Louth nurses honoured with awards on International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day 2023 was celebrated once again in Louth Hospitals last week.

Events to mark the occasion were held on Friday in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and Thursday in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk.

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually around the world on the birthday of Florence Nightingale to mark the contributions Nurses make to society. This year the theme was ‘Our Nurses; Our Future”.

As part of the events, winners of the annual nursing awards were announced at a ceremony in Louth Hospital.

Orla Fitzimons was given the Preceptor of the year Award for her commitment to teaching students.

Presenting the award, Yveonne Burke Assistant Director of Nursing said:

“Preceptor of the year Award is awarded for the commitment and teaching to students in their CLE.

“The nominee this year has been commended for her guidance and support to students. In particular making the time that they fully understand what they are doing.

“Making the learning easier and done in a very kind and calm manner. A key quality includes her ability to be able to assess the needs of the student not just the year they are in, or speciality of General or Mental Health, but the individuality with which Orla treats the student. Well done a credit to you.”

Winner of the Nightingale Award was Michelle Finnegan, presenting the accolade, Assistant Director of Nursing Yvonne Burke said:

“This has been awarded to one of our nurses who has been recognised by her colleagues for the exceptional care she gives to her patients and whom her colleagues value for her kindness, knowledge and support.

“One of the kindest nurses I have met in my 20 years of nursing, she is so caring and [shows] so much empathy towards her patients. She so deserves this award and is such a special nurse.”

The final award was the Director of Nursing award, which was given to Niamh Lynn.

Presenting the award Adrian Cleary Director of Nursing said:

“The Director of Nursing Prize was awarded to Niamh Lynn for her significant and enduring contribution to Nursing Care.

“Niamh has demonstrated Nursing leadership in the development of day and ambulatory Services Louth County with a focus on person centred Nursing Care and enabling access for our community to contemporary day therapies and procedures over a number of years.”

Additionally, as part of International Nurses Day, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital celebrated with a ‘Festival of Nursing’ celebrating the inclusivity and diversity of their world class nursing team.

There were posters, stands, quizzes with spot prizes held throughout the day.

The wards and units were focused on “The Building Blocks of Nursing” and had posters on display highlighting what is important to their area of expertise.

Members of the public had the opportunity to view much of this work.

Many Special guests visited the hospital on the day, including his Excellency, Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra, the Indian ambassador to Ireland.

Director of Nursing, Mr Adrian Cleary said:

“There are just over 1,000 Nurses employed across our hospitals.

“The care, compassion and commitment delivered by individual Nurses and Nursing teams has, and will continue to be, at the very heart of healthcare delivery ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

“Today, on International Nurses Day, we celebrate that contribution to our community and to our society in general.”