According to SERHA, the role of nurses worldwide is one of innovation. "Quite often, such innovative activities are motivated and inspired to improve patient-care delivery. The diversity of activities displayed by our nurses reflects the very important nature of their profession," said SERHA.

International Nurses' Day is being celebrated under the theme 'Delivering Quality, Serving Communities - Nurses Leading Care Innovations'.

More challenged

The regional body said nurses worked in all settings, with all types of patients, families, communities, health-care personnel and persons in other sectors.

"Never before have we seen our nurses more challenged than in this global environment, where they are asked to address current and future health challenges, such as an ageing population, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, and potential increases in non-communicable diseases, poverty, limited resources and workforce shortages."

SERHA said while the Government of Jamaica was investing heavily in health care, the business sector needed to play a more vital role.