It is one of the most special days on the calendar in healthcare, but this year’s International Nurses Day took on even more meaning as 2020 is the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

While the obvious challenges of COVID-19 made this year a little different, nurses across Northern Sydney Local Health District came within 1.5 metres of each other to celebrate.

District Director of Nursing and Midwifery Jenny Neilsen paid tribute to the nurses who make such a positive difference to lives on a daily basis.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic we have again seen the best of nursing in the daily displays of dedication, leadership, and commitment," she said.

"As our proud history has shown, and is manifested daily in our work, nurses continue to show compassion, innovation, creativity, resilience and integrity.

"These are extraordinary times, but as always Northern Sydney Local Health District nurses, standing firmly on the shoulders of our historical giants, hold firm to the values of our profession and confidently meet the challenges set before us.

"NSLHD nurses proudly champion best practice and quality safe care, and rightly take their place in nursing history."

NSLHD Chief Executive and former ICU nurse Deb Willcox echoed Jenny’s sentiments.

"There’s no secret this year has been challenging, but I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your hard work and dedication to our patients," Deb said.

"It was a pleasure to meet so many of you over the course of last week; I hope you all had a happy International Nurses Day."

See the 2020 Iinternational Nurses Day.