To celebrate International Nurses Day on 12 May, we hear from Canada-based former University of the West of Scotland (UWS) student David Ritchie.

David, who graduated in Mental Health Nursing from UWS, is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse working in British Columbia, Canada.

Enrolling in 2003 at the then University of Paisley (now UWS Paisley Campus), David worked as a community health nurse following graduation in 2006, working in Scotland for 7 years before emigrating.

Talking about nursing as a career, David said: “What I love most are the opportunities we get to connect with people from all walks of life.”

“Nursing has given me a deeper insight into how health challenges can go beyond a diagnosis and impact all aspects of a person’s life. It has shown me how people who often feel hopeless can discover inner strength and resilience to overcome personal health problems. Being in mental health nursing has provided some of the happiest and hardest times in my life.”

In 2013 David choose to emigrate to Canada, taking on a nursing role with Northern Health who deliver health care services across northern British Columbia, Canada, including acute care, mental health, public health, addictions, and home and community care. Covering almost two-thirds of BC’s geography, they are a recognised leader in rural and remote health care.

 “I met my partner and started a family here in Dawson Creek, and we have our quiet little piece of paradise out in the beautiful countryside. The North is great for all year-round outdoor activities: hiking, camping in the summer, snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter”, added David.

When asked the one thing that he wished everyone knew about the job nurses do David commented: “We do what we do not because of our education or obligation, but because of our desire to make a difference.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) European Region celebrates International Nurses Day on 12 May, held each year on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.  

This year’s theme for International Nurses Day is the ‘economic power of care’. Despite being the backbone of health-care provision, nurses often face financial constraints and their role is frequently undervalued. This year’s international day aims to reshape perceptions of nursing, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.