At a time when nurses are challenged to give of their best, one noted educator is appealing to nurses to do what is right at all times and go beyond what is expected of them.

Principal of the Hampton High School, Mrs. Heather Murray made the challenge at the inaugural 2016 Nursing Symposium staged by the Southern Regional Health Authority senior nurses on Tuesday, May 31 at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville.

Mrs. Murray told scores of nurses gathered at the Symposium that nursing demands great care but excellence in nursing demands even greater care.

The Principal reminded the nurses of the great contribution of the Jamaican nurse, Mary Seacole who cared selflessly for British soldiers at the battlefront during the Crimean War. She challenged them to display this type of care at all times as “caring above all others is the essential feature of a nurse.”

Director of Human Resources and Industrial Relations at the Southern Regional Health Authority, Mrs. Nicolette Thomas-Edwards who delivered remarks on behalf of the Regional Director, Mr. Michael Bent said the SRHA is committed to nurturing a culture where nurses and other health professionals are motivated to do their best in caring for patients, caring for each other and in having pride in their profession.

The Symposium was staged under the theme, “Pathway to Excellence: Nurses and People in the Practice Setting” and facilitated sessions aimed at enhancing care delivery skills within the nursing profession. This was done through the presentation of research findings and lectures in areas of professionalism, personal health and wellness and health care and customer service.