Pictured L to R: Nurses Vikki Wesolowski, Cheska Gatmaitan, Soniya Pradhananga and Olivia Villanueva

International Nurses Day highlights the essential role that nurses play in providing quality healthcare to people. It’s a time to recognise the dedication and hard work of nurses, and to thank them for their dedication.  

On Friday 12 May Macquarie University Hospital and Clinics joined healthcare institutions around the world to celebrate International Nurses Day. The day marked the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is recognised as the founder of modern nursing. 

The 2023 theme for International Nurses Day was Our Nurses. Our Future. Set by the International Council of Nurses, the 2023 theme addresses global health challenges exacerbated by a shortage of nurses. Nurses are crucial in all parts of healthcare, whether acute, preventative, primary or community care. 

“Our nurses are committed to achieving excellence in nursing and they focus on quality performance outcomes to improve patient care. One of the ways we recognise extraordinary performance is our Annual Nursing Awards, which are held on International Nurses Day,” says Deb O’Neill, MUH Director of Nursing. 

“This is an opportunity for staff to gain recognition for their achievements throughout the year. Our nurses are empathetic and caring towards their patients and the compassionate care they deliver is key. Being able to talk to patients and their families and support them through their difficult journey is the most important part of nursing.”  

Pictured L to R: Nadeeka Hewawasam, Bruce Ridges, Tamar Ghazarian, Roshna Pokharel, Donovan Malone, Deb O’Neill (Director of Nursing), Azad Ekmekjian

Activities held by the Hospital to mark this year’s event included a barbeque breakfast and lunch, the MUH Annual Nursing Awards, a bedmaking competition and a lolly-guessing competition. This year, Ward 2 won the bedmaking contest and will proudly display the trophy on the ward for the next 12 months. Congratulations to all the winners.