Warwickshire community urged to thank NHS nurses by 'shining a light' for International Nurses Day

Residents in Warwickshire are being encouraged to thank NHS nurses by 'shining a light' for International Nurses Day.

Today (Tuesday May 12) is International Nurses Day, and staff at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust will be recognising and celebrating all the nurses working within Coventry and Warwickshire.

2020 has also been named as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife and it also marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern nursing profession.

Tonight, the public are being asked to ‘shine a light’ at 8:30pm to mark the day and recognise the extraordinary work that nurses are doing in the fight against coronavirus.

Melanie Coombes, chief nurse at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said: “During this global pandemic, our nurses in Coventry and Warwickshire are working on the frontline and doing an excellent job of caring for Covid-19 patients and communicating with worried families.

"We are so proud of their commitment and pay tribute to the nursing profession.

“International Nurses Day is an opportunity to say a big thank you to all of our nurses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

"They have been working tirelessly through this pandemic while ensuring that patients receive the high-quality care they need.

"I also must reiterate the message that nurses, as frontline workers, must also ensure they look after their own well-being throughout these trying times.

"You are all amazing, thank you.”

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for culture Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger urged those in the district to take part.

She said: “I very much hope that throughout Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth and Whitnash and all the villages we will see a glow of light this evening as we say a big thank you to the nurses and others working in the caring profession across our district for their dedication, love and kindness in the most challenging of times.”

Right now, nurses across the county are caring for patients and people who have many other health conditions.

Nurses are working in a wide variety of roles and collectively, they form a vital part of looking after local the community.

Nurses can work in many clinical settings and specialise in mental health, learning disabilities, community nursing. There are also nursing opportunities in other areas, such as nutrition, paediatrics, oncology and more.

If you or someone you know is interested in a career in nursing, there is help available to start your career.

Nursing students will benefit from additional support of at least £5,000 a year to help with living costs, starting in September of this year.

To fine out more go to: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing