The World Health Organisation has declared 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. This gives us a unique opportunity to recognise and showcase the work and contributions of nurses and midwives to patients and the health system.
Over 50,000 nurses and midwives work within NSW Health hospitals and health services, providing safe, quality care for the people of NSW. They're the cornerstone of our health system, and provide skilled and compassionate care and leadership around the clock.
The International Year of the Nurse and Midwife coincides with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Florence Nightingale has been described as a caring and trailblazing British nurse, statistician, social reformer and leader of improved health care who is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
Transcript: Welcome to 2020 - International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.
At the Nursing and Midwifery Office, we're partnering with local health districts and specialty networks throughout 2020 to support nurses and midwives to further maximise their impact on patients and our health system. The focus will be on:
Read more about the 2020 and beyond: focus areas.
We're partnering with local health districts and specialty networks to take part in the Nightingale Challenge
The Nightingale Challenge is part of Nursing Nowwhich aims to equip and empower the next generation of nurses and midwives as leaders, practitioners and advocates in health.
The Nightingale Challenge supports the development of emerging nursing and midwifery leaders, and provides professional development opportunities for leaders at all levels.
Check with your local health district or specialty network for opportunities to take part.
We'll celebrate in 2020 with two key state events. The NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Showcase and NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards will raise the profile of nurses and midwives and promote the role of these professions in shaping positive experiences of care, for both patients and staff.
Throughout the year, we'll be recognising our past, present and future nursing and midwifery leaders and sharing stories of some of our many outstanding nurses and midwives. Watch for feature videos on International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day in May.
Each local health district and specialty network will have events and activities scheduled to mark this auspicious year. Talk with your manager, check out your local intranet and chat with colleagues about ways to get involved.
You can also join the conversation:
@NSWChiefNMO or @NSWHealthHashtags: Nursing2020 #Midwifery2020 #NursingNowAustralia
NSW Health
Resources are also available to help promote 2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.
We want to thank the nurses and midwives of NSW Health as you continue to lead and deliver remarkable, safe, compassionate care for the people of NSW. We encourage you to stay engaged and check back for further updates.
