Ulster University staff and students celebrated International Nurses’ Day 2021

International Nurses’ Day, on 12^th May 2021, was celebrated wholeheartedly by Ulster University staff and students. The sun was shining as colleagues and students took up the challenge of completing a 5k walk/run/cycle to both celebrate the day and to promote getting active.

People got involved on campus and from home, and completing a 5k walk/run/cycle was not only a great way to celebrate International Nurses’ Day but to also promote a healthier lifestyle. For over a year, many of us have been spending long periods of time in front of our computer screens, and the challenge to take a break, get some fresh air and get moving has been welcomed.

International Nurses’ Day  is an international day observed around the world on 12 May of each year, to mark the contributions that nurses make to society, and this year, it provided a great opportunity for launching a new online resource for anyone in Northern Ireland considering a career in nursing.  Visit Nursing NI to find out more about studying nursing and how to apply.

Professor Sonja McIlfatrick, Head of the School of Nursing, applauded the efforts of those who celebrated International Nurses’ Day, saying:

“It was fantastic to see both staff and students getting active and completing their 5k runs/walks/cycles to celebrate the nursing profession. Now more than ever, it’s vital we show our support for our fellow nurses, who have been working tirelessly, especially over the past year, keeping people safe and providing life-saving care.

“Within the university, our own staff and students have also been  providing essential care in practice settings and contributing to the education of the future workforce, another reason why it is so important that we celebrate the contribution of  nursing and midwifery.”

Diane Lyttle, Lecturer in Nursing, also recognised the efforts made to celebrate International Nurses’ Day, saying:

“We had a beautiful day to celebrate our fellow nurses, and to encourage staff and students to get moving with a 5k walk/run/cycle. It’s brilliant to be able to promote a healthy lifestyle and also celebrate the nursing profession and the selfless work that nurses do. Getting out and completing the 5k was good training for the 13 mile hike across the Causeway Coast I am completing for Macmillan Cancer Support next month.”

Diane Lyttle will be completing a 13-mile hike across the Causeway Coast for Macmillan Cancer support on 26th June 2021.

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