They are there to comfort, provide advice, educational support and so much more. And that’s why from Monday through Sunday, we honour them during Nurses Week.
Debbie Turner, Director of Quality and Professional Practice at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital says they have teamed up with Sarah McVanel at Greatness Magnified to focus on the theme of resiliency.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant reassigning many nurses at STEGH into areas where they are most needed – explains Turner.
The concern is the physical and mental toll on nurses. Turner says she is hearing from colleagues “it is getting to be too much,” particularly in the GTA.
She stresses also caring for patients transferred from the GTA adds to the workload, however it is a dedicated effort to help nurses and hospitals in provincial hot zones.
This year, more than ever, there is a need to show appreciation for the long, stressful hours logged by nurses coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, moreso this week.
Turner adds there are a multitude of activities planned during the week including guest speakers and prize draws for the nurses at the hospital.
