A heartfelt letter for International Nurses Day
As we mark the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, Jayne Cooper, Director of Clinical Services, and a recipient of the prestigious 'Florence Nightingale Foundation Children and Young People Leadership Scholarship', has written a heartfelt letter honouring the passion and dedication shown by her profession.
Dear sirs,
When 2020 was declared the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in celebration of the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale (12 May), no one would have foreseen a global crisis where this profession would move to the heart of our daily discourse. Around the world, nurses are working tirelessly, alongside other frontline staff, caring for the sick all hours of the day and night, even sacrificing their own personal health.
As a children’s nurse for over 23 years, I have never been prouder of my profession! This pandemic is the biggest challenge nurses have faced since the war, and they are meeting it with the same grit and determination as ever before. Being a nurse is not what you do, it’s who you are, and that has never resonated more-so. Nurses at The Children’s Trust and all over the world are going above and beyond to save lives. We must all acknowledge their dedication, compassion and outstanding professionalism. It is always a real privilege to work alongside you.
Jayne Cooper, Director of Clinical Services, The Children’s Trust.
