National Nursing Week – May 12-18, 2025
The theme for this year’s National Nursing Week is “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.” This theme resonates with the work being done every day by nurses across our city—especially at Ottawa Public Health.
Nurses at OPH are champions for community health. They contribute meaningfully to improving the health and well-being for the residents of Ottawa. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment make them invaluable assets in addressing the underlying determinants of health within communities and promoting health equity.
The theme The Power of Nurses to Transform, selected by the Canadian Nurses Association, emphasizes how nurse-led innovations are enhancing patient care and reshaping the way it is delivered. Here are just a few highlights that showcase this incredible work at OPH:
In Sexual Health Services, nurses are leading the way with initiatives like GetaKit, a groundbreaking HIV/STI testing platform that has increased access to equitable, timely sexual health services in Ottawa.
OPH nurses are leading innovative approaches to addictions and substance use health by addressing substance use stigma and building capacity with future medical and nursing students—a growing initiative that’s leaving a legacy of compassion and understanding in patient care.
In Immunization, nurses have partnered with the Kids Come First Health Team and regional partners to successfully implement the Vaccinate and Up-to-Date Initiative. This initiative has been central in helping restore routine pediatric vaccination post-pandemic.
And behind the scenes, OPH nurses are advancing digital transformation and building a culture of continuous quality improvement, ensuring our systems reflect the values of ethics, client-centeredness, and excellence in care. This week, we honour the contributions of nurses at OPH and their achievements in shaping policy, inspiring change, and building a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in our community
