International Nurses' Day 2020
12th May 2020
12 May is the International Day of the Nurse where people all over the world recognise the important role of nurses in their communities. On this day we also celebrate the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale. Nightingale is credited as being the founder of modern nursing and is recognised for her role in providing care for soldiers during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
The Coronavirus pandemic is an important reminder of the vital role nurses play in delivering frontline treatment and care. At the Royal Hospital's Infirmary we spoke with Staff Nurse Beata Luniewska-Maizeroi about International Nurses Day and her experience nursing.
When did you join the Royal Hospital Chelsea?
I have been a Staff Nurse at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for 6 years now.
How long have you been nursing for?
I have been a Nurse for 23 years. I started my nursing career in my native Poland and left as a Senior ICU Nurse.
Do you have any highlights during your career?
There are several, mostly related to working in an Intensive Care Unit environment, assisting very ill patients in their recovery. It's always very emotional when patients are going home - it's a very rewarding job, as is working with the residents here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Have you worked with veterans before and do you find it different to other care settings?
What are some of the challenges of your work?
I have to say the long hours. I work on the dementia ward, which has it's challenges. It's hard work and there are good days and bad days.
Can you tell us something about you? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love going for long walks, sometimes up to two and a half hours. I also love exercising; when I don't exercise I feel like something is missing. I try to go to the theater as often as I can and I'm an avid reader. I also enjoy crosswords and reading true crime stories.
The theme for International Nurses Day this year is ‘Nursing the world to health’ – do you have any thoughts on this given the current crisis?
Just to reiterate how important it is for us all to wash our hands and follow the current government advice. Additionally, my thoughts are with the health workers doing their utmost for each and everyone afflicted by this virus.
