ISHAKA – Kampala International University (KIU) Teaching Hospital just like other hospitals all over the world, will be commemorating International Nurses day scheduled for May 12, 2020. The hospital also revealed it will be enhancing the contribution of nursing documentation, as a way of celebrating the day.
A nursing documentation is a record of nursing care that is planned and delivered to individual clients by qualified nurses or other caregivers under the direction of a qualified nurse. It contains information in accordance with the steps of the nursing process.
The patient’s file describes his current situation and reflects the entire nursing process.
This aids in communication among the professionals of the health system through the exchange of information that concerns the patient, creation of the patient care plan, control of the health organizations, research, education and compensation.
However, this year’s Nurses’ Day will be commemorated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
Now, more than ever, nurses nationwide are also turning to the public for support amid the coronavirus pandemic. Nurses, along with other health workers, are on the front line, battling the deadly virus each day. Health officials say you can help show support and appreciation for nurses and other health professionals by slowing the spread of COVID-19. That includes staying home as much as you can, keeping a safe distance, washing your hands often, covering your cough, and other good hygiene habits.
Sr Elizabeth Kamahoro, the Principal Nursing Officer (PNO) at the hospital called on nurses to face the pandemic with courage and protect themselves from being the next casualties.
“This is a calling for us to fight the fight she (Florence Nightingale) fought before. She started the nursing profession during the Crimean War in late 1854,” she said.
“So, this could not be a coincidence that when we celebrate her 200th anniversary, a pandemic had to show up,” she added.
She expressed faith that the nurses will draw inspiration from last year’s successful effort to organize the departments using the 5 S’s.
“Last year we did the 5 Ss, which are; Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize and Sustain, to organize the departments and it was successful. So, we decided, let’s do documentation this year,” Sr Kamahoro said.
KIU Teaching Hospital Nursing department’s organized staff structure was one of the factors considered while naming them this year’s All-Pro American Nurse International award Winners.
This year’s nurses day will be celebrated under the theme; A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health. This ambitious theme was chosen by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).