"Your jobs are not easy."

That from Health Minister and Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen who explains nurses are being celebrated this week, a gesture made even more timely during the current health situation.

"You work long hours, facing great physical and emotional demands, especially during COVID-19," he says. "Your skills and expertise improve the quality of life for your patients, and help keep them well."

May 11 to 17 is Nursing Week in the province, marking 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, a woman who revolutionized the profession by encouraging the development of standards of practice and formalized education.

Noreen Shirtliff, Chief Executive Director and Acute and Chief Nursing Officer with Southern Health explains communities have been showing their support for health workers in recent weeks, from parades to cards and words of encouragement.

"It's outstanding, it shows the support for our healthcare workers," she says. "It really is encouraging when nurses are going to work in these challenging times with COVID knowing their community is behind them."

Manitobans are also encouraged to participate in the Shine a Blue Light campaign to show their support despite the physical distancing measures keeping us safe but apart for now.