Today, May 12th, on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) is writing to extend a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all nurses worldwide.
We celebrate today, this week, and this year, in observance of the World Health Organization’s 2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, as well as both National Nurses Week (May 6-May 12) in the United States and the International Council of Nurses’ (ICN) International Nurses Day (May 12th).
Additionally, the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) has designated 2020 as the Year of the Addictions Nurse, in honor of all of the nurses that work within our specialty, or in other specialties that serve individuals with substance use disorders and other behavioral health problems.
This year, more than ever, nurses and midwives are demonstrating their skills, knowledge, and compassion, and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, their bravery and courage.
Whether you are on the front lines of this unprecedented pandemic, working in another direct-care environment, or working in administration, education, or research, your tireless efforts, meaningful contributions, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
IntNSA recognizes your work and is honored to thank you for caring for us, our friends, our families, and our communities across the globe.
As Annette Kennedy, ICN President, says in the first ever State of the World’s Nursing report launched amid COVID19 pandemic:
“Politicians understand the cost of educating and maintaining a professional nursing workforce, but only now are many of them recognising their true value. Every penny invested in nursing raises the wellbeing of people and families in tangible ways that are clear for everyone to see. ……. The nursing contribution …confirms that investment in the nursing profession is a benefit to society, not a cost.”
For more information on the Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020 see https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020 or download the State of the World’s Nursing Report – 2020 from the following link https://www.who.int/publications-detail/nursing-report-2020
IntNSA Conference 2020: Please note that, due to Covid-19, we have had to reschedule our October 2020 conference which will now be held in the fall of 2021 in Calgary (dates will be confirmed shortly).
But all is not lost for 2020! We are happy to announce that we are now planning our first virtual global conference!! We know that nobody can sit in front of a computer screen for 3 or 4 days straight. Therefore, our “2020 Vision: Year of the Addictions Nurse” conference will be going online for the entire month of October 2020. We are building an eLearning portal which will provide us with the opportunity to come together and celebrate our year. We are reopening the Call for Abstracts for a brief period of time. Continue to monitor the IntNSA website (www.intnsa.org) and stay tuned for more information.
