nurses provide to our health and community services system. This week also allows the profession an opportunity to draw attention to its members� significant contributions to health care and the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The theme for this special week is Nursing: Knowledge and Commitment at Work. Today registered nurses and nurse practitioners are constantly challenged to seek new knowledge to deal with increasingly complex health issues and the changing nature of their work environments. Despite these challenges nurses are committed to ensuring that their patients and clients receive high quality care. The theme is an excellent description of those in the nursing profession here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador has over 6,000 members. As the Minister of Health and Community Services, I would like to point out that these members have been instrumental in setting the highest standards in promoting good nursing practices, education, as well as advocating for quality health care for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I would also like to inform the House today that this year the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to be celebrating their 50th anniversary of making a difference in the regulation of nursing in our public�s interest. For 50 years, members of the association have made tremendous contributions to the lives of individuals, families and communities in our province. Nurses truly are valued by us all.

The association also has a long history of working with government in providing advice in policy as well as partnering in reshaping our health system to ensure it remains consistent with the changing needs of the population over the years. In recent years this has included the promotion of primary health care renewal as well as moving nursing education into the university and participating in the province�s development of a new mental health strategy.

This government continues to recognize the integral role nurses play in our health and community services system. In recognition of the invaluable services they provide, most recently in Budget 2004 government announced the creation of a chief nursing position within the Department of Health and Community Services. This position will help in addressing nursing issues including primary health care renewal, scope of practice, and recruitment and retention. The department is working in partnership with the nursing community to fill the position.

I�m sure all members of the House would like to join me today in congratulating the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador as we recognize National Nursing Week and on the event of their 50th anniversary. On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to thank the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses� Union for playing such a formidable and invaluable role in the healthcare of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

2004 05 10                                        1:55 p.m.


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