The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today praised the vital work of nurses as they marked International Nurses' Day. Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, spoke out to highlight the work nurses carry out above and beyond the call of duty, and called for their achievements to be recognised.

Nurses' Day was also marked by The Prime Minister, David Cameron, and key figures from across the political spectrum, including Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Leader of the opposition Ed Miliband, as well as Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. The political leaders all recorded video messages pledging their support for nursing and thanking nurses for their work. Many thousands of people have also signed a pledge in support of nurses on the RCN Nurses' Day website.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary said: "Nurses' Day is an opportunity for all of us, whether we are patients, nurses or politicians, to reflect on the value of a profession whose worth is clearer than ever as we deal with an aging population who increasingly need care. Medical advances are helping people to live longer, but it is nursing which can help them to live well and make those extra years worth having. I am very pleased that in spite of all that is going on in the NHS at the moment, political leaders and MPs of all persuasions have made time to recognise the value of nursing."

As part of his video message, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon David Cameron MP said: "Today, on International Nurses' Day, I would like to pay tribute to the nurses who care for our children, look after our elderly, and wash and feed the sick and vulnerable. Nurses are the beating heart of our treasured National Health Service, and I can say that from personal experience.

He added:
"It is right that today, we should all take a moment to show our nurses just how much we value them, and I hope as many people as possible will join me in signing the Nurses' Day pledge to show their support today."

However, Dr Peter Carter cautioned that the NHS is facing tough times, and an uncertain political and economic situation. He said:

"Nurses are holding the NHS together at the moment, and our worry is that if pressures mount, patients will be the ones to suffer. Nurses know that what they do is more than just a job - and the task of caring for people at difficult times in their lives is uniquely challenging and rewarding. However, goodwill and commitment is not always enough, and many nurses are now contacting us for advice as they are facing redundancy, debt and repossession. In hard times, the important thing is to keep nurses in the profession, and able to give their best to patients."

A recent RCN survey showed that one in five nurses questioned (22 per cent) work in excess of their contracted hour every single shift, with a quarter providing last minute cover for absentee staff at least fortnightly .

A new analysis of calls received by the RCN's welfare unit also shows cause for concern. The early months of 2011 have seen as many as four members each week facing bankruptcy, and calls to the service have gone up by 22 per cent over the last year.

Notes

1. The text of the Nurses' Day pledge states "Nurses are incredible" they help us stay healthy, care for our families and heal our loved ones. I want to say thank you to each and every nurse, that's why I pledge to show my support for Nurses' Day on 12 May."

Source:
Royal College of Nursing