[December 20, 2019] For many of us, the holiday season is about the warmth of home, the love of family and friends, and giving thanks for the blessings of another year gone by. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, and nobody understands this better than registered nurses.
Some people will be spending the holidays in the hospital, other’s may not have a home to go to, a family to share the joy of the season with, or the ability to even put food on the table or provide gifts for their children.
For me, this season is about so much more than being thankful for all the blessings in my life. It’s about acknowledging there are people out there who need my help. It’s about recognizing that I can make a difference in my community and have a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
Remember, the spirit of the season resides within all of us. Treating each other with love, kindness and compassion – not just during the holidays, but every day – is at the heart of what makes us human, it’s what binds us together no matter our faith or background.
These values are also the foundation upon which our nursing profession is laid. To have a career that has challenged me every single day to be a better person, to treat my patients with empathy and compassion – a career that has taught me to be both vulnerable and strong – is an honour for which I will be eternally grateful. I have no doubt so many of you reading this message today feel the same way about nursing.
We have the privilege of caring for our patients and families during some of their most important moments. We help people when they are at their weakest, we offer support and comfort during times of great physical and emotional difficulty, and we are often at their side to share in some of life’s most joyous times. To have been a registered nurse for more than 30 years in this incredible province of ours is a blessing I wouldn’t change for the world.
For many of us, nursing was a calling and we entered the profession knowing we will be caring for patients 24/7/365. So, to all of you who are working this holiday season, whether you are a registered nurse, first responder or anyone else on the health care team, I say: thank you, we could not do it without you.
I wish you all a holiday season filled with joy and love and a year ahead of happiness, health and prosperity.
In solidarity,
Tracy Zambory, RN
President, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses
