The White Heart award (source: TASR)
Altogether 31 nurses and midwives will be awarded for their care and humanity in nursing care on May 12, on the occasion of the International Nurses Day.
The Slovak Chamber of Nurses and Midwives (SKSaPA) will present them with the White Heart award at the ceremony held under the auspices of President Andrej Kiska.
“The White Heart award is a symbol of care, knowledge and humanity,” said Iveta Lazorová, head of SKSaPA.
The white heart was picked as a symbol of nurses in 1999, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of founding the International Council of Nurses. The heart represents humane communication and help, while the white colour represents the blending of all colours, which should represent the perception of a nurse by all people across the globe, Lazorová explained.
Being a nurse is not only demanding, but also undervalued in Slovakia. Thus, the acknowledgement of their work by the president is a big moral recognition for them, Lazorová said.
More than 200 nurses and midwives from across Slovakia will attend the May 12 ceremony. At its 10th jubiliee year, altogether 31 nurses will be awarded: 19 in the category Nurse and Midwife in Practice, six in the category Nurse and Midwife – Manager, five in the category Nurse and Midwife – Teacher, and one for her life-long contribution to the profession.
May 12 was selected as International Nurses Day to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingale, an English social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing.
