Happy National Nursing Week!

National Nursing Week is being recognized across Canada this week, May 6–12. It’s an important opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions nurses make every day and in so many ways.

Nurses are at the forefront of health care innovation contributing to advancements in treatments, technologies and patient care practices. You are leaders, mentors and educators who continuously demonstrate your commitment to learn and adapt, to shape the future of health care.

This National Nursing Week, I want to recognize you, the nurses of Ontario, for your dedication, compassion and competencies that truly impact lives like no other profession. Thank you for the difference you make for patients, students, colleagues and your community, wherever you are. In my thanks, I also include the more than 80 nurses I have the privilege of working with at CNO.

Nurses build trust through care, compassion and expertise. It’s the foundation for building bridges of understanding and bringing about transformative change. My nursing practice experiences still guide me today. Being a nurse influences how I lead. It continues to fuel my commitment to protect the public, by promoting safe nursing practice informed by evidence, diverse perspectives and broad consultation.

On behalf of the CNO team, I also want to express thanks and appreciation for your partnership in public safety and for sharing your experiences, knowledge and feedback with us through our committees, surveys, consultations and the recent Workforce Census.

This week is about you! I hope you will reflect on your accomplishments, the important impact you make each and every day and take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate your nursing colleagues.

Best regards,

Silvie Crawford, RN, CNO Registrar/Executive Director and CEO

Protecting the public by promoting safe nursing practice.