Today is International Nurses' Day, celebrated around the world every 12 May on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

The celebration shines a light on the crucial work nurses do - which, after more than a year of a pandemic is more important than ever.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is showcasing the work of some of its nurses, including Amanda Wood.

"I was redeployed to a Nurse Coordinator role where as a Lead Nurse we would coordinate all calls for testing, dealing with issues on phone, and lead on testing for Care homes our homeless communities and Traveller Communities where we would be able to deal with any concerns as we worked together to protect our population," said Amanda.

"Initially the role was daunting as no one knew what was coming and we needed to set up guidelines and polices to protect ourselves and others. The team I am working with is amazing and we are people from all different areas that have joined together for the same goal and to do the right thing. I can honestly say it is the best team I have worked for.

"A highlight of the last year was two weeks ago when we found there were no outbreaks in any nursing homes or care homes in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan since the start of Covid. An outbreak is just one case so this has meant we are doing the right thing in the role and we are getting back to normality which is fantastic.

"I know it is international nurse day but within the pandemic we have worked with a lot of disciplines that have joined together and that has been great and I want to thank them for their contribution too."

Sister Bethan Price is currently working as a Ward Manager at the Lakeside Wing.

Reflecting on the last 12 months, Bethan feels proud of the Lakeside Wing and learned what it really means to be a nurse, "You have to be resilient and adaptable, we've all experienced so much change and uncertainty over the past year. You have to have apply an attitude where you just get on with the job at hand – caring for our patients remains our number one priority.

"Many of us have been massively affected but we can be proud of what we've achieved as nurses during a challenging time. It was touching to see how much the public supported us throughout the pandemic, particularly when people were clapping for the NHS."

Brincy Sudeep is currently working at the Lakeside Wing.

Reflecting on the last 12 months and how it's been for her personally as well as her colleagues, "I have learned that one needs to have a strong will and strong sense of emotion when dealing with the present crisis. Even though mentally and physically I was pushed to a situation where I was not able to manage myself, I learned to get through with a smile and a positive attitude.

"During the toughest situations - during the pandemic - nurses have worked together to get things done and they have put the patients first before themselves and their families to help the community."