A pleasant day, to our esteemed members of Dominica Nurses Association to include the Principal nursing Officer, the matron, Family Nurse Practitioners Senior Public Health Nurses, Public health nurses, Nursing Managers, Nursing Supervisors, Midwives, Registered nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Prospective DNA members (our dear nursing students).
Special greetings to the Hor. Minister Cassanni Laville, Permanent Secretary Dr. Kyra Paul, and staff of the Ministry Health Wellness and Social Services, President of Caribbean Nursing Organization Dr. Paulette Cash the Board of Directors, media personnel ladies and gentlemen greetings.
It is an honor to speak today under the theme “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.” This theme, chosen by the International Council of Nurses, highlights an undeniable truth—when we invest in the well-being of our nurses, we are investing in the strength of our healthcare system, the resilience of our communities, and the prosperity of our economies.
Internation Nurses Day is celebrated each year on May 12, which this year would have been Florence Nightingale’s 205th birthday, and is used to celebrate the nursing profession and raise awareness about the greatest challenges nurses around the world are facing.
Dr. Pamela Cipriano, president of the International Council of Nurses has stated, “By prioritizing the wellbeing of nurses, we are ensuring that they can continue to provide high-quality care that is critical to the health of our communities.” These words capture the essence of what we must strive for.
The Dominica Nurses Association call on the Government and the private sectors, Dominicans here and abroad to assist the nurses in their endeavors. Let’s act on this year’s nurses, Theme “Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.”
Yes Nurses are the backbone of healthcare; they work tirelessly, often in challenging conditions, to safeguard lives and promote health. Yet, far too often, their own well-being is overlooked.
Today, we must recognize that caring for nurses is not just a moral responsibility—it is an economic necessity. A healthy and secure nursing workforce is crucial to the functioning of healthcare systems. When nurses are supported, given fair wages, assisted with transportation, provided with adequate staffing, offered mental health resources, to include meeting their main goals, these will no doubt contribute to the delivery of high-quality care. This, in turn, leads to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased economic productivity.
Consider these benefits :
- Improved retention: Supporting nurses will reduce burnout, leading to lower turnover rates and saving healthcare facilities the cost of hiring and training new staff.
- Higher quality care: When nurses are physically and mentally well, they provide safer and more effective care, reducing medical errors and unnecessary hospitalizations.
- Boosted economic growth: Healthy healthcare systems keep communities strong, ensuring people remain productive in their jobs, businesses thrive, and national economies flourish.
Thanks to the Policy leaders and nursing Bodies, or the support given to nurses thus far.
This year’s theme continues the multi-year focus on “Our Nurses, Our Future.” It is a call to action—a reminder that the future of healthcare depends on how we treat those who care for us.
We want a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous society; we must also prioritize nurses’ well-being which will contribute to this goal.
So today, I urge policymakers, healthcare leaders, religious leaders and society as a whole to take meaningful action. Let us advocate on behalf of nurses, meeting nurses half way with their goals of aspiring to initiate small business opportunity for the nurses association to generate income to support our very own nurses. When we care for our nurses, we are not just supporting individuals—we are strengthening families, communities, and entire economies.
Nurses take charge of your health, for with a healthy body, good spiritual mindset you are on a better path to success. BE THE BEST NURSE YOU MUST BE.
I take this opportunity to thank the private sector for your continued support in the past and present, especially during the celebration of nurse’s week.
YES, our nurses deserve better. Our future also depends on them. Let’s commit to caring for those who care for us.
