The Ministry of Health and the Dominica Nurses Association has joined the rest of the world to celebrate Nurses Week 2016 under the theme ‘A Force for Change: Improving Health Systems’ Resilience.’
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.
Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy, on May 12, 1820.
During the Crimean war, Florence and a team of nurses improved the unsanitary conditions at a British base hospital, reducing the death count by two-thirds and her writings sparked worldwide healthcare reform.
To mark the start of this week’s activities, a grand church service took place on Tuesday followed by a dinner.
At an educational symposium on Wednesday, GIS News spoke with President of the Nurses Association, Debra Roach-Phillip, who gave an overview of the activities.
“This symposium was sponsored by the Dominica Nurses Association. We are doing this to improve the image of nurses in Dominica. We are aware that some of our nurses are challenged and we need to improve our professional conduct. We are encouraging our nurses to model Florence Nightingale hence this session [on professional conduct].”
Customer service is also one of the topics to be discussed.
“As we go around, we are hearing the cry of the public for improved customer service and we have been trying to encourage nurses to not just deliver satisfactory customer service but to exceed customer expectations. Go above and beyond; do more,” Nurse Phillip charged nurses.
Nurse Roach-Phillip believes it is important that nurses encourage and support each other.
The association has launched a mentoring and coaching programme.
On Thursday, May 12th, a public speaking competition will take place where nurses will speak on the theme of the International Nurses Week.
The Ministry of Health will also recognize outstanding nurses on Nurses Appreciation Day which will be observed on Friday, May 13th.
The Dominica Nurses Association has organized a whale watching expedition to end the week of activities.