OLDS — The town's municipal council has joined the province in proclaiming May 11-17 as National Nursing Week.
The theme of this year’s National Nursing Week is Nurses: A Voice to Lead — Nursing the World to Health.
Coun. Wanda Blatz raised the idea of recognizing the week during the town’s May 11 council meeting, held via Zoom.
Blatz noted that Tuesday, May 12 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is credited with founding modern nursing.
Blatz indicated that in any year it’s good to recognize what nurses and the health-care profession in general do for us, but this year, the COVID-19 pandemic underlines their importance.
“I just felt that in light of everything that’s going on in the world and in each individual community, it’s good to recognize not only our nurses, but perhaps all of our heath care and essential workers that have been on the frontlines,” she said.
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Mayor Mike Muzychka thanked Blatz for the idea.
Blatz had initially suggested only that council pass a motion to accept her idea as information, but was persuaded by Coun. Mary Jane Harper to make it a formal proclamation.
“I think that is more than appropriate and I really appreciate the fact that she brought it forward to us,” Harper said.
A vote to make that proclamation passed unanimously, 7-0.
Mayor Muzychka agreed to announce the proclamation in his weekly address on social media.
In a news release, Health Minister Tyler Shandro’s office said this year’s Nursing Week theme “takes on new meaning as nurses help the world respond to the global coronavirus emergency.
“Here in Alberta, valiant nurses on the front line risk their own health to do their vital work of healing in every community,” it said.
“Whether they are registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered psychiatric nurses or licensed practical nurses, these women and men are an indispensable part of Alberta’s health-care system. We celebrate their dedication.
“To all who are doing their duty as nurses in our province at this extraordinary time – and at all times – thank you, on behalf of all Albertans, for your devoted and caring service,” the release added.
