Tomorrow, Tuesday, 12th May, is International Nurses' Day, which shines a light on the wonderful work that nurses do every day.

To celebrate our colleagues, we have been hearing from our Community Nursing teams. Based out in people's homes and at Dean Clough in Halifax, our Community Nurses provide fantastic support to our patients, as well as playing a vital role in helping patient flow in our hospitals. 

Before we hear from some of the nursing team, here is just a snapshot of the feedback they receive:

• Palliative Care: "You are all shining lights and a credit to the NHS."
• Bladder and Bowel: "Emma made me regain my confidence and offered unwavering advice and empathy... I am able to go out once again thanks to her nursing knowledge and care."
• Rehab and Reablement: "I feel so much weight lifted off my shoulders."

Here's what some of our team told us about what it's like being a Community Nurse:

Nursing Associate, Shauna Morrow-Lloyd, said: "The role, in a word, is different. Every day is unique and rewarding. Working in the community gives you an opportunity to really get to know your patients and build a rapport. It feels more personable.

District Nurse, Abigail Crowther, said: "I love every part of working as a district nurse in the community. I like seeing different patients in different environments. It's the best of both worlds because I get to be patient-facing but also get to manage staff."

District Nurse, Maria Greenwood, said: "We have regular team meetings and interact with each other via WhatsApp every day. We make sure we see each other's faces - even if it's just over Teams."

Healthcare Assistant, Frailty at Home Team, Mabel Ayo-Ajayi, said: "My role is fun. It's adventurous because no two days are the same. You learn a lot and you learn to take responsibility for your patients because you are mostly working on your own.

"As a team we do have daily catch ups, and there is an open line of communication between us. Everyone is just a phone call away."

District Nurse, Nicola Burnell (pictured second from right in the main image), said: "The job is so rewarding - everything we do is for our patients, so when we get really nice feedback from them or their families, it makes it all worth it."

Thank you to all our wonderful nurses. 

Staff Nurse, Andrea Moore, who works on the Stroke Floor at CRH has created a poem to celebrate all the team do: 

On Ward 7 the lights shine bright,
Healing hands work day and night,
Physically tough, mentally too,
But somehow smiles still carry through.

Buzzers ringing, bells all sound,
Alarms are chiming all around,
Yet through the chaos, calm appears,
With caring hearts through hopes and fears.

So here’s to the nurses of Ward 7 today,
Heroes in blue who lead the way,
From A&E to rehab wards,
You answer every patient’s call.
Tea and coffee keep you strong,
Chocolate, biscuits, sing-song songs,
With laughter echoing down the bay, Happy Nurses' Day!

Stroke nurses meet patients first,
When fear and worry feel the worst,
Working closely with the team,
Giving comfort, hope and dreams.

Acute Stroke Unit starts the fight,
Rehabilitation brings back light,
Recovery may take some time,
But every small step is a climb.

Bridge morning huddles, evening too,
Keeping everyone in the loop,
Updates shared so none fall behind,
A team connected heart and mind.

Sarah guiding with steady care,
Becky and Randolf always there,
International nurses’ side by side,
With camaraderie and pride.

So thank you nurses, every one,
For all the miracles you’ve done,
For every hand you’ve held so tight,
For every dark turned back to light.

Florence Nightingale would say
You honour nursing every day,
With kindness, courage, strength always,

Happy Nurses' Day.