Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of National Nursing Week, May 6-10, 2024:

“This National Nursing Week, I want to acknowledge and recognize the leadership, compassion and commitment of nurses in B.C. in providing quality patient care throughout our province. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners in our public health system are well-trained to provide top-notch health-care services.

“This year, the theme of National Nursing Week is Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow. It is a time to highlight the significant impact of nurses on patients’ health-care journeys, as well as their contributions in mentoring the next generations of health-care professionals.

“Our government appreciates the innovation and advocacy nurses bring to their work, which can lead to remarkable outcomes for patients and the future of health care. That’s why our B.C. Health Human Resources Strategy has provisions for enhancing mental-health services, integrating reconciliation to build a culturally safe and supportive work environment, and expanding nursing-education opportunities in public post-secondary institutions across the province.

“Also, we are taking critical steps to address staffing challenges around the province by collaborating with the BC Nurses’ Union in establishing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for six health-care settings in acute-care facilities. This work requires both unwavering commitment and significant investments, so that we can retain our existing nurse workforce, support student nurses wanting to have a rich and rewarding career in B.C.’s health-care system and recruit more nurses.

“In shaping the tomorrow of our public health system, our government recognizes the important value of fostering an inclusive and culturally diverse health-care workforce. We are determined to make health-care workplace safer for nurses, so that they can fully support their care teams and patients.”

“On behalf of the B.C. government, I would like to express my profound gratitude to all nurses around B.C. for your vision, expertise and dedication to the profession. Thank you for providing the best care possible to people and for your service to the community.”

Learn More:

To read more about National Nursing Week 2024, visit: https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/news-events/national-nursing-week

To learn more about B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0059-001464