The GPSU is pleased to recognise the efforts of all nurses in upholding high standards while serving humanity, on the occasion of International Nurses Day, even as it calls on regulatory bodies to negotiate fair terms of agreements for their service.

According to a press release observances are being held under the theme ‘Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Chronic Care.’ The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said nurses are tasked with continued service to humankind, within hospitals and communities, even in the face of adversity and financial restraints.

In the light of this the Union calls on all Regulatory Bodies of Health and the Nursing Council to make reasonable decisions and negotiate fair terms of agreement as it pertains to the ‘Proposed Nurses and Midwives Bill-2010.’ Nurses in Guyana who have gone through the channels of the three-year programme and registered nurses must be recognised as the professionals they were trained to be.

The GPSU said it is conscious of the hazards nurses face and the negligible rewards obtained from the unwavering commitment to their work.
“Poor working conditions; long hours, unsafe environments, undersupplied resources and dangers arising from abusive patients and relatives particularly at mental wards are just a few of the challenges that a nurse may face…daily,” the release said.
The Union added that though it appears that health funding has increased it is not reflected in the measures being taken to protect and support nurses. It calls on the authorities to seriously address the risk nurses face as they strive to provide good healthcare.