PSA pays tribute to nurses

In a message to mark International Nurses Day which was observed yesterday, Baptiste-Primus said TT would not be able to progress without the services of “some of the most loyal and dedicated citizenry — nurses.”

She said International Nurses Day was reserved for the special, loyal and dedicated groups of people who were too often taken for granted.

“Nursing the sick is service in its highest form, it is service involving hard work that brings little material reward. It demands unselfishness, a will to work and above all, a sense of vocation,” the PSA boss said. Baptiste-Primus added that TT nurses received few decorations and maybe ignored because they were seen as “just another worker in the scheme of things.”

She said while Florence Nightingale’s name is still revered the world over, people may overlook the fact that the tradition of the ‘Lady of the Lamp’ was still carried on.

Baptiste-Primus said within communities some of these unique, courageous and devoted nurses were integral parts of the spirit of the nursing service.

Admitting that while some nurses may not be living up to expectation, Baptiste-Primus said others were carrying out their tasks almost anonymously.

“They do what they are trained to do not seeking praise but only asking that they be treated with the respect and dignity that is necessary for a job well done.”

Baptiste-Primus called for nurses to continue being loyal and dedicated patriots, as well as advocates for those who fall within their purview.