International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated annually on May 12, to recognize the role that nurses play in healthcare, risking their lives to save others. The theme for this year's celebration is “Nursing the world to health", an appropriate theme because of the challenging times the world is going through. Amid these challenges are AKU-SONAM's students who are also working nurses supporting patients in various capacities. Some heroes wear capes while others wear scrubs, gloves, N95 respirators and lanyards.
We spoke to some of AKU-SONAM's Bachelor of Science in Nursing students based in Kenya about the significance of International Nurses Day to them this year, and they shared some of their responses:
George Magembe, Nurse In-charge of the Medical-Surgical Ward at Metropolitan Hospital: “Many professions are being replaced by technology but as a nurse, I cannot be replaced because I offer very essentials services. We empathize with those who are hurt, care for them when they are sick and when they get better we rejoice with them. As a nurse, I live to empower others. Happy International Nurses Day!"
Nancy Mongina Abuya, Nurse at Pumwani Maternity Hospital: “Nursing is the most rewarding, diverse and flexible career. I like nursing because I learn new things every day and it encourages me to think outside the box to handle different situations. Happy International Nurses Day to everyone!"
Michael Thuo Muriithi, Nurse at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital: “As a Critical Care nurse, I work on the frontline to enable patients who are severely ill to have a new lease of life. I am their advocate who is always there for them."
Lillian Emojong, Nurse at the Kenyatta National Hospital: “I wear several hats in my daily practice as a nurse. What I love most about these many hats is that each of them involves experiences with patient care, which is priceless. Happy International Nurses Day!"
Ruth Wanjiku Mbagu, Nurse at Parklands Kidney Centre: “Nursing has made me a lifelong learner and being part of a great team gives me joy and happiness every day. Happy International Nurses Day to all my nursing colleagues!"
Next time you see a nurse, be sure to tell them “Thank you".