​Each year, National Nursing Week celebrates the contributions nurses make to support health and wellness across communities. This year’s Nursing Week runs from May 10-16 and the theme is “We Answer the Call”. BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre (BCW) nurses have done more than answer the call; they have gone beyond the call of duty, providing the best possible care through a global pandemic and an opioid crisis Nurses work with dedicated colleagues from many disciplines who are also recognized with gratitude.

FIR nurses care for women and babies safe amid an opioid overdose crisis and the pandemic

The nursing team at BCW’s Families in Recovery (FIR) unit has had an extraordinarily challenging year and they continue to answer the call. These nurses support women using substances throughout their pregnancy and afterwards while operating a dedicated nursery that assists and supports families caring for infants.

“Keeping moms and babies together and preventing overdoses while providing best practice nursing care during a dual pandemic is no small accomplishment here on FIR,” says Cathy Zarchynski, Patient Care Coordinator. 

Following complex care plans—including  Naloxone training, COVID-19 education and ensuring hierarchies of control were followed—has been difficult, but the FIR nursing team rose to the occasion.

Says Cathy to all of her nursing colleagues at BCW: “You have what it takes to answer the call, to make a difference, to save a life and keep a family together. These are very difficult times and you may be stretched to the limit. Take care of yourself, your family and be sure to remember you are so valuable, respected and appreciated.”

“We have such incredible nurses across all of our programs at BCW who have done so much over this past year to make sure that we continue excellent quality of care. We honour each and every one of you and all the contributions you make everyday and the dedication and passion that you serve with,” adds Cheryl Davies, Chief Operating Officer, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.  

If you would like to submit a message of thanks to a nurse or health care provider, you can submit it here.