April 30, 2012

It’s been over a hundred years since Women’s College Hospital’s (WCH) first nurse was hired. Over the years, a strong foundation developed that underpins nursing practice and facilitates the excellence in care that WCH is known for.

A century later, the legacy of excellence in nursing care lives on. Today, our nurses are as committed to delivering the best practice to our patients as they were 100 years ago.

To celebrate our extraordinary nurses, Women’s College will be marking National Nursing Week, May 7-13. Nursing Week is a professional celebration that is recognized nationally and takes place annually over the week of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. Nightingale laid the foundation of professional nursing at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, the first secular nursing school in the world.

“This year’s theme – Nursing: The Health of Our Nation – reflects the positive impact nurses have on the lives and well-being of Canadians,” says Anne-Marie Murphy, nurse practitioner, thyroid clinic and nursing practice leader, WCH. “Women’s College is a platform to facilitate excellence in patient care through nursing.”   

During Nursing Week, WCH pays tribute to the remarkable contribution of our nurses and the impact they have on the lives of patients. WCH’s nursing advisory council provides events for nurses throughout the week to align with their nursing strategic plan which focuses on community, leadership and scholarship.  Celebratory activities  include a series of educational activities, as well as opportunities for nurses to develop leadership skills, network and build the nursing community.

The main event, the annual nursing luncheon, will be held on May 9 at 11:30 AM. All nurses are invited to gather in Emily Stowe’s Café to mingle with colleagues and applaud those receiving Nursing Awards of Excellence.

“The awards are presented to those who have shown an outstanding dedication and commitment to their role as nurses,” says Jane Mosley, chief nursing executive, health disciplines and professional affairs. “As the only ambulatory care hospital in the province, nursing at Women’s College is grounded in holistic care.  That means our nurses help patients manage their health in the context of their whole lives and connect patients with the resources and support they need to be active partners in their own care.”

Nursing is at the centre of everything we do at WCH.  In every clinic, dedicated nurses balance the highest standard of professionalism with the utmost compassionate care. 

“Without the hard work and support of our nurses, Women’s College simply wouldn’t be the groundbreaking institution that it is. We are proud of the value that we bring to nursing and to be leading the way in ambulatory care,” continues Mosley. “The nurses’ ongoing commitment to innovation at WCH will ensure that we continue to lead, to grow and to care for women and their families.”

For a full listing of nursing week events, please click here.

For more information about nursing at WCH, please visit this link on MyWCH.