With the theme for this year’s Nurses’ Week being ‘Nurses Rekindling our Passion and Purpose for Health Care Delivery’, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association Karen Josiah hopes to re-energize discouraged nurses in Antigua and Barbuda.
Josiah said this year’s focus will be on providing a forum for discouraged nurses who have dedicated themselves to the care of patients, communities and their families.
“This is on the heels of the fact that some of our nurses are very discouraged. This theme is used as a forum to re-energize and regain the passion and purpose in regard to caring,” she said.
Additionally, Jacqueline Jno-Baptiste, Director of Nursing at the Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC), released a statement in which she praised the nurses at the institution for their tireless work for the cause of national healthcare.
“I would like to say that one of the best parts of my job is hearing kind words and receiving notes of praise about our staff from patients and their loved ones. I believe that is one of the clearest affirmations of the work being done by the MSJMC team. Very often the encouragement and commendations I get are about our nursing staff, and I wish to thank you for that.
“The nursing profession is truly a gift. Our patients often come to us vulnerable and afraid, with more questions than answers. As nurses, it’s our role to be their advocate, confidante, and interpreter. It’s an honor that they trust us and it’s a privilege to care for them in their time of need,” she
said.
She added that, “Caring for people can be exhilarating and inspiring, but it can also be exhausting; and in today’s hectic, busy environment, we occasionally take for granted the many sacrifices of our valued nurses. The truth is your unwavering commitment to our patients and their care is what enables our hospital to thrive. So I want to offer my deepest thanks to all of you for the amazing work you do every day to provide remarkable care to the communities we serve.
“You are vitally important to MSJMC’s mission. Know that we would not be whole without the talent and special gifts you bring to our organization. You matter. The mission you’re a part of matters. I’m honored to serve with you and speak for myself and the entire MSJMC team when I say that we are truly grateful for each and every one of you.”
The Nurses Week 2019 celebration began on May 11th and will conclude on May 18th. An island cruise, media day and motivational seminar are among some of the key activities during the week.
There will also be a Victorian Tea Gala to celebrate the service of retired nurses in Antigua and Barbuda.
“On Friday, we will be having something for all our retired nurses; that is a Victorian Tea Gala under the auspices of the Governor General. We are just showing our appreciation for their long, hard working sacrifices,” Josiah said.