May 8-12 marked National Nursing Week, an annual celebration taking place the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12.

With this year’s Nursing Week theme in mind, “Our Nurses, Our Future,” we would like to reflect on the great work our nurses have done and recognize the important role they all have to play in the future of our healthcare system and client’s health-care journey.

VHA nurses play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of our clients across the lifespan – from children with complex medical needs to frail seniors experiencing challenges with aging. Nurses are highly-skilled professionals who provide a wide range of expert, quality care such as medication management, wound care, chronic disease management and palliative care, all delivered with great heart and compassion. VHA has a hardworking, dedicated team of nurses and nurse practitioners working with clients and families in a variety of settings, including client homes, nursing clinics and congregate settings. We, and our clients and families, are fortunate for the spectacular service our nurses provide each and every day.

Please view the lovely messages of recognition VHA received from Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer for Health Canada; Dr. Karima Velji, Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Health; and Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (see videos below).