toh

May 8, 2012 – Nursing is their profession, compassion is their strength.

The Ottawa Hospital employs over 4,800 nurses who provide care for hundreds of thousands of people in the Ottawa community and surrounding areas every year. The Ottawa Hospital could not function without the commitment and hard work of nurses. They treat patients when ill, give them hope when they are doubtful, and give sound advice and compassionate care that we would want for our loved ones.

This year, Dr. Ginette Rodger, Senior Vice-President of Professional Practice and Chief Nursing Executive at The Ottawa Hospital, was honoured to be invited to launch nursing week at St. Michael’s Hospital before leading the celebration back in Ottawa. A group of hard-working nurses have organized a week full of events to celebrate nursing at The Ottawa Hospital, including a poster contest by children, a volleyball tournament, a nursing-skills fair, and much more. The week ends with a luncheon on Friday to thank nurses of The Ottawa Hospital and recognize their work by awarding prizes for outstanding achievements.

Each year TOH nurses select a community group to support through their Nursing Week activities. This year they are making a donation to Ottawa Inner City Health, a program that aims to improve the health and access to health care for people who are chronically homeless. They are also supporting the Nightingale Gala, organized by the Canadian Nurses Foundation, which provides nurses with financial support for education and research.

“Nursing Week is a week of celebration and a chance to recognize The Ottawa Hospital as a leader in nursing across the country,” said Dr. Ginette Rodger, Senior Vice-President of Professional Practice and Chief Nursing Executive. “If you have a chance to say thank you to a nurse, it’s a good opportunity.”