12 May 2021

FOR ATTENTION   :  NEWS EDITOR

SUBJECT                   :  INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 2021

DATE                           :  11 MAY 2021

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally on 12 May every year, which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. The theme for 2021 is
Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare. The theme is set by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and has the objective of showing how nursing will look into the future as well as how the profession will transform the next stage of healthcare.

The ICN emphasises that this global COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world the important role that nurses play in keeping people healthy across the lifespan. In 2021, the ICN will focus on the changes to and innovations in nursing and how this will ultimately shape the future of healthcare.

According to ICN, the International Nurses Day 2021 theme reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on the health system and the nursing profession and how these might be affected into the future. Nurses, as the largest healthcare profession, must play an integral part in planning the future of healthcare.

Ms Sizo Mchunu, SANC Registrar & CEO says: “As the statutory body, the SANC is committed to assist in ensuring production of competent nurse practitioners who will provide scientific, comprehensive, and quality nursing to patients, families and communities within the legal and ethical framework.

It is vital that the country trains enough nurse practitioners to replace those retiring so that the country continues to deliver quality care”, says Ms Mchunu.

Working as a nurse means you will be working shifts and long hours and night duty, dedicated solely to the well-being of the patients in your care. You will also work closely with other health professionals such as Doctors, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Dieticians, to mention a few.

The value of a true nurse lies in the ability to show respect for human life and dignity, social justice and integrity, and total commitment to patients and other healthcare users.

If you are that person, the nursing profession is awaiting you…

Visit www.sanc.co.za for the list of accredited Nursing Education Institutions and make the correct career choice today.

The SANC salutes all nurses who, despite daily challenges, always put the lives of the patients first.  We wish you a happy and blessed International Nurses Day.

ENDS

Issued by:

Mrs. Adri van Eeden

Senior Manager:  Marketing and Communication

South African Nursing Council

E-mail:  avaneeden@sanc.co.za

Website:  www.sanc.co.za

Tel:  012 426-9542

Official Spokesperson and person to be quoted:

Ms. S Mchunu

Registrar and CEO:  SA Nursing Council

For more information or to arrange for an interview with the Spokesperson, please contact Mrs. Adri van Eeden on Tel. (012) 426-9542 or email:  avaneeden@sanc.co.za