Celebrate the difference nursing makes

It’s already May which means Nurses’ Day is upon us again. It’s a great opportunity not only to celebrate what we do and why we do it, but also to share with the wider public the positives of our profession.

I am privileged to work with a team of highly skilled and talented nursing staff. We know how to support each other when times are tough. And we also know when to recognise and acknowledge when things go well.

It can be difficult to be positive when you are over worked and under paid. And nursing, no matter which field of practice or which service you work in, has its ups and downs. I feel sad at times to think that the current demands and pressures on health and care are forcing dedicated nursing staff to reconsider their career choice and leave the profession.

But, I know the Royal College of Nursing is in our corner. In recent years our voice has been louder than ever before and we must continue to stand up for our patients, residents and each other, and to demonstrate why our profession matters.

Later this month, we will be doing just that at the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards. Hard on the heels of Nurses’ Day, it’s another opportunity to showcase the very best of nursing across Scotland and highlight the impact that nursing staff have on a daily basis. 

I want to say a huge congratulations to everyone who was nominated. I am very much looking forward to the awards ceremony and to hearing more about the amazing work our shortlisted finalists are doing across our communities.

But before that, I’m looking forward to seeing my social feed filled with photos of Nurses’ Day activities this weekend. Please do remember to include #NursesDay and tag @RCNScot in any posts on X or @RCNScotland on Facebook.