Empowered Nurses Save Lives: TTNNA Marks Nurses’ Week With Exhibition At NALIS
“Empowered Nurses Save Lives” is the theme for this year’s National Nurses’ Week.
The Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association (TTNNA) on Monday opened its first annual nursing exhibition at the NALIS Library in Port of Spain, emphasising a renewed focus on the profession and the challenges facing nurses nationwide.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, TTNNA President Idi Stuart highlighted the growing pressures facing nurses and midwives, despite their crucial role within the healthcare system.
« Our nurses and midwives are navigating increasingly complex healthcare environments. We are facing workforce shortages, increased patient demands, and the lingering effects of the global health crisis. »
Despite these challenges, interest in the nursing profession remains strong.
COSTAATT nursing student Marissa Joseph says her personal journey into caregiving inspired her decision to pursue nursing.
« I wanted to become a nurse because I felt like I’m a hairdresser by profession, I felt I was not living to my true potential and I love caring for people. »
Mr. Stuart says the Association is pushing for reform that would allow nurses and midwives to work to their fullest capacity, aligned with international standards.
« We are really on a drive over the next few years to, one, amend the Nursing Personnel Act to allow that latitude for nursing and midwifery personnel to increase their scope of practice and, also, to enforce continuing education. »
In keeping with this year’s theme, both the Nursing Council of Trinidad and Tobago and the National Nursing Administration also used the occasion to recognise the significant contributions of present and past nurses to the healthcare system.
« Consider your nurses as a valuable commodity in the society and treat every nurse with care because you never know, one day you might need a nurse. »
The Nursing Exhibition runs until May 12th at the NALIS Library in Port of Spain, offering the public a closer look at the profession and the people who continue to power the nation’s healthcare system.
