No question ‘taboo’ for nurses

The global spotlight is firmly focused on nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak and now they are stepping up to answer the “taboo” questions as part of this year’s International Nurses Day on May 12.

The “You can’t ask that! Nurses Edition” webinar is the opportunity for the community to ask questions from leaders in their fields.

CDU College of Nursing and Midwifery Dean Professor Catherine Turner AM said she encouraged people to ask about the things they had always wanted to know.

“We encourage people to be brave and ask away – no question is too silly or off-limits,” Professor Turner said.

She said many of the questions submitted so far were related to the COVID-19 outbreak, while others broached the issue of gender equality.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on the anniversary of the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. This year is the 200^th anniversary of her birth and the WHO-designated year of the nurse and midwife.

“The 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife is about shining the global spotlight on the importance of nurses and midwives,” Professor Turner said.

“Globally there are 27.9 million nurses who make up almost 60% of any health care system, the largest single health professional group.” 

Professor Turner said that during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 outbreak, it was nurses who were relied on to care and treat COVID-19 patients.

“We have shown the world how valuable our profession is and what an essential service we provide to humankind globally,” she said. “CDU plays a vital role in educating and graduating nurses for the Northern Territory and to do that well we need collaboration with our NT health partners.”

The joint initiative with Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at NT Health and CDU Adjunct Professor Sue Hawes aims to address the topic “Making a difference: collaboration across education and health service sectors” and highlight what nurses can aspire to achieve together.

To allow preparation and the smooth running of the webinar, please email your question/s to:  CONMcommunications@cdu.edu.au.  

Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous when your question is answered or if you are happy for the audience to know your first name. The deadline for questions in May 8.

The webinar will be held on at 12:00PM (EST) on Tuesday, 12 May.