International Nurses Day 2008

As a nurse who works in the health service it is supportive to receive a letter such as this which was received from Management in the health service. My area of specialty is peri-operative nursing and I think Nursing is a valuable foundation not only for the health profession but also for life in general.

A copy of a Letter for Nurses (2008 International Nurses Day):

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates International Nurses Day around the world every May 12. This date is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing.

This day is celebrated to remember all of the precious contribution nurses make to society.

The ICN theme for 2008 is

Delivering Quality, Serving Communities

Nurses Leading Primary Health Care

Primary health care is back on the global agenda and nurses around the world are leading the way to achieve active participation of citizens and communities in addressing health issues and accessing appropriate health services.

Primary health care is the first level of contact with the national health system for individuals, families and the community, bringing health care as close as possible to where people live and work.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states "International evidence suggests that health systems based on a strong Primary Health Care orientation have better and more equitable health outcomes, are more efficient, have lower health costs and can achieve higher user satisfaction than those whose health systems have only a weak Primary Health Care orientation." (2007)

Greater Western Area Health service acknowledges the importance of primary health care in their goals for the future. They see the strengthening of Primary Health Care as one of the most strategic and significant milestones to strive for over the next few years.

Nurses received a copy of this letter of appreciation to all nurses from the Management and Executives in health. They went on to thank nurses for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that each and every person contributing to the delivery of good quality patient care.

I enjoy my profession as a nurse and meeting the challenges of rural nursing with the variety of treatment we give. Working at the leading health service (Orange) for the central west with a great team is rewarding in a variety of ways.