Celebrated since 1974, International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated each year on the 12th of May- the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, widely considered the founder of modern nursing. With the assistance of the International Council of Nurses, a global theme is agreed. This year the theme is encouraging nurses internationally to extend the use of Closing the Gap: Increasing Access and Equity. Ms Rosemary Bryant, President International Council of Nurses, said, The ability to access health services is key to improving the health, well-being and life expectancy of all. Yet, achieving this fundamental requirement remains limited by cost, language, proximity, policies and practices, as well as many other factors. As the principal and, in some cases, the only group of health professionals providing primary health care in many of the most challenging settings, nurses are essential to improving equity and access to health care and adding quality to the outcome of care. It also shines a light on the importance of the social determinants of health, demonstrating how nurses can address these and in so doing improve access and ensure equity in the care provided.
RCSI Bahrain held an event to mark IND, in the campus main building. Six different stations manned by each of the four undergraduate years, Alumni and staff saw a competition between all to raise money for Alia: for Early Intervention. The mission of this Bahrain charity is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals with behavioral & communication difficulties. Education, advocacy at all levels, active public awareness and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of the societys efforts to realise its mission.
The decision to have an interactive day was that of the universitys Student Nursing Society. Speaking on behalf of the students, Ms Mariam Mattar class representative said, International Nurses Day (IND) is a worldwide event and we took the chance to celebrate it this year as a fun event and to raise money for a local charity. With stations that catered for every need, from henna to cupcakes, medical games to a fashion show, a fun time was had by both staff and students.