His Excellency Colonel Eng. Khalid Bakalka, Executive Director of Operations, NGHA, Western Region launched the opening ceremony of the World Nursing Day under the slogan "Power of Change" to shed light on the importance of the nursing profession as one of the main fields of health services.
Dr. Elham Bukhari, Director Of Nursing Education, said that the aim of conducting such events is to raise awareness about the importance of nursing in Health.
She added that the International Council of Nurses (ICN) had raised the importance of assigning nursing leaders on all levels to build a high quality work environment, increasing the cooperation between nurses and health care providers, preparing nurses to act properly in the event that certain facilities are not available, and also developing the process of education and learning in order to improve the health system.
In addition, Ms. Bonnie Askdr, Associate Executive Director of Nursing Services, reflected on the importance of the nursing profession and its contribution to the social and economic development.
The World Nursing Day is held every year to honor those who have chosen this profession in order to take care of others. Eng. Bakalka said that NGHA-Jeddah appreciates their efforts and their dedication and spoke on the importance of cooperating with the nursing staff to speed up the patient’s recovery.
He noted that on this day not only is this humanitarian occupation gets celebrated but also in it they remember Rofida Al Aslamiah the first Muslim Nurse. She treated those injured in war and also sett a tent to teach Nursing. Today she considered the first Nursing school in Islam.
He also mentioned that the NGHA’s continued support on the active role of Saudi female nurses and raising their scientific and medical levels.
Ms. Samraa Almstadi, the coordinator of World Nursing Day and a nursing education specialist, said that nursing is an essential profession highly important among the health team. She asserted that the Saudi nurse is well recognized and supported by all officials as she demonstrated herself in practicing in this profession.
In conclusion, Eng. Bakalka honored the nurses who obtained the title of "Employee of the Month" distributed prizes to the winners.