Celebrating National Nursing Week has looked much different this year.
Manitoba Nurses’ Union (MNU) President Darlene Jackson says employers, unions, and the general public have had to get creative to show their appreciation given the circumstances.
She says there have been some issues with food donations, because most of it can’t come into the building without being wiped — but there have been plenty of kind gestures from people showing their appreciation.
“We actually had a lady who makes and decorates cookies donate them to nurses and St. Boniface. She’s now on a project baking cookies for other healthcare facilities in Winnipeg.”
The MNU president has seen lots of pictures in windows, notes in windows; thanking nurses as front line providers.
“It’s all over Facebook, people chiming in saying thank you. I think it’s especially poignant right now.”
Jackson thinks this week should also be an opportunity to call attention to the challenges facing Manitoba nurses. “We are in a nursing shortage," she said, adding "the College of Registered Nurses just released their registration numbers from this year. Registration has dropped off again like it did last year.”
The MNU president says it’s difficult to recruit nurses, but in her own experience, it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions she’s ever made.
“It’s an amazing profession. It’s something I chose to do, and I honestly have to say it’s probably the best decision I’ve made in my entire life to go into nursing. It’s been so rewarding.”
