Letter to the Editor

National Nursing Week was May 11-17. This year’s theme is ‘Nurses: with you every step of the way.’

What comes to your mind when you think of a nurse? Do you know what nurses do?

Interior Health employs approximately 300 registered nurses and almost 120 licensed practical nurses just in the Cranbrook/Kimberley area. Three nurse practitioner positions are also dedicated to supporting patient care in our area.

In Canada, there are almost 300,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners; 75,000 Licensed practical nurses; and 5,600 Registered Psychiatric Nurses. Each of these groups is accountable to their respective provincial licensing body and has its own scope of practice. This means that they adhere to high professional standards of practices and codes of ethics.

With the exception of Quebec, Registered Nurses must complete a four-year university degree, registered psychiatric nurses complete a minimum of a two-year diploma program, and licensed practical nurses now complete a two-year program.

Nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists must complete their nursing degree and a master’s degree and complete a rigorous competency process.  In addition to their entry-level education, many nurses complete additional educational programs and degrees.

Nurses who work in specialty settings (such as intensive care, emergency, and maternity to name a few) may require additional education and training.

If you require health care services in B.C., you will encounter nurses. In Cranbrook alone, nurses work in varied settings, both within Interior Health and for other agencies and organizations. They are employed in residential care, community programs, aboriginal health, public health, and hospital settigs.  Nurses practice in five major areas of responsibility:  direct care (including preventive care), education, administration, research, and policy.  They make a difference every single day.

Nurses provide highly skilled assessments and interventions that improve the quality of care you receive, reduce the risk of an adverse event, and improve health outcomes.  Nurses promote healthy living, assist in chronic disease prevention and management, and facilitate the transition throughout the health care system.  Nurses work with people and support their families throughout the life cycle.

Every day, nurses encounter situations that are happy, miraculous, challenging, sad, and truly heartbreaking. Nurses make a difference and will work with you, support you, advocate for you, and care for you every step of the way.

The management team at East Kootenay Regional Hospital wants to thank and celebrate our nurses!

Interior Health

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