That’s a wrap on National Nursing Week 2026 but only the beginning for the many new nurses who graduated this month. As Nova Scotia’s nursing workforce grows, so does our hope for better, more accessible health care.

The Nursing staff at the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital in Tatamagouche celebrated Nurses week with two days of breakfast. A lovely cake was provided by the ladies auxiliary and cookies were provided by local president Nicole. Prize drawings wrapped up another amazing Nurses week!

Happy Victoria Day! The NSNU office is closed today in observance of this holiday, reopening at 8:30 am tomorrow. Thank you to all our members working this holiday. To those off today, we hope you enjoy your time with friends and family, whether relaxing or making the most of the day.

Today we acknowledge and promote the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The NSNU is committed to advocating for inclusive, safe and accessible spaces where nurses, patients, family members and all healthcare workers are respected and treated equally. #IDAHOBIT2026

The NSNU Office will be closed in observance of Victoria Day on Monday, May 18, reopening at 8:30 AM on Tuesday. We extend our appreciation to all nurses who are working throughout the holiday weekend. Please stay safe.

Today, the IWK NSNU Local once again hosted their annual National Nursing Week Tea for their 1000-plus nurse-members at that site. Always the best refreshments, atmosphere, and camaraderie at this customary NNW festivity. Happy Nursing week to all.

Nurses working at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow found several ways to celebrate National Nursing Week. From axe throwing to sharing a candy cart at the hospital, it was sassy and sweet. Thank you, Aberdeen! Happy NNW all our members at that site.

Nurses, and other proud Bluenosers, were out in full force this week at the CLC Convention, some of Nova Scotia’s finest. And they’ve been vocal!

VON Cape Breton members are taking their Nursing Week celebrations on the road. This tightknit community of nurses are greatly appreciated, year-round. 💙 Please send NNW pics and messages to [email protected]. 📧📸

Nurses are bringing their A game to the Canadian Labour Congress convention in Winnipeg. Never shy to speak their minds, nurses are sending a loud and strong message to government and the business community – NO Two Tier American-Style Healthcare in Canada.

This spring, nursing graduates from StFX University, Dalhousie University (Halifax and Yarmouth campuses), Cape Breton University (including their site at Acadia) and Nova Scotia Community College will cross the stage to collect their hard-earned diplomas and degrees.

The NSNU is proud to celebrate our amazing members in Yarmouth during National Nursing Week - Happy #NNW2026 to all our members at Yarmouth VON. 📸 Share how your Local is marking the occasion - send your photos and stories to [email protected]! 📧

The Canadian Labour Congress Convention in Winnipeg continues today with packed sessions, big ideas, animated debate and a rally where thousands of workers took to the streets to fight for various causes, including health care - saying No to Two-Tier, American-Style Health Care.

Another big National Nursing Week shoutout to all of our members in the Eastern Zone! They held their zonal meeting in beautiful Inverness, with a stunning Cabot Links sunset as the backdrop — a wonderful way to enjoy each other’s company and discuss important issues during Nursing Week.

Yesterday, while in Winnipeg for the 31st Constitutional Convention Canadian Labour Congress, the CFNU hosted a working breakfast. Led by Linda Silas, the "We Care for All" themed meeting presented an opportunity to discuss healthcare priorities, including pharmacare and nursing initiatives.

Happy National Nursing Week to our dedicated members at Colchester Regional Hospital! 🎉 Their Local marked #NNW with snacks and refreshments during the day, while making sure the night shift felt appreciated too with delicious cake deliveries. Send your photos and stories to [email protected]!

Happy National Nursing Week to our amazing members at Strait Richmond Hospital! Their Local celebrated #NNW2026 with a pizza party and treats! 🍕 Thank you to all our #ProudNurses at Strait Richmond Hospital. Please continue to send Local NNW celebration pics to [email protected] 📧

National LPN Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work and commitment of our Licensed Practical Nurse members. LPNs continue to expand their scope of practice, taking on greater responsibilities in patient care and strengthening the impact of their profession.

On May 11, CTV Your Morning Atlantic featured Stephanie Tsicos in conversation with NSNU President Janet Hazelton and one of the founders of the NSNU, Tom Patterson. Together, they reflected on the NSNU’s 50th anniversary, National Nursing Week, and the future of the organization.

Ahead of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) 31st Constitutional Convention in Winnipeg this week, CFNU held a meeting with nurse delegates on Sunday, May 10.

Happy National Nursing Week to our members at Dykeland Lodge! These incredible nurses are celebrating the week with a cupcake delivery from Dykeland Lodge’s CEO and Director of Care to say thank you for all the hard work and dedication.❤️ Send your celebrations to [email protected]!

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world May 12th, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. This year’s theme, Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives, highlights the vital role nurses play in strengthening health systems and improving patient outcomes.

Kicking off National Nursing Week with this cheerful group of nurses from the Medical B Unit at Valley Regional Hospital. We wish all of our members at Valley Regional a very happy #NNW! Find NNW resources, including a message from NSNU President Janet Hazelton, at nsnu.ca/NNW2026.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures in our lives — we celebrate you today. A special nod to the nurses who have inspired the next generation to follow in their footsteps through their compassion, strength and mentorship. Your care and support make all the difference.

CTV’s Stephanie Tsicos dropped by the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union to chat with NSNU’s president, Janet Hazelton and one of the founders of the NSNU, Tom Patterson – former Executive Director of the Nurses’ Union.

Happy Student Nurses Day to all the eager and compassionate nursing students across Nova Scotia! Today, we celebrate your commitment to learning, growth, and the future of healthcare. Keep pushing forward with determination and know that your hard work is greatly appreciated.

NSNU President Janet Hazelton stopped by CUPE picket lines yesterday to show her support and provide words of encouragement to striking long term care workers – the same people who look after our most vulnerable seniors. Thousands of LTC workers have been off the job for almost a month.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We can build a strong culture of safety by consistently following safe work practices and staying alert to the hazards in our environment.

May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women & Girls. It is widely recognized as Red Dress Day, a day to recognize, honour and raise awareness about this national tragedy.

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) begins today, emphasizing how employers, workers, and the public can implement best practices for preventing injury and illness on the job. The safety and well-being of members is a priority for the NSNU. Visit nsnu.ca/safety to learn more.

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is recognized in more than 80 countries on May 1 as a tribute to the collective strength of workers and the progress achieved through solidarity and action.

Since 2023, May 1st has been recognized as First Responders Day in Nova Scotia, acknowledging the unwavering commitment of our first responders to ensure the safety of Nova Scotians. We're grateful for all first responders in NS and take pride in representing nurses who fulfill this important role.

A new CFNU report shows the positive impact that an increase to federal health spending would have on Canada’s economy. “Whichever way you cut it, an increase to public health care spending comes with positive outcomes for Canada,” said Silas. Read more: nursesunions.ca/increasing-h...

Today, we honour the workers who have passed away, been injured, or fallen ill due to their work. Our pledge is to safeguard workers and avoid future workplace tragedies. In 2025, families across NS were forever changed when 22 people died on the job or bc of their work. One fatality is too many.

NSNU’s president, Janet Hazelton and other NSNU members showed their support this morning at Province House for striking long term care workers. CUPE’s members were out in full force as the strike enters week three. Thousands are off the job fighting for a fair contract and a living wage.

Celebrate Earth Day by being extra kind to our planet today and every day. Recycle, plant a tree, walk to the store, start a garden, and above all, consider your role in creating a safe, healthy and clean environment that may sustain us for generations to come.

250 nurses gathered in Truro for the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union Annual General Meeting where numerous Locals pledged over $10,000 towards the strike fund for our striking brothers and sisters with CUPE. These long term care workers are on strike across the province. We stand in solidarity with them.

Before we conclude the 2026 Annual Meeting, members now have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A.

Big Daddy Tazz joins us to round out the Annual Meeting with plenty of laughs! Equal parts comedian and motivational speaker, he’s here to entertain, enlighten and inspire our members.

The National Executive Board (NEB) of the CFNU brings together nursing union leaders from across the country to guide the CFNU’s strategic direction and advocacy priorities.

The Canadian Labour Congress represents more than 3 million Canadian workers, including NSNU members. They work to create and protect good, sustainable jobs while supporting workers and building stronger communities.

President of the CFNU, Linda Silas, joins us in Truro. Representing over 200,000 nurses and student nurses across the country, Linda always empowers nurses with messages of support and solidarity. Thank you for your passion, limitless energy and voice as you fight on behalf of nurses.

The Honourable Minister of Health & Wellness and registered nurse, Michelle Thompson is in Truro to address members at the Annual General Meeting. She will be speaking on the critical issues affecting nurses in Nova Scotia, and how we can work together to find solutions.

This morning, we kick off Day Three of the Annual General Meeting with something special. The Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union is celebrating 50 years. Five decades of advocacy, solidarity and unwavering commitment to nurses and patient care across Nova Scotia.

That’s a wrap on Day Two of the 2026 Annual General Meeting! Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

Following Old Business/Unfinished Business and New Business, NSNU Members at the AGM will have the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns via an Open Forum.

The Nova Scotia Health Coalition exists to promote the public health care system, ensuring quality care for Nova Scotians. The NSNU is proud to support the work of the NSHC through ongoing advocacy and annual funding, helping to strengthen and protect public health care across the province.

For many years, the NSNU has collected dignity donations at our Annual General Meeting, supporting those in need with essential menstrual health and personal care products. Thanks to the generosity of members, thousands of dollars’ worth of items have been donated to date.

On this morning’s meeting agenda, members in attendance will hear from Dean Steinburg, Director of Security for Nova Scotia Health. He will discuss the details and how these advancements are making a tangible difference in the security of Nova Scotian patients and hospital staff.