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Nursing Week

National Nursing Week not a time to celebrate: BCNU

May 9, 2022 | 5:06 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Monday marks the start of National Nursing Week in Canada, although now is not a time to celebrate according to the BC Nurses Union (BCNU).

The union representing nearly 50,000 nurses in BC said although National Nursing Week is a chance to recognize the hard work done by many in the sector, it is also a chance to advocate for better working conditions.

Aman Grewal, President of the BCNU said between the pandemic, opioid crisis, and staffing-related issues this is a tough time for the profession.

“Our nurses are not wanting to celebrate,” said Grewal. “They have been through such an extreme time.”

Helen Bourque, Interim Chief of Nursing for Northern Health said she is so thankful for all of the healthcare workers who have come together during the pandemic to deliver crucial care in so many areas.

Bourque said she understands what nurses are going through given she was one herself before she took on a management role with

Bourque said Northern Health boasts just under 3,000 nurses, during the pandemic that number grew in part thanks to many who returned to the profession after being retired or student-employed nurses.

Students according to Bourque and the BCNU are a topic front and centre to ensure the long-term success of the healthcare system.

Stephanie Prudente, a third-year nursing student at UNBC said she and other classmates went into the sector because they are motivated and energized to deliver care.

“At the end of the day I just want to help people, and it’s a really inspiring career for that,” said Prudente.

Prudente will ring in National Nurses Week in Dawson Creek on a medical-surgical practicum in the Dawson Creek Hospital.

UNBC said this year there will be 97 undergraduate Bachelor of Science-Nursing grads, 12 Family Nurse Practitioner (Master of Science Nursing –FNP) and two Master of Science grads.