Nurses: the heart of health care
Where would the world be without nurses, those caring, compassionate and dedicated people in sensible shoes whose capable hands have touched all of our lives in one way or another? It’s true. Whether they’ve taken our temperature, given us shots (ouch!) to keep us well, or helped one of our loved ones get better, nurses have always been there for us.
Did you know that the first trained nurses in Canada were a trio of nuns who were sent by France in 1639 to help missionaries struggling in the “wilds” of the New World? Today, 350-plus years later there are more than a quarter of a million registered nurses in our country, working in our communities, hospitals and clinics, educational institutions, and businesses.
This year marks a special milestone for the Canadian Nurses Association—its 100th anniversary. To celebrate the centennial of this remarkable association and the important contributions that registered nurses have made to our country, Canada Post issued a domestic rate (52¢) stamp on June 16, 2008.
As caregivers, teachers and administrators, Canadian nurses are a vital part of our country, and as many would say, are truly at the heart of our health-care system.
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