It's Time to Value the Invaluable, Say Ontario Nurses

TORONTO, May 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Sixty-thousand Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) members are preparing to celebrate the invaluable contributions nurses make to health care as Nursing Week 2013 approaches.

ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN and members of ONA's board of directors will attend events throughout the week of May 6 to 12 to mark Nursing Week, held each year in conjunction with the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

"Nursing Week continues to be an opportunity to celebrate the unique and year-round dedication and achievements of nurses," says Haslam-Stroud.

"We have chosen the theme 'Value the Invaluable' for Nursing Week 2013 as it recognizes the incredible value RNs bring to our health care system, and our members' commitment to providing the best care possible for the people of Ontario," she says.

ONA continues to urge members to honour and celebrate the achievements of Ontario's nurses. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness among Ontarians about nursing cuts that are impacting patient care.

"Nursing cuts continue to be a serious matter in Ontario," notes Haslam-Stroud. "We must take action to stop the cuts to nursing positions and hours of care, to address staff shortages and harsh working conditions that threaten the quality of care, and to respect and value Ontario's nurses for their professionalism and dedication."

ONA is the union representing 60,000 front-line registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered practical nurses and allied health professionals as well as more than 14,000 nursing student affiliates providing care in Ontario hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, industry and clinics.

SOURCE: Ontario Nurses' Association

Ontario Nurses' Association

Sheree Bond    [phone], ext. 2430; cell: [phone]; [email protected]

Melanie Levenson   [phone], ext. 2369; [email protected]

Visit us at: www.ona.org; www.Facebook.com/OntarioNurses; www.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses