This is our third National Nurses Week since the COVID-19 pandemic began and personally, this is the most difficult message I’ve written thus far. I didn’t know where to begin, or what to say knowing what you have all been through, and how much difficulty still lies ahead as we try to recover and rebuild. So, I have settled on a simple “thank you”, because these two words sum up what everyone is feeling right now. Thank you for being there through thick and thin, for fighting for all of us, for never giving up. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Some will say that the hills you’ve climbed, the battles you’ve fought, and the stress you’ve endured are “just part of the job," and that they “come with the territory of being a nurse." I know, however, that when we embarked on our nursing careers, none of us could have imagined anything like what the past two years have thrown at us. For many, it would’ve been too much to bear, but not for nurses – thank you.
It’s easy to get lost in the mayhem of the system right now, to get consumed by the chaos in our workplaces. It’s even easier to become jaded and disillusioned when we feel unsupported or that there just aren’t enough hours in a day to provide the care we know is needed. This often overshadows everything and prevents us from seeing the love and support that’s out there for us. But it is there – everywhere.
This is why SUN took to Saskatchewan’s streets to ask your patients and families what they think. The video we produced is so uplifting and heartfelt. I sincerely hope you’ll all take a moment to listen to what they have said about all of you as it’ll brighten your day and remind you about just how truly loved and appreciated you are.
This week, we celebrate you. We celebrate your nursing profession and your nursing teams. However, I think this week is more than just a celebration of the “nurse" you. It is a celebration of “you” as the strong, resilient individuals you are because it’s you who have carried us all through this pandemic. It is you who have put Saskatchewan first – especially during our darkest moments. And this must be celebrated! Join me this week in shouting it loud for all to hear: “thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Happy National Nurses Week to Saskatchewan’s 11,000 Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners, and to all your nursing team colleagues. You are all heroes.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH: “A Love Letter to Saskatchewan Nurses”
CLICK HERE TO READ: SUN President's annual meeting address to members
In solidarity,
Tracy Zambory, RN
President, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses
