Nurses Day 2018 - Why #ThisNurse is celebrating

Saturday 12 May 2018 is Nurses Day. Nichola Sanderson, our Deputy Director of Nursing, talks about why it’s important to mark the occasion.

Hello, my name is Nichola and I’m the Deputy Director of Nursing at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

I started my nursing career some years ago, and have spent much of my professional nursing career working in inpatient and community settings. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the variety of roles I’ve held and felt honoured and privileged every day to be part of peoples’ lives. Whilst I don’t get to do as much hands on nursing as I would wish it is a great to work as part of the nursing and professions team and support colleagues.

Nursing in 2018 is a modern and dynamic profession with varied roles and wide-ranging skills required to do it. Nurses help people at some of the most emotional points in their lives – from the highest highs to the deepest sorrows. They also act as the linchpin in the multidisciplinary team and the bridge between healthcare providers and other agencies.

That’s why Nurses’ Day is so important – it is an opportunity to reflect on the enormous contribution made by an incredible profession, and a reminder that you should be proud to be a nurse.

The Royal College of Nursing has created the campaign #ThisNurse to help nurses across the country showcase all of the amazing things they do.

If you’re a nurse at the Trust or anywhere in the NHS, why not share your story and encourage others to share theirs? Together we can celebrate achievements and encourage others to do the same.

I’m hoping to get out and see as many of our nursing staff as possible later this week to say thank you personally. I’ll bring the cakes if you can put the kettle on!