Honouring nursing practice on International Nurses' Day.

Award ceremonies were a major feature of International Nurses' Day celebrations around the country last month.

Capital and Coast District Health Board (DHB) marked the day with the inaugural primary health care nurses' scholarships and awards, initiated by director of nursing for primary health care, Eldred Gilbert. Five nurses received awards of $1000 each.

Public health nurse Sena Tala, who works in the Porirua area, won her award for services to nursing in the Pacific context. She is studying towards a master's degree.

Practice nurse Helen Dryden, who works at the Raumati Road Surgery, won her award for nursing leadership. She has worked in primary health care nursing for 28 years and recently completed a diploma in primary health care through Otago University.

Accredited practice nurse Maureen Stringer, who works at Ora Toa surgery in Cannon's Creek won the scholarship award. With a special interest in Care Plus and chronic diseases management, she has enrolled with Otago University to do a paper on chronic disease management.

Awarded for services to Maori, Faith Ropata, who works for Ora Toa Maorii service provider in Porirua, has a special interest in immunisation co-ordination and outreach service.

Island by Medical Centre accredited practice nurse Liz Dutton was awarded for clinical excellence. She has a special interest in diabetes and has extensive experience in caring for people with dermatological conditions.

* Celebrating International Nurses' Day in Christchurch, the Canterbury DHB again showcased how Canterbury nurses are involved in new and innovative nursing initiatives across the primary, secondary and tertiary health sectors.

Senior nurses from across the DHB, NZNO, Pegasus Health, Healthcare New Zealand and Nurse Maude Association worked collaboratively to organise the showcase as a way of acknowledging talented Canterbury nurses.

Held at Christchurch Hospital, the awards included the Christchurch Hospital Trophy of Nursing Excellence. This went to Belinda Mortlock who works in a general medical ward. The CDHB has also established 21 nursing and midwifery awards, with recipients receiving a $1000 cheque towards study or educational expenses. Nurses were nominated by their peers in three different categories--excellence in clinical practice, making a difference to patient outcomes and the most valuable preceptor award. Mental health nursing awards were presented at a study day and celebration on May 11.

* NZNO marked International Nurses' Day on May 10, following the Wellington Regional Convention. Guest speakers were professional nursing adviser Suzanne Rolls who described how nurses contributed to patient safety and Council of Trade Unions' secretary Carol Beaumont, who praised the activism of NZNO members that was the catalyst for gaining the recent public sector multi-employer collective agreement.