Hobart to glow blue for International Nurses Day

Streets and landmarks surrounding the Royal Hobart Hospital will be illuminated blue most this week as frontline healthcare workers find other ways to celebrate International Nurses Day.

When 2020 was named International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, nobody could have predicted the COVID-19 storm that was soon to unleash on the frontline health workers.

Royal Hobart Hospital clinical nurse educator Jacob Roberts said the COVID-19 challenge had strengthened the bond between staff at the hospital, as they worked to continue to provide the best care to patients.

“Everyone has had to find new ways of going about things. It’s brought people closer together,” Mr Roberts said.

Royal Hobart Hospital nurses (L-R) Jacob Roberts, Pip Rice and Nancy Arnold celebrating International Nurses Day. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Roberts said he was looking forward to celebrating International Nurses Day today, despite the usual celebratory breakfast having been cancelled.

But organisers have found a way to shine a light on the healthcare heroes.

Australian College of Nursing Tasmania Network chair and local nurse Nancy Arnold said Hobart City Council had supported their “Light up the Night for Nurses” campaign, backing the idea to shine blue lights in Hobart from May 11-14 between 5pm and 7am, in recognition of the blue of a nurse’s uniform.

“They said they were delighted to do it,” she said.

Australian College of Nursing Tasmania Network chair and local nurse Nancy Arnold at the Railway Roundabout fountain. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The lights will glow at locations near the Royal Hobart Hospital, including Kennedy Lane, Elizabeth Mall, the Railway Roundabout fountain and Franklin Square.

Ms Arnold encouraged others to hold celebratory breakfasts, either at home, via Zoom or through sharing photos on social media.