They are often the unsung heroes when someone is in need.

Saskatchewan continues to see an increasing number of nurses providing care to residents across the province.  Since 2007, 3,800 nurses have joined the province’s nursing workforce, a 30 per cent increase.  In total, almost 16,500 nurses of all designations are now practicing in Saskatchewan.

May 6th to 12th is National Nursing week, and the theme this year is A Voice to Lead – Health for All. Designed to reflect the fact that every nurse has a story and every story
has the potential to improve the health system and enable individuals and communities to achieve their highest attainable standard of health.

The week draws attention to nurses, increasing the awareness of the public, policy-makers and governments of the many contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians.

“Nurses are on the front lines of our health care system, making important contributions to the health and well-being of our residents,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said.  “We’ve made significant investments in recruitment and retention of nurses over the past decade, and we’ve seen solid growth.”

Amber Watkinson, clinic nurse in Moose Jaw, said they are the go between for many different people and departments.
"We're there to support our doctors and ensure that we can provide the best patient care possible. We act as a liaison between our patients and other health care specialists like surgeons, the lab, diagnostic imaging, home care, as well as long term care."

According to the latest available data, 11,533 registered nurses, 267 nurse practitioners, 3,820 licensed practical nurses and 835 registered psychiatric nurses are practicing in Saskatchewan.  Overall, there has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of nurses compared to 2007. 

In 1971, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) designated May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses Day. In 1985, CNA members passed a resolution to begin negotiations with the federal government to have the week containing May 12 proclaimed as National Nurses Week annually. Soon after, the federal minister of health proclaimed the second week of May as National Nurses Week.

In 1993, the name was changed to National Nursing Week to emphasize the profession's accomplishments as a discipline.

“I want to thank nurses of all designations for their service to Saskatchewan people,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit said.  “Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to continue building a strong nursing workforce in our province.”