May 12 is a special date to remember every year for International Nurses Day, but in 2020 it's especially important.
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Tasmanian nurses were on the frontlines before the pandemic, are on the frontlines during the pandemic and will be on the frontlines after it.
It proves timely to recognise nurses on Tuesday, with this year's theme 'nursing the world to health'.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian branch secretary Emily Shepherd said nurses had sacrificed time with their families and loved ones to care for those in need during the pandemic.
"Nurses have courageously and selflessly stepped up to protect the health and wellbeing of their patients at a time of fear and unknown," she said.
"Tragically, this has meant that across the world many nurses have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus and in some cases, lost their lives as a result."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Ms Shepherd said this year the day went hand in hand with the World Health Organisation's International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
She said the day also marked the 200th anniversary of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale's birth.
"International Nurses Day is about recognising, celebrating, and thanking nurses around the world for their outstanding and tireless contribution to their profession, patients, and community at large," she said.
"While we do want to celebrate the incredible contribution of nurses in Tasmania today as in other years, we also want to pay tribute to our overseas colleagues who have lost their lives treating and caring for patients with COVID-19."
The ANMF Tasmania branch will host a vigil on its Facebook page on May 12 at 7pm to pay tribute to the nurses who have lost their lives during the pandemic.
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