International Nurses Day is celebrated internationally by ICN since 1965, on May 12th, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Nursing Personnel pay homage to the Mother of Modern Day Nursing, Ms. Florence Nightingale, not only on this day but for an entire week. Nurses’ week traditionally consists of out-reaches, fairs, health walks, seminars and other activities which highlight the immense contribution of nursing personnel and actively builds the profession. Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association joined nurses around the world in Commemoration of International Nurses Day.
This year Nurses week, was preceded by a launch at San Fernando Nurses’ Lounge on Friday May 5th where TTRNAs President cut the ribbon to commence festivities and unveil the week’s calendar of events. The event was very successful and well attended. It is noteworthy that TTRNAs pioneering group was initially from San Fernando, known at that time as the Certified Nurses Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Keeping in line with ICNs theme each branch initiated innovative ways to empower nursing personnel. In celebrating nurses each placed their unique spin to the celebration of nurse’s week.
On Sunday May 7th, the annual church service and luncheon was hosted by Northern Branch at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Port of Spain, and City Hall Auditorium respectively.
Members journeyed from all parts of Trinidad and Tobago to participate in an interfaith service led by Father Carl Williams. Nurses, Enrolled Nursing Assistants, Midwives, Nursing students, distinguished guests and well-wishers gathered to pray for the nation, nurses, health of the population and others. Greetings at the service were received from The Honorable Minister of Health Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh, President of TTRNA Mr. Idi Stuart, Caribbean Nurses Organization Vice President Mrs. Gwendolyn Loobie-Snaggs, and Trinidad and Tobago Midwives Association.
The Luncheon was also well attended and persons were treated to performances by the very talented Fire Services Musical Orchestra renowned artist Guita Dan, Opera singer, Pannist. Nursing personnel and guests enjoyed the tasty meal while being serenaded by ace DJ Allan. In addition to hosting the Nurses week annual Church Service and luncheon the Northern Branch held a seminar entitled "Bullying in the workplace: Putting an end to workplace violence". The Northern Branch also extends gratitude to all Participants, without them this event would not have been a success.
The Southern Branch hosted an outreach and health fair at Harris promenade on Tuesday May 09th 2017. Additionally an aerobic burn out and walk to San Fernando hill was held on Saturday May 13th 2017. The Southern Branch extends their gratitude to all their participants.
The Eastern Branch held three professional glamour workshops on the 08th, 10th and the 12th of May 2017. Participants learnt the basics in makeup and beauty artistry skills. The Eastern Branch was truly appreciative of the overwhelming support and response of the membership.
The weeks activities at Tobago branch commenced on Tuesday 9th 2017 with a financial workshop, which was hosted by Guardian life insurance where a pension plan was highlighted. In response to the needs of nursing personnel within the Tobago Branch a workshop on Domestic Violence was held on Thursday May 09th and Friday 12th 2017, this was well subscribed in light of the unfortunate death of one of our colleague. This was followed by a session on deepening spirituality in the workplace on Friday May 12th. On Saturday staff took to the street with a health walk where they advocated that citizens take charge of their health.
This year Nurses week was successful, due to the overwhelming support of our valuable membership. Every need of Nursing Personnel was attended to, mind, body spirit...
Highlights Nurses week 2017, TTRNA taking the lead "celebrating Nursing Personnel"
