RNs celebrate Nursing Week 2006 • RNAO’s 81st Annual General Meeting

May/June 2006 Registered Nurse JOURNAL

NP Aaron Medd with Armstrong residents Yolanda Wanakamik and Lucas Magill

Northern Exposure Nurses in northern talk about the challenges – and opportunities – of working in ’s most remote communities

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EDITOR’S NOTE 4 PRESIDENT’S VIEW 5 MAILBAG 6 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DISPATCH 7 NURSING IN THE NEWS/OUT & ABOUT 8 POLICY AT WORK 11 NEWS TO YOU/NEWS TO USE 17 OBITUARY/CALENDAR 28

Coming soon to RNAO members Buy insurance online! Stay tuned! Registered Nurse JOURNAL

Volume 18, No. 3, May/June 2006

17

THE LINEUP FEATURES

EDITOR’S NOTE 4 NORTHERN EXPOSURE By Jill Shaw PRESIDENT’S VIEW 5 12 Nurses in northern Ontario talk about the challenges – MAILBAG 6 and opportunities – of working in the province’s most remote communities. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DISPATCH 7 NURSING IN THE NEWS/OUT & ABOUT 8 POLICY AT WORK 11 More than 700 nurses 18 AGM participated in this year’s NEWS TO YOU/NEWS TO USE 17 annual general meeting, which took place OBITUARY/CALENDAR 28 06 Apr. 27-29 in Richmond Hill.

NURSING WEEK 2006 26 RNAO members across the province celebrated Nursing Week 2006 (May 8-14) by hosting Take Your MPP to Work visits, and regional events.

Registered Nurse Journal 3 The journal of the REGISTERED NURSES' Editor’s Note ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (RNAO) 158 Pearl Street ON, M5H 1L3 Phone: 416-599-1925 Toll-Free: 1-800-268-7199 Fax: 416-599-1926 Website: www.rnao.org E-mail: [email protected] Letters to the editor: [email protected] Spring spells excitement at AGM EDITORIAL STAFF Marion Zych, Publisher and Nursing Week celebrations Kimberley Kearsey, Managing Editor (Acting) Jill Shaw, Writer (Acting) Bonnie Russell, Editorial Assistant (Acting) Looking back at this spring’s annual general meeting EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Patricia Stiles, Chair Kathy Dawe, Joseph Gajasan, Connie Kuc, (AGM), I can’t help but reflect on a comment made by a young Ann Lukits, André Picard, Julie Pierce, Sylvia Rodgers nursing student who was attending for the first time.After intense DESIGN, ART DIRECTION, PRODUCTION Tammy Hunter/Ireland+Associates debate over resolution #1 (see pg. 5 and 18), she leaned over to ADVERTISING Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario the woman next to her and said,“Wow. I didn’t think the AGM Phone: 416-599-1925, ext. 211 Fax: 416-599-1926 would be this exciting.” SUBSCRIPTIONS Registered Nurse Journal, ISSN 1484-0863, is a This year’s event marks my fifth as a member of RNAO’s communications depart- benefit to members of the RNAO. Paid subscriptions are welcome. Full subscription prices for one year (six issues), including taxes: Canada $38.52 (GST); Outside ment. I think I’m safe in assuming the energy, enthusiasm and excitement this student Canada: $42. Printed with vegetable-based inks on recycled paper (50 per cent recycled and 20 per cent post-consumer fibre) on acid-free paper. felt as a novice participant was something all members experienced.

Registered Nurse Journal is published six times a year by RNAO. The views or opinions expressed in the I also felt it as an RNAO staff member. editorials, articles or advertisements are those of the authors/advertisers and do not necessarily represent the policies of RNAO or the Editorial Advisory It’s always a treat each spring to see the familiar faces of people I’ve talked to through- Committee. RNAO assumes no responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from out the year, and to hear the views of others I’m meeting for the first time. Just as nurs- the use of any information or advice contained in the Registered Nurse Journal including editorials, stud- ies, reports, letters and advertisements. All articles and es take advantage of the AGM to reacquaint themselves with colleagues and catch up, so photos accepted for publication become the property of the Registered Nurse Journal. Indexed in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. too do RNAO staff with the members who help us do our jobs every day.

CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Undeliverable copies This year also marks my fifth opportunity to be involved in Nursing Week activities, and change of address to: RNAO, 158 Pearl Street, Toronto ON, M5H 1L3. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40006768. and to watch RNs across the province go above and beyond the call of duty to raise

RNAO OFFICERS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT awareness of their important role in the health-care system. Congratulations to all mem- Mary Ferguson-Paré, RN, PhD, CHE President, ext. 204 bers who celebrated their profession in a memorable way. Our photo feature (pg. 26) Joan Lesmond, RN, BScN, MSN, Ed. D (c) Immediate Past President, ext. 202 provides only a glimpse of some of the successful events around the province. Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD (c), O.Ont. Executive Director, ext. 206 We hope it inspires you to begin thinking about what you’ll do next year. Irmajean Bajnok, RN, MScN, PhD Director, Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence, ext. 234 Sheila Block, MA Director, Health and Nursing Policy, ext. 215 Nancy Campbell, MBA Director, Finance and Administration, ext. 229 Daniel Lau, MBA Director, Membership and Services, ext. 218 Kimberley Kearsey Marion Zych, BA, Journalism, BA, Political Science Managing Editor (Acting) Director, Communications, ext. 209

www.rnao.org 4 May/June 2006 President’s View with Mary Ferguson-Paré

Nurses endorse open consultation about RNAO/CNA relationship

On April 28, at directions be adopted by CNA; one on opportunities, discounts to write certifica- RNAO’s annual gen- social determinants of health, and the second tion exams, and more.We will also remem- eral meeting (AGM), I on Medicare. You can view my motion in ber that you told us the existing RNAO- met many of you, the members-only section of our website, CNA relationship is not an option.You told heard your ideas for where we will post responses and updates on us that you want us to achieve a proactive improving nursing and this matter. national voice speaking out independently health care, and wit- As you may know, RNAO’s primary on health and nursing policy. You asked us nessed your commit- concern regarding CNA is its congruency to address the gaps in CNA’s advocacy role ment to our professional association. I was so with RNAO’s mission. There has been a to ensure clear messages on crucial matters proud to see the ownership and passion you gradual shift within CNA from a profession- such as Medicare. You also want CNA to have for RNAO. The dynamic and open al, policy and advocacy focus to a more reg- take full advantage of its position as a nation- debate over resolution #1 – a request by ulatory focus, intensified by the fact that sev- al voice, leading the grassroots mobilization RNAO’s Board of Director’s (BOD) to eral jurisdictions have moved to a strictly of Canadian nurses and addressing important engage RNAO members in an open and regulatory function. Regulatory bodies do issues such as global public health. transparent consultation about our relation- not focus on social determinants of health, I want to say a word to those who were ship with the Canadian Nurses Association disappointed that resolution #1 passed. It is (CNA) – was a passionate display of that important to note that none of the nurses commitment. “I want to assure you who opposed the resolution said RNAO’s With strength of conviction, and amid concerns were invalid. In fact, most said healthy debate, your voting delegates passed that all voices are that such concerns are real and have exist- resolution #1, which ensures RNAO’s con- respected. I also want to ed for decades.As your president, I want to sultations with CNA will proceed with the assure you that resolution assure you that all voices are respected. I endorsement of members – a powerful also want to assure you that resolution #1 mandate that we hope will help deliver #1 is not the first step is not the first step toward RNAO’s separa- win-win outcomes. RNAO’s BOD and toward RNAO’s separation tion from CNA. This interpretation is executive will immediately initiate these unfounded and could serve as a distraction discussions, and we will communicate the from CNA.” to RNAO and CNA from dealing with the progress to members on a regular basis. serious issues that RNAO has raised, and Over the next few months, we will conduct that must be resolved. in-depth surveys, host focus groups with health-care restructuring,or Medicare issues. I look forward to your ongoing feed- chapters, regions without chapters, interest An adoption by CNA of new strategic pri- back. Please continue to inform yourselves, groups and other stakeholders, and provide orities, and a commitment to the resources participate in the dialogue, and provide the opportunity for updates and online necessary to make them a reality, will be a RNAO’s BOD with your thoughts about consultation in the members-only section powerful signal to RNAO members that our relationship with CNA and how it can of the RNAO website. CNA is making changes that will help be improved. Members are the owners of We will also actively engage with CNA, address RNAO’s concerns. RNAO and shape the association’s past, as we have for the past four years, to discuss I also intend to address my discomfort, as present and future. RNAO’s concerns and to respond to con- your president, with the frequent use of in- As I said in my AGM remarks, RNAO crete proposals.As a first step, I formally sub- camera sessions at CNA, where delibera- will continue to lead in its advocacy against mitted a motion to be considered at the next tions on important matters remain confi- nursing shortages, casualization of the nurs- CNA board meeting in June. The motion dential. Open discussions that include advi- ing workforce,expanding for-profit care,and urges CNA to strengthen its strategic prior- sors – our executive directors – are impera- threats to patient care.We will also continue ities in three areas. I’ve asked that CNA’s tive if we are to make the best decisions for our work to address growing poverty and strategic priority on New Models of Health our membership. homelessness, and a deteriorating environ- Service Delivery be amended to specify that Throughout our consultation we will be ment. We will speak out with a bold and any new models of delivery be “within a guided by your comments at the AGM.We clear voice for health and for nursing. quality, publicly funded, publicly adminis- understand that you value membership in tered and not-for-profit health system.” In CNA.You spoke of the importance of hav- MARY FERGUSON-PARÉ, RN, PhD, CHE, IS addition, I have asked that two new strategic ing a voice at the national level, networking PRESIDENT OF RNAO.

Registered Nurse Journal 5 Mailbag welcome the unique perspectives we bring to the table and to the profession.That is why, as a Black student, I truly val- Not all nurses as lucky as Windsor nurses ued Joan Lesmond’s piece about celebrating Black history. It Re: Seasoned and novice RNs see value in late-career initiative, Mailbag, signified the contributions that minorities have made to the his- November/December 2005 tory of nursing, and the cultural influences that are still being expe- I laud the two optimistic 4th year students, Heather Rickard and rienced today.We live in a multicultural society and diversity is not Angela Wilkinson, who are excited about the initiatives to keep late- about isolation but about appreciation; and I applaud RNAO’s career nurses in the Windsor system.If only it were so elsewhere.Not stance on developing cultural competency guidelines. I look forward all institutions have shed their ageist attitudes or embraced the real- to the AGM, where this year’s theme will be celebrating diversity. ity that experienced nurses are invaluable and worth every penny Karen Albert, nursing student they’re paid. Here’s my story: I graduated in 1963 and, with the Hamilton exception of a brief nine-month holiday, I have been continuously employed in a variety of clinical and teaching fields. My expertise and experience have been highly valued.That is, until Jan. 2, 2006, RNAO then presi- when I turned 65. Interestingly,one institution politely requested my dent Joan Lesmond resignation according to ‘hospital policy.’Of course I may reapply for (second from right) a position, but understand that hospital policy also dictates that one joined nursing is rehired at a much lower pay grid.The other institution is reticent students (from left) about granting me the two per cent raise in recognition of 25 years Saima Ahmad, experience. Why? Because I cannot produce documentation. Who Ashleigh Levesque, saves this stuff for 43 years? I too hope that Windsor’s program will Karen Albert, and become a model to other hospitals.We old nurses are greatly need- Melissa Devera at ed. Just ask a novice nurse and a patient. the Canadian Nursing Irene Bouris, RN Students’ Association Sparta regional conference in Ottawa in A picture says a thousand words November. Re: Celebrating Black nurses this February and beyond, President’s View, January/February 2006 What strikes me about this photograph (right) is that all the students are of a different race and ethnic background, but we’re all together WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. to embrace the diversity and accomplishments of nursing students Please e-mail letters to [email protected] or fax 416-599-1926. from across the region. I believe it is important we all respect and

ing can make it hard for reporters and nurses to connect. Having a Dear RNAO member, database complete with areas of specialty will better enable us to find the best person for reporters to talk to. Palliative care, acute care, I would like to invite you to be part of an exciting endeavour long-term care, and public health are just a few examples of the cat- RNAO’s communications department is undertaking. egories that will be in our database. Although the association is 24,000 members and counting, we do Adding your name to this list does not mean you will be inun- not have a list of nurses who are willing and able to do interviews dated with media calls. RNAO’s communications staff will still be with the media. Each week, we receive calls from reporters and yet, the first point of contact with reporters and we will make sure you our system of matching reporters with the right nurse to help with consent to the interview before releasing your contact information. a particular story is challenging to say the least. Reporters want to be Each one of you has first-hand knowledge about your area of able to connect with nurses because you are the first point of con- work, and how to make nursing and Ontario’s health-care system tact with patients, and enjoy a high level of trust among the public. better.Why not share that knowledge and speak out for health and We know there are nurses out there willing and able to do media for nursing? Please visit www.rnao.org to fill out the form and interviews on subjects ranging from how to help children overcome become part of our database. obesity to the challenges of helping new mothers learn how to Sincerely, breastfeed their babies.The challenge is that the time-driven dead- Marion Zych lines of journalism and the shift work that is part and parcel of nurs- Director of Communications

6 May/June 2006 Executive Director’s Dispatch with Doris Grinspun

Political engagement: An integral part of nursing

With another Nursing many of you who speak out against for-prof- contribute to the province’s – and the coun- Week Take Your MPP to it health care, and/or advocate for full-time try’s – most pressing public policy issues. Work event behind us, employment and for incentives to relieve Each of you know where health-care policy it’s only fitting that we senior nurses who feel over-worked.You all and people’s lives intersect.You already have reflect on the success of make us very proud and RNAO stands up the tools – and RNAO’s full support – to this annual program with you to speak out loud and clear. weigh-in on so many issues: from health and and why it is so impor- With a provincial election expected on illness care, to health-care reforms, to the tant.This year, about 40 October 07, 2007, and a possible federal hidden barriers that determine one’s health MPPs joined RNAO members at work. election soon thereafter, now is the time to such as poverty, homelessness, and social This represents phenomenal growth since consider making formal politics the next exclusion. And, you know better than any- the program’s humble beginnings in 2000. step in your nursing career. You may won- one else that access to health care must be Now, politicians call us asking to be part of der, why is it important for RNs to seek determined by one’s need, not the size of the event. office? What qualities do you need? What one’s wallet. Take Your MPP to Work is about nurses contributions will you be able to make? We need RNs’perspectives, passion, per- translating their day-to-day practice to These are exactly the kinds of questions Kate suasion and persistence to shake-up politics politicians. This kind of political engage- and make healthy public policy a reality at ment is tremendously important. It provides home and abroad. This is why RNAO the profession with the opportunity to would like to extend an invitation to mem- showcase the vital work of nurses. bers, as we did three years ago, to consider As they walk for an hour (or more) in “Rather than standing running for office. your shoes, MPPs and MPs can better on the sidelines We are committed to changing the understand the knowledge and skills while decisions are made, political landscape so that nurses can required to be an RN. And, as the media become legislators.To this end,RNAO will profiles your work, the public grasps the help shape those decisions. offer, once again, the RN Candidate Training impact of nurses’ work. The latter is RNAO’s Program, designed to help RNs (members of As Laurie Spooner, political action offi- RNAO), gain the skills needed for political cer for region 6 and staff nurse at The path of choice.” life.To participate in this program, you need Hospital for Sick Children, told Metro on to be committed to run for public office in May 10:“It’s not just a cliché to say that we the political party of your choice.The pro- are the front lines of health care – we are. gram will begin this fall. When someone first walks in those doors, Wilson asked herself before she decided to The training workshops will cover we make a difference that could be between run as the Liberal candidate in the riding of everything from getting nominated and set- life and death.” Bradford during the recent federal election. ting up your campaign to media training Just imagine the impact when more than Wilson is a nurse practitioner who shared and fundraising. The program is free of 420,000 commuters picked up the Metro her political experience with members dur- charge, but participants will be responsible Newspaper and read Laurie’s message. ing RNAO’s January assembly. She said for travel and accommodation expenses. Political engagement can take many nurses have many of the qualities one needs I know you have what it takes to succeed forms. It can range from being an activist in as a politician: exceptional capacity for lead- in politics. your professional association, and Taking ership, an ability to deal with difficult prob- Rather than standing on the sidelines your MPP to Work, to responding to lems and under tight time constraints, and while decisions are made, help shape those RNAO’s Action Alerts, to being a formal the ability to work well in a team. decisions. The latter is RNAO’s path of candidate during municipal, provincial and RNAO members also have additional choice. federal elections. traits that will lead to success in politics.You I look forward to the day when you will Our profession is proud of the work of have the ideas, the passion and the desire to take your seat as an MPP at Queen’s Park or several terrific social activists, including: advocate.You are engaged citizens who can an MP in Ottawa. Kathy Hardill, who fights for solutions to end count on the public’s respect and connec- poverty; Cathy Crowe, whose primary cause tion with RNAO, nursing and nurses. DORIS GRINSPUN, RN, MSN, PhD (C), O.ONT, is to end the shame of homelessness; and the Nurses have a tremendous amount to IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF RNAO.

Registered Nurse Journal 7 by Bonnie Russell Nursing inthenews RNAO & RNs weigh in on . . .

expand their clinical practice,” said RNAO president Mary Ferguson-Paré. She added, however, that the association is con- erned about the physician assistant role: “There is a lot we don’t know about how this new role will function.” (See pg. 11 for more information). (CP Wire,, Pembroke Daily Observer, Sudbury Star, St.Catharines-Niagara Standard, London Free Press, and many other regional newspapers, May 4)

Nursing graduate job guarantee On May 8, the McGuinty government announced a guarantee of full-time employment to every nursing graduate in Ontario, beginning in 2007. RNAO presi- dent Mary Ferguson-Paré, RNAO exec- utive director Doris Grinspun, and RNAO members Suzy Young (Waterloo r a t

S chapter) and Carmen Rodrigue (region o t n 10) said RNAO welcomed this announce- o r RN inspires author, patient o

T ment as a positive first step towards keeping / a t t RNAO member Norma Keen-Campbell, an ICU nurse at Toronto’s Mount Sinai graduates at home. (May 8 and 9: National o l a T Hospital, greets Jim O’Neill (left), a patient who almost died of acute respiratory distress Post,Toronto Star, Standard-Freeholder e c n i syndrome, and his partner, author Patrick Conlon. Keen-Campbell’s care and words of com- (Cornwall), Windsor Star, Kingston Whig- V

: o t fort provided the inspiration for the title of Conlon’s recent book, No Need to Trouble the Standard, News Service, Ottawa o h

P Heart.(Toronto Star, April 14) Citizen, Cbc.ca,The Record (Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo), CP Wire, Nursing Week 2006 online forum. RNAO board members Peterborough Examiner, 24 Hours (Toronto), In celebration of Nursing Week, newspapers Sylvia Rodgers, a professional practice ,CTV News, CBC Radio, 640 across the province published stories and leader at Scarborough Hospital, and Judy AM – Toronto, May 10, Rogers Television – special supplements to honour the work of Britnell, director of the Learning and Ottawa, May 9 and 10, WDET FM – RNs, RPNs and NPs. Pull-out supplements Teaching Office at Ryerson University, Detroit, May 11) and special sections appeared in the Globe answered questions from the public. and Mail, Metro – Toronto Division,Windsor To read the questions and answers, visit Protecting nurses at work Star,Toronto Star, Hamilton Spectator,The www.rnao.org/educationforum. In a Peterborough Examiner feature about Record (Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo), abuse in the workplace, RNAO member Guelph Mercury, ,Toronto Sun, RNAO responds to new health Wendy Fucile, vice-president at Owen Sound Sun Times, and Hospital News. human resources strategy Peterborough Regional Health Centre, said • In one of many articles, RNAO mem- On May 3, Ontario’s Health Minister that research indicates nursing abuse is a ber Marilyn Parsons explained her George Smitherman announced the cre- prevalent problem throughout the health- responsibilities as an RNAO nurse ambas- ation of four new nursing roles: physician care system, and that abusers include sador, which include presentations at assistant, nurse endoscopist, surgical first patients, families, and staff members. In the career fairs and in classrooms. (Hamilton assist and clinical specialist radiation thera- same article, RN Louise Flaherty, local Spectator, May 6) pist.“We are pleased that the government president of the Ontario Nurses’ • On May 11, the Toronto Star hosted a live recognizes the unique abilities of RNs to Association (ONA), shared her experiences

8 May/June 2006 For complete versions of any of these stories, contact Bonnie Russell at [email protected].

lets to consider a voluntary ban want to work in a health-care system fund- Ryerson nursing student on reporting the location ed and delivered publicly.” (, Hannah Singer (top left) where victims of violent March 19) took to the airwaves on crimes are being treated. • On April 20, RNAO member Marilyn CBC Radio One and CFRB (March 14 and April 18) Buther, communications director of the to talk about a political Nurse Practitioners’Association of Ontario, action project she RNs’ contributions completed with fellow published a letter-to-the-editor outlining students (clockwise) to health care the role of nurse practitioners, and the Meagan Vandermey, In the forum section of value they add to family health teams Carson Sizto, the Kingston-Whig (Peterborough Examiner). Jenny Wheeler, and Standard, RNAO Tharshini Sathasivam. member Bonnie Nursing burnout Booth-Pyne highlighted RNAO member Heather Laschinger, the vital role of nurses’ in professor and associate director of Nursing of being abused by patients Ontario’s health-care sys- Research at the University of Western (March 31). tem:“The vast pool of skill Ontario, conducted a survey of 225 novice • In response to a Globe and and knowledge that resides in nurses and found 66 per cent experienced Mail column calling for a solution the nursing profession must be symptoms of burnout within the first two to end violence against nurses, tapped into.” (March 10) years of work. (CP Wire,Windsor Star, North RNAO member Anne Egger wrote that • RNAO member Linda Silas, president Bay Nugget, , and several other sexism in society replicates itself in the of the Canadian Federation of Nurses papers, Feb 27, Belleville Intelligencer, March 2) health-care system.(March 31) Unions, authored a letter-to-the-editor • In response to the survey, RNAO mem- • In radio interviews on CFRB-AM and about nurses’ perspectives on Medicare: ber Barbara Bowles published a letter-to- CBL-FM, RNAO executive director Doris “Nurses work 15 million hours of over- the-editor thanking the Standard (St. Grinspun and Hannah Singer, a Ryerson time a year – the equivalent of 8,600 full- Catharines – Niagara) for giving front-page University nursing student, asked media out- time jobs….Yet, overwhelmingly nurses coverage to the study, adding the Ontario

RNAO Executive Director Doris Grinspun (second from left) joined in celebrating the legacy of Canada’s “Father

of Medicare,” Tommy Douglas, during the City of

Toronto’s official ceremony and naming of Tommy t u Douglas Gdns in the west end of the city on Apr. 29.

From left to right: Andy Summers, VP, Human Rights and o Equity, for the Ontario Nurses’ Association, Grinspun,

b Shirley Douglas, actor, Medicare activist, and Douglas’ daughter, and Toronto Mayor David Miller. A t & O u RNAO’s Sudbury chapter hosted its annual general meeting at the end of March. Invited guest, RN Mathilde Gravelle Bazinet, president of the board of directors for Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) 13 (centre), received recognition for her important work in the commu- nity from Paul-André Gauthier, region 11 representative for RNAO (left) and Nicole Shank, president of the Sudbury chapter.

Registered Nurse Journal 9 Nursing inthenews

in their homes. (Port Hope Evening Guide, Re: “Tory child-care plan not practical” March 27) Hamilton Spectator, Apr. 17, Letter to the Editor We welcome Catherine Swift's frank and honest response to the Conservative BPGs: Looking at women’s health government's plan to encourage the creation of more child care spaces. On March 16, Heather McConnell,pro- We share her organization's concern that a national child-care system cannot gram manager of RNAO’s BPG program, be built by offering employers tax incentives to create the necessary spaces. authored a letter-of-the-day in the Windsor We have already seen the failure of similar programs in Saskatchewan, Ontario Star. The letter, identified RNAO’s Woman and New Brunswick. Abuse: Screening, Identification and Initial We hope the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Response BPG as a resource to help nurses Diane Finley, will realize the real answer is to honour the series of federal- and other health-care providers assist provincial child-care agreements struck last year. female patients who are victims of abuse. Those agreements were the first concrete and necessary steps towards building • In a letter-to-the-editor published in the a comprehensive, regulated and high quality national child-care system. National Post, Cindy-Lee Dennis, panel Their importance cannot be underestimated. Quality child care is associated lead for RNAO’s Interventions for Postpartum with better health, including increased readiness and decreased rates of special Depression BPG, said:“Ontario nurses are education, obesity, and smoking. It also results in longer-term outcomes such as reaching out to ensure that all new moth- increased employment, and decreased poverty and reliance on social assistance. ers, including new immigrants, receive the The nurses of Ontario and the next generation of Canadians eagerly await best postpartum expertise and support...” the federal government's next move. (March 23). Dennis, an assistant professor at Joan Lesmond, RN, BScN, Msn, Ed. D. (C), University of Toronto’s Faculty of Nursing, Immediate Past-President, RNAO also discussed the illness with the Hamilton Spectator (March 22). • On April 13, RNAO member Denna Leach, a panel member for RNAO’s government should consider satisfaction sur- Mental health education, breastfeeding BPG, was interviewed by veys from frontline nurses as indicators of awareness and treatment CFOS-AM – Owen Sound.The live dis- health. (March 2) On March 25, RNAO member and psy- cussion focussed on the breastfeeding and chiatric/mental health nurse Katherine postpartum depression guidelines and Federal tax cuts Abrams published an opinion piece in the also touched on RNAO’s BPG Program RNAO Health and Nursing Policy Guelph Mercury about the stigma associated in general. Director Sheila Block co-authored a with mental illnesses. Nearly two-thirds of study with Ellen Russell, Canadian Centre people who have mental disorders do not Not enough long-term care beds for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), analyzing seek treatment due to fear of rejection:“We RNAO members Eleanor Plain, acting the GST tax cut.“The Conservative pack- must work together to give those suffering executive director at Kingston, Frontenac age is much more directed toward high- from mental illness a chance to break free...” and Lennox & Addington Community income families,” notes Block (Ottawa • RNAO member Mary Anne Shill, Care Access Centre, and Eleanor Rivoire, Citizen,Toronto Star, , Montreal vice-president of patient-care services at senior VP of patient care at Kingston Gazette, and several other newspapers, Cobourg’s Northumberland Hills Hospital, General Hospital, shared their concerns March 29). Block and Russell, also pub- explained the role of the hospital’s new about the growing wait list for long-term lished an opinion piece in the Peterborough Assertive Community Treatment Team, care beds in Kingston-area facilities. Examiner (April 18). which will treat people with mental illness (Kingston Whig-Standard, March 7)

On March 30, RNAO’s Best Practice Guideline (BPG) Program celebrated the launch of 12 new Spotlight Organizations, which have committed to partnering with RNAO in the implementation of guidelines. Pam Hubley, associate chief of nursing practice for the Hospital for Sick Children (left), Beatrice Mudge, vice-president and chief nursing officer for Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Sandra Moroso, director of care for Extendicare York, and Dianne Rossy, advanced practice nurse for The Ottawa Hospital participated in a panel discussion during the official launch, each one sharing some of their plans for BPG implementation.

10 May/June 2006 Policy at Work continue to do so should the government not provide ade- quate social funding and programs.Their future is bleak – poor health outcomes, substandard housing, unemployment and RNAO speaks out on poverty and social exclusion social exclusion. Perhaps the future of Ontario is equally as bleak – RNAO’s presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance and increased crime rates, higher health costs and poor social relations. Economic Affairs urged the provincial government to include in its We can avoid this, but it is going to take work.” spring budget a renewed commitment to rebuilding social programs in Ontario. These programs are key to ensuring the health of all New provincial health human resource strategy Ontarians.The submission, which was presented by then President a mixed bag of goods Elect Mary Ferguson-Paré, called for a 20 per cent increase in social RNAO attended announcements on May 3 and 8 when Minister assistance rates as a vital next step to addressing social exclusion and of Health George Smitherman launched details of a new provincial poverty in Ontario. health human resources strategy, Health- With hopes of seeing a substantial ForceOntario. commitment to Ontario’s 800,000 resi- RNAO strongly supports the govern- dents who receive social assistance, ment’s decision to create full-time oppor- RNAO used its time in front of the tunities for all graduating nurses, and to committee in January to remind the gov- provide tuition support for new nursing ernment that an increase was especially graduates committed to practising in urgent in light of new restrictions rural, remote, or underserviced areas. imposed on eligibility for the Special These policies will serve to increase the Diet Allowance, which disqualified thou- supply of RNs, and will ensure new grad- sands of social assistance recipients and uates remain in Ontario.While this initia- reduced their monthly incomes by up to tive is welcome news, RNAO executive $250. RNAO also reminded the govern- director Doris Grinspun said “as long as ment that social assistance rates remain Ontario faces a nursing shortage, any more than 30 per cent lower than they nurse who wants to work full-time should were a decade ago. be given that opportunity. We also need Unfortunately,RNAO’s urgings went more incentives to convince senior RNs RNAO member and street nurse Kathy Hardill unheeded when the Liberal government to remain at work so they can share their speaks to participants at a March 15 Hunger unveiled its budget on March 23, com- March in Toronto. Joan Lesmond, RNAO president expertise, and mentor new nurses.” mitting a mere two per cent to help strug- at the time, was on hand to lend her support RNAO is also pleased with the gov- gling families put food on their table. and reinforce RNAO’s position that more needs to ernment’s decision to support advanced “This is most disappointing given the be done to protect the health of Ontario’s poor. RN roles such as nurse endoscopists and overwhelming evidence that links poverty surgical first assists – roles that allow with increased sickness and premature death,” then President Joan RNs to expand their clinical practice and facilitate better access to Lesmond said in response to the increase. care for patients. RNAO is deeply concerned, however, that the government’s Action Alert urges Premier to end National Child plans to create a new group of health-care workers, called physician Benefit Supplement clawback assistants, will have negative implications. RNAO also spoke out against the clawback of the National Child “First and foremost, we are concerned about continuity of care Benefit Supplement (NCBS). In Ontario, families on social assistance and patient safety. There is already considerable confusion among receive the maximum NCBS, but the province retains 85 per cent the public regarding the many health-care workers who provide of the benefit to fund reinvestment programs for low-income fam- care. The introduction of yet another category will only add to this ilies – though not necessarily for already struggling families. confusion and impose additional costs to our system,” says RNAO In an Action Alert issued March 30, RNAO members wrote to President Mary Ferguson-Paré.“There is a lot we don’t know about Premier Dalton McGuinty, urging him to keep his 2003 election how this new role will function, how it will be regulated and what promise to immediately end the clawback. RNAO’s policy and protection exists for patients if they have a complaint about the level political action officer for region 6, Laurie Spooner, e-mailed the of care they receive.” Premier on April 10. RNAO is also concerned about the government’s plan to allow “Almost half a million children live in poverty in Ontario,” RPNs to initiate certain controlled acts. “The former government Spooner wrote. “Evidence supports the notion that the socioeco- did not bring this regulation into practice and for good reason. nomic position of individuals, as well as groups, are equally or more RNs, through their basic education, possess the complex problem- important to health status than medical care and personal health solving skills that are essential for initiation of controlled acts,” said behaviours.Those children currently living in poverty can expect to executive director Doris Grinspun. RN

Registered Nurse Journal 11 by Jill Shaw

ExN o rpt h eor n sure Nurses in northern Ontario talk about the challenges – and opportunities – of working in the province’s most remote communities.

12 May/June 2006 Nurse practitioner Aaron Medd uses telehealth equipment and an ear camera to get a medical opinion from consulting physician Sarah Eckler.

uring his 10-year nursing career, Aaron Medd has worked says there were times he was on call for 24 hours, or even longer D everywhere from ERs to remote nursing stations in com- if an acute-care patient couldn’t be airlifted to the nearest hos- munities where the nearest town is a plane ride away. Today, he pital right away. is one of two nurse practitioners at the Armstrong site of the Medd says that pace can eventually burn nurses out, send- NorWest Community Health Centres, two-and-a-half hours ing them back to larger towns for a break. He says nurses in north of Thunder Bay. He provides primary care to 900 residents remote communities often find themselves responsible not e of Armstrong and the nearby Whitesand First Nation so they only for emergency care, but also day-to-day primary care and don’t have to make the trip to an urban centre for lab work or health promotion. to get information about chronic illnesses such as diabetes. But the pace isn’t the only challenge that comes with nurs- While the Armstrong clinic is electronically linked to its sister ing in Ontario’s farthest corners. Medd says learning to live far site in Thunder Bay through videoconferencing, Medd must be from family and friends in an isolated community – where prepared to handle anything. It’s an approach to nursing he’s there may not even be a safe water supply – can also be diffi- used to. In the late 1990s, he worked in Pikangikum, a First cult. In Attawapiskat, a Cree community on the shores of James Nations reserve more than 300 km north of Fort Frances. Medd Bay where Medd spent a year in the late 1990s, he transported

Registered Nurse Journal 13 his drinking water in a wheelbarrow from the that while the work can be difficult, it is also es.Pilatzke believes the reimbursement plan is home of a local man who had a water puri- rewarding. They say governments need to a good first step, but suggests more full-time fier, a treasured commodity in a place where find ways to recruit and retain young RNs in jobs must also be available so new grads can Medd says brown water flowed from the taps. the north, and need to explore solutions like establish themselves in these communities. “I think you have to be a special kind of financial incentives, reaching out to nursing Dryden RN Darlene Furlong says person,” he says of the lifestyle. “It’s not for students, and giving northern Ontarians a recruitment solutions must begin before everybody, but some people love the chal- chance to be educated and work in their nursing students even open a textbook. In lenge.They enjoy being able to try and con- own communities. 2005, she asked local municipal councils in tribute something up there.” Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Medd admits, however, that those special “RNs and nursing students Dryden if they would provide some funding people are in short supply. And his view is who have worked in remote to help bring a baccalaureate nursing pro- backed up by statistics. gram to the area. Furlong says she recognized nursing stations say that According to a 2004 study, Nursing Practice the need to provide opportunities for local in Rural and Remote Canada, only 18 per cent while the work can be people to become RNs after a summer when of RNs practice outside urban areas, but 22 difficult, it is also rewarding.” a staff shortage forced Dryden Regional per cent of Canadians live there.And, accord- Health Centre to close its obstetrical unit. ing to an analysis of the Canadian Institute for It seems the provincial government is “We know that within the next five to Health Information’s Registered Nurses’ hearing some of those calls. In March, the 10 years a good part of our workforce will Database, if RNs working for the First Liberals announced a nursing tuition support be looking at retiring. I knew that we had to Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health program for recently graduated nurses willing do something, and we had to become cre- Canada retire by age 55, nearly half will end to work in rural and remote areas after grad- ative,” she says. their careers in the next 10 years. uation. If a recent nursing graduate from rural Furlong enlisted the help of others,includ- Addressing these statistics – and boosting Ontario decides to work near his or her home ing Pat Lang, the president of Confederation the number of RNs in the north – is an community, and works 1,500 hours in a year, College, and Sue Matthews, Ontario’s chief uphill battle. Seventy-six per cent of north- he or she will receive a full year’s tuition reim- nursing officer. Word quickly spread about western-Ontario nurses surveyed by the bursement. Recent BScN graduates who her idea, and every community she visited Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research work for four years in an underserviced area contributed money towards the nursing pro- (CRaNHR) in 2000 said they would not will be reimbursed for all four years of tuition. gram. She also received support from local consider northern nursing because of con- “We need to be able to compete for our hospitals, the provincial government, and cerns about the isolation, and not having the new graduates,” says Susan Pilatzke, RNAO’s FedNor,an arm of Industry Canada that sup- appropriate clinical support. board representative for Region 12 (an area ports development in Northern Ontario. Last Despite the troubling statistics, RNs and that encompasses northwestern Ontario). She September, the first group of students was nursing students who have had the opportu- says northern Ontario is always competing admitted to the nursing degree program nity to work in remote nursing stations say with the U.S. and southern Ontario for nurs- developed by Thunder Bay’s Confederation

Entry program “I was like a sponge,” she was situated almost three hours energizes Aboriginal recalls of her return to school. from Kenora. The trip took her into students, promotes “When I started learning, I Manitoba, across the Canada/U.S. wanted to know more…why border, and then onto a boat that confidence things work a certain would take her back to a commu- leven years ago, Sarah Perrault was work- way...that kind of thing.” nity in Ontario. Despite the convo- E ing as a secretary at a Thunder Bay After graduating from luted commute, Perrault says she health-care organization when she began to Lakehead’s BScN program in loved doing home visits in the com- wonder if that’s where she wanted to spend 2000, Perrault spent a year munity and organizing a communi- the rest of her working life. As she working in home care with Saint Elizabeth ty kitchen that included informal health teach- approached age 30, Perrault, who is of Health Care, and another two years as a com- ing about nutrition. Unfortunately, a back Wabauskang heritage, found herself re-eval- munity health nurse for NorWest Community injury forced Perrault off nursing’s front lines uating her goals. Her curiosity was piqued Health Centres. She then moved to Kenora, and into an administrative role. That’s why, in when one of the nurses she worked with told where she worked with First Nations commu- 2004, she returned to Lakehead to assume the her about Lakehead University’s Native nities. Perrault grew up in the Kenora area role of counsellor/liaison for the Native Nurses Nurses Entry Program (NNEP). The nine- and says it can be easier for nurses of Entry Program. month course helps Aboriginal students Aboriginal descent to work in these commu- “Because I went through (the program), brush up on their academic skills in science, nities because residents are often more wel- and I know what it’s all about, I wanted to math and English before they enter coming of a health professional who better be able to help more students become suc- Lakehead’s BScN program. Perrault says NNEP understands the culture. cessful,” she says. “I always say, ‘if I can do it, gave her self-confidence and reinvigorated One community – which was home to only anybody can do it.’” her thirst for knowledge. 50 residents – relied on Perrault for care but Today, Perrault promotes the program at

14 May/June 2006 College in Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Dryden and Fort Frances. In Dryden, masters-pre- More Aboriginal Laplante says it’s important to explain pared RNs from local hospitals teach classes to both children and parents the value of in the evenings, and students are able to go youth needed being a nurse, particularly in First Nations into high schools after hours to use lab facili- in nursing communities. For many Aboriginal families ties.The program even has a mobile lab that in the north, getting a nursing degree travels to different cities in the region, offer- a community health representa- means traveling far from home. In fact, ing advanced lab equipment – including AS tive (CHR) in the Sheshegwaning some teenagers must move away from state-of-the-art mannequins that students can First Nation community on Manitoulin their families just to attend high school in practice procedures on. Furlong says students Island, more than an hour’s drive away larger urban centres. Without the proper are also offered a variety of clinical placement from the nearest hospital, Cheri Corbiere, support to adjust to living away from opportunities close to home in hospitals,pub- 35, was providing residents with over-the- home at such a young age, Laplante says lic health units and long-term care facilities. counter medications and emergency first some drop out of school to return to their “I think our small communities (will) aid. But after 12-years in that role, she communities. In addition to the geograph- have a greater opportunity of surviving if we decided she wanted more. The communi- ical struggles of getting an education, start looking at what we can do in our com- ty was without a full-time nurse, so Laplante also says many Native Canadians munities,” she says of the need to educate Corbiere decided to enroll in a BScN pro- wrestle with memories of the govern- people close to home, and provide jobs for gram offered by Cambrian College and ment’s residential schooling system that them.“Once our young people (leave), often Laurentian University. took many Aboriginal children away from they don’t come back.” Nurse practitioner Dorothy Laplante – their families with the aim of assimilating While some northern youth may want to an Aboriginal nurse who travels into them into mainstream culture. Laplante head south, there are some southern Ontario northern fly-in communities to care for says memories of that experience linger students who embrace the chance to experi- rural residents – believes Ontario is in among the older generations, and may be ence northern life. In early 2006, Meaghan need of more Aboriginal young people passed down to today’s school-aged gen- Paluck was one of several students who spent like Corbiere. Through her work in remote eration who may then associate education 10 weeks in Moose Factory, a tiny island in Ontario First Nations communities, with stories of abuse. the Moose River, where the waters empty Laplante tells community members about While Corbiere acknowledges it can be into James Bay. Working in the north has the profession and reminds Aboriginal difficult for Aboriginal students to devel- made the fourth-year Queen’s University youth that opportunities exist for them if op the self-confidence to pursue post-sec- nursing student realize how much those in they are willing to take the leap. ondary education, she says it’s possible. As the south take for granted. At Weeneebayko “I look at my role as a dual role,” she president of Cambrian College’s Native General Hospital, which serves non- says. “One is to provide clinical care, the Students’ Association, Corbiere spends Aboriginal community members as well as other is to be a role model and mentor as time talking to high school students the local Cree population, nurses are respon- a First Nations nurse.” about how they can pursue college or university, and sharing her own experi- ence as a nursing student. Her efforts career fairs, and helps 20 to 30 Aboriginal who may be struggling academically or per- have not gone unnoticed; in February she students each year get through NNEP and sonally. She says some students find return- received the student innovation award prepare for success in the BScN program. ing to school puts unanticipated pressures from the Association of Colleges of Many of the students are adults who may on their personal relationships. Perrault, Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario. have been away from school for a while, and whose own marriage was strained by her “I never imagined myself being able to Perrault says the isolation of First Nations return to school, says many students need do a nursing program,” she says. “It’s just communities can make it hard for Aboriginal someone they can talk to, especially those the way you feel growing up. If you don’t Canadians to receive education that others who are far from home. She operates under have a lot of support and encouragement living in more accessible, urban locations an open-door policy for any students who to challenge yourself, you’re afraid to go would get. She says the program can bridge need to talk, and offers monthly meetings on to those types of programs.” that divide and provide the students with a for which students can sign-up. The meet- Corbiere, who has a 17-year-old sense of community. ings give students an opportunity to come daughter, believes more and more young Students attend NNEP classes taught by in and talk about anything from academics Aboriginal Ontarians now appreciate the members of the nursing and sciences facul- to personal issues. She says being a support value an education can bring not only to ties and participate in a two-week health- for these students is one of the best parts of their own self confidence but also to com- care placement. Perrault also organizes her job, and she wants to do as much as munities. She thinks this renewed confi- study groups for subjects like biology and possible to help students sustain their dence and knowledge will translate into English. She says she’d like to be able to excitement and focus on learning. With future generations of Aboriginal nurses offer students their own full-time tutor in commitment and focus, they can go on to who she believes will be more likely to chemistry, a subject she says many students get a nursing degree that will open doors stay in communities and provide high- struggle with. and allow them to care for their communi- quality, expert nursing care. RN Perrault is also a confidante for students ties as full-fledged nurses. RN

Registered Nurse Journal 15 sible for everything from day-to-day patient mer,Thomson became an RN so she could care to arranging travel details for patients Nurses share stories travel the world with Doctors Without who need to be flown off the island to places Borders/Medicin Sans Frontiers (MSF). She such as Sudbury, Kingston or Timmins for from the north is presently in the middle of a nine-month more comprehensive care. fter more than 20 years of nursing mission in Uganda. To prepare herself, Paluck says overcoming language barriers Aacross Canada’s north, retired RN Thomson worked in Muskrat Dam, a com- was a challenge, but there was usually some- Karen Scott decided to write a book in hon- munity in the northwestern corner of one in the hospital who could translate. She our of all the committed Canadians who Ontario, accessible only by air and winter says all the health professionals in this north- provide care north of the 60th parallel. road. She says she was dependent on com- ern community work together closely and Published in 2002, Northern Nurses, True munity health representatives – women who everyone, including physicians, welcomes Nursing Adventures from Canada’s North, is worked in the health centres – to act as lan- questions from the students. Plus, Paluck had 156 pages of first-hand accounts written by guage and cultural translators. Thomson says the chance to work with everyone from nurses who have worked in some of the it didn’t take long before everyone in the infants to the elderly in one placement, an most remote parts of the country. With her community knew who she was. opportunity she admits she may not have had life-long friend Joan Kieser as editor, Scott “Even going to the general store was an in a more conventional setting. assembled stories submitted from all over event to talk to the ‘new nurse,’”she remem- Unfortunately, those benefits weren’t the country. Since the book’s release, 2,700 bers. “Asking someone ‘how are you?’ took enough to convince Paluck to make Moose copies have been sold. Scott says she began on a whole new meaning. They really told Factory a permanent home. In March, she hearing from nurses who wanted to con- you all their aches and pains.” returned to Kingston to complete her degree tribute to a second edition almost as soon as Thomson says there were other eye- and then move to Michigan, where her hus- the first was printed. Last December, openers too.A friend sent her fresh fruits and band lives.Though she enjoyed her northern Northern Nurses II: More Nursing Adventures vegetables – items that are taken for granted experience, Paluck isn’t likely to return. And from Canada’s North was released. in most parts of the province but are in short she’s not alone.According to Nursing Practice in The books reflect the overwhelming supply in Muskrat Dam. She says that rein- Rural and Remote Canada, once nurses leave desire these adventurous RNs have to tell forced how isolated the residents really are, rural areas – for education or other work their unique stories. Working in the north and the effect that isolation has on their opportunities – they often don’t return. allows nurses to explore their full potential, health. She also kept a journal that allowed Retired Lakehead University Professor Scott says, adding she always emphasized her to reflect on her experience, and her frus- Margaret Boone believes the best way to that with new recruits she met while work- tration about the lack of coordinated services promote northern nursing to students is to ing in occupational health in Yellowknife. for conditions like diabetes and mental illness. offer placements in northern communities. “I used to say to nurses in orientation Despite all that,Thomson says she “fell in For more than 30 years Lakehead has offered ‘you’re never going to be a normal nurse love” with the north, and after graduation she that experience to its students, and Boone again after this experience, because began working in Attawapiskat, where she says many return to the area for work. you’re going to find out just how capable learned a few words such as “Dak-o-sin,” In 2000,Boone was part of the CRaNHR you really are,’” Scott recalls. meaning “pain.”In 2003,she left the commu- research team that asked nurses in northwest- Both books are available by e-mailing nity to go on her first mission with MSF, and ern Ontario about their interest in nursing in [email protected] or visiting says what she learned about isolation and small northern communities. More than 60 www.turtlecreekbooks.ca. being immersed in a different culture in the per cent of the nurses surveyed said rumours north has served her well. of violence in First Nations communities within an emergency department in any hos- “The role of the nurse in a remote com- would deter them from even considering pital in this country was reported, no nurse munity (means) you are a mentor, a friend, a northern practice. They were also reluctant would ever want to work in emergency,” she teacher, a sister, someone to celebrate the evo- because of drug and alcohol abuse, and stories says. “The reality is incidents of violence in lution of families, from births to deaths, of negative experiences from nurses who nursing stations are so rare that when it does through crisis, and recovery and achievement.” work in northern First Nations communities. happen, it’s huge.” It’s those rewards that give nurses like Boone say nurses sometimes think one nega- Canadians learned of deplorable living Thomson and Medd the desire to leave the tive news story about what happens on a conditions, including unsafe drinking water comforts of home and explore nursing in reserve applies to all the communities, and and sub-standard housing, after the evacuation northern Ontario. RNs who do accept the may be discouraged from working there,even of the Kashechewan reserve on James Bay. challenge say while it can be difficult to be if that particular community is perfectly safe. Laplante says the media coverage that disaster the first – and sometimes only – line of Dorothy Laplante is a nurse practitioner generated won’t discourage or deter nurses health-care defense in these communities, it’s of First Nations descent. She has spent the last who choose to care in rural communities. also empowering to be able to practice nurs- nine years traveling into remote northern “The types of nurses who choose to ing to its fullest potential, and give northern communities to nurse,and believes it’s impor- work in isolated communities are the type residents the full attention of health profes- tant for nurses to understand that working on who seek work in any out-of-the-way sionals close to home. RN northern reserves is no more dangerous than place... anywhere in the world.” anywhere else. Heather Thomson is one of those rare JILL SHAW IS COMMUNICATIONS “If every violent event that occurred nurses.After a career as a computer program- OFFICER/WRITER AT RNAO.

16 May/June 2006 toYou NEWSto Use

Prompted by an offensive remark about the nursing profession in an April 23 episode of Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Ontario RN Sarah Parks-Quinn sent an e-mail to producers urging them to be more respectful of the nursing profession. The episode told the story of a nurse suspected of extorting money from patients. One detective on the case said it ‘must be something learned in nursing school.’“We need young people to feel that nursing is a respected profession, held in high regard by the public and the media,” Parks-Quinn wrote.“There is a huge nursing shortage here in Canada and in the U.S. and comments like this do nothing to encourage bright young people to consider nursing as a profession.”

Waterloo public health nurse Colleen Cooper is doing her part to help clean the environment, to keep students engaged, and to lower childhood obesity rates through an innovative new community program known as Blended Bicycles. With support from the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board, Waterloo Region Waste Management, and the community health department, Cooper is refurbishing bicycles with help from volunteer high school students. “A bike can be empowering for kids,” Cooper told the Kitchener-Waterloo Record. “It gives them a sense of freedom and responsibility.” It also keeps them healthy and wards off obesity.

On May 11, RN Gail Brimbecom, a founding member of the Canadian Association of Parish Nursing Ministry and RNAO’s Parish Nursing Interest Group, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from University of Toronto’s Victoria University. Brimbecom, a parish nurse for more than a decade, was also awarded an RNAO President’s Award for Leadership in Clinical Nursing Practice in 2005.

This spring, fourth-year nursing student and RNAO member Victoria Logan Kennedy (centre) received the Student Services Award of Excellence from Ryerson University. The award recognizes Kennedy’s volunteer work in Zimbabwe during the summer of 2005. While abroad, Kennedy worked at the Salvation Army Howard Hospital to learn about HIV/AIDS and poverty. She is a former vice-president of the Nursing Course Union at Ryerson and has been a mentor to nursing students for the past three years.

RNs and other health-care professionals at the Caressant Care Nursing Home on Bonnie Place in St.Thomas are helping to make dreams a reality for the elderly through an innovative program called Dreams Come True.The program, which collects money from the sale of raffle tickets, popcorn and barbecues, is entirely staff run, and offers one elderly resident their ‘dream come true’ every month.

In late March, Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, in partnership with RNAO, the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Ontario Nurses’ Association, and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, launched a public awareness campaign focusing on the various roles that nurses are playing in our health-care system. Print ads, which ran in weekly and daily newspapers across the province, high- lighted street nursing, nurse practitioners and rehabilitation nurses. Television and radio spots, as well as online ads, are also part of the campaign. For more information, visit www.health.gov.on.ca.

RNAO’s Nursing Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) PhD fellowships, which are funded in partnership with the Ontario government, were awarded this year to Wendy Gifford, a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, and Karen Campbell, a geriatric nurse practitioner and PhD student at the University of Western Ontario.

For three years, RNAO President Mary Ferguson-Paré has anchored a weekly online news broadcast called MFP TV Newsdesk. The “show” covers nursing and health-care news and events across Canada, and offers weekly on-location features in practice units across University Health Network. To tune in, visit www.uhn.ca/programs/nursing. Registered Nurse Journal 17 AGM 06 Embracing Diversity

ore than 700 nurses and nursing students from across the work we do – and our values and mission – and CNA’s.” province attended this year’s annual general meeting in Some members, were not convinced and asked voting delegates MApril. It’s clear from this tremendous show of enthusiasm to defeat the resolution. and commitment to the profession that Ontario RNs truly value “I support the RNAO and I support the good things that it has this opportunity to tap into the energy of their colleagues and to been able to accomplish. I would like, however, to speak against come together to network. this resolution. I believe it is both unnecessary and unwise,” The energy at this year’s 81st annual event was high: from the Kathleen McMillan, former RNAO president, stated.“When I say opening ceremonies’ celebration of diversity with Aboriginal dancers that it is unnecessary, it is because we do not require a resolution to and a drum group, to the surprise serenade of RNAO’s outgoing have a dialogue with our membership.We also do not require a president by her younger brother, Martin E. Lesmond, to the greet- resolution to have a dialogue with CNA.” ings and well wishes of noted public figures such as Ontario’s RNAO’s outgoing president Joan Lesmond responded to this sug- Lt.-Gov. James K. Bartleman, Premier Dalton McGuinty, Minister gestion:“The board wants to engage in a process that starts and ends of Health, George Smitherman, Minister of Agriculture, Leona with the voting delegates.This is a membership organization and Dombrowsky, PC Leader , PC health critic Elizabeth members must be in the driver’s seat. Should we not have acted in Witmer, NDP Leader , and this way we may have faced criticism from some NDP health critic Shelley Martel. members and from CNA that we are acting Energy was particularly high during the without transparency.We want to hear the voic- discussion of this year’s 11 resolutions, most es of the members and the voting delegates.” notably resolution #1, submitted by RNAO’s Several nursing students stepped to the board of directors and carried by the voting microphone to share the perspective of the delegates after more than an hour of healthy next generation of RNs.York University stu- debate.The resolution, which calls for an dent Marnie Van Kessel shared her view that open and transparent consultation with the AGM “demonstrates to me the privilege of members on RNAO’s relations with the being an Ontario RN and belonging to a Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), sparked non-regulatory professional association with a some colourful discussion, and led to some voice, and a voice to empower nursing.” She lengthy lines at the microphones. added:“This resolution stands to acknowl- “I applaud the board for making this In keeping with the spirit of the AGM, RNAO invited edge…our membership commitment to a MorningStar River, an Aboriginal drum group, to perform. struggle more public so that people under- democratic process…” stand what the issues are and can have a more open dialogue,” Barb Mildon, a former RNAO board member, expressed con- Cheryl Forchuk, Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk chapter executive and cern that a consultation could lead nurses down the wrong path:“I past CNA board member, told the crowd. recognize that this resolution is in the spirit of dialogue...but I The struggle to which Forchuk refers is one that began more too...fear it is divisive or at least it is in the beginning of a wedge than a decade ago, originating in RNAO’s concerns with CNA’s that will lead us down a path we may not want to go...” gradual shift from a professional, policy and advocacy association to Centennial College nursing professor Marian Duckitt-Smith, one that places more emphasis on regulatory issues. Other who was born in South Africa and lived under apartheid, told provinces that belong to CNA carry both the professional associa- nurses:“I value democracy, and all we are asking here today is to tion and regulatory mandates. Ontario is different in that RNAO is employ democratic principles…What are we so afraid of?” the professional association and the College of Nurses of Ontario In the end, voting delegates passed an amended resolution (see pg. (CNO) is the regulatory body. 21) and the process of consultation with members and with CNA “Some people have pointed out that our needs are not like will proceed. RNAO will conduct surveys, host focus groups, and other jurisdictions,” RNAO Past President Adeline Falk-Rafael begin an online consultation.The association has also invited CNA to said. “We are, in fact, the only jurisdictional member of CNA that engage in formal consultations (for more on this, please see pg. 5). does not have a regulatory responsibility. It is for that reason that For more information on how you can lend your voice to the increasingly since 1996…there has been a dissonance between the discussions, visit the Members Only section at www.rnao.org.

18 May/June 2006 PHOTO 7 RNAO region 6 board representative Paula Manuel (left) shares a cocktail and conver- sation with RNAO’s Immediate Past President Joan Lesmond and voting delegate Claudine Bennett, winner of an RNAO President’s Award for Leadership in Clinical Nursing Practice. PHOTO 6 Left to right: Daphne Egonu, Madeleine Boulay Bolduc, Jackee Higgins, Lesreen Romain, Erin Johnston, Mary Lou Wilkins, and Catherine Mayers were among 450 guests at a cocktail reception before the 1 2 opening ceremonies on Apr. 27. PHOTO 10 Left to right: RNAO Past President 4 Adeline Falk-Rafael, Cheryl Forchuk, Catherine Ward-Griffin, and Ruth Schofield await the arrival of dignitaries at the official launch of the 81st AGM. PHOTO 3 As she finished her final president’s address and passed the gavel to RNAO’s incom- ing president Mary Ferguson-Paré, Joan Lesmond was surprised to see her younger brother Martin enter the room with guitar in hand, approaching the podium and belting out a personalized sere- nade to congratulate her on a job-well-done. 3 PHOTO 12 On Apr. 27, RNAO’s communica- tions department provided assembly and board 6 members with a special presentation on media relations. Five working journalists led group dis- cussions about the work they do. Michelle Cheung (right), shared with her group the chal- lenges she faces as a reporter for CBC Television. PHOTO 4 and PHOTO 5 One of the most contentious resolutions brought forward at this year’s AGM was resolution #1. Before voting delegates passed the resolution (4), Elizabeth McGroarty, chair of the Occupational Health 5 Nurses Interest Group, shared her views (5). PHOTO 1 Lt.-Gov. James K. Bartleman, spoke to 8 nurses at the AGM about his work with Aboriginal communities, particularly his literacy program and a summer camp he’s launched to keep Aboriginal chil- dren active. PHOTO 8 Students were an important part of this year’s AGM, providing input at the assem- bly meeting and participating in discussions surrounding resolution #1. These 11 students, including James Chu (second from left), chair of the Nursing Students of Ontario, were recog- nized for their leadership and important contri- bution at the event. 7 PHOTO 11 James Chu, chair of the Nursing Students of Ontario interest group, welcomed 10 Bea Levis, a vocal advocate for the needs of Ontario’s seniors, as keynote speaker at a stu- dent luncheon on Apr. 28. PHOTO 9 Voting delegates from RNAO’s Hamilton chapter, (left to right) Irene Molenaar, Lisa Chadwick, Wilma Andres, Bev Morgan, Suzette Mahabeer, and Gloria Charles, gather for dinner at the president’s banquet on Apr. 28. PHOTO 2 Students from York University’s Internationally Educated Nursing Program, 9 including (at left) Shohreh Eghbali, Caiju Huang (in red), Limei Wang (seated right), and Limei 11 12 Xu, celebrate the AGM with York University nursing faculty members Adeline Falk-Rafael (second from left), former RNAO president, and Sue Coffey, winner of this year’s RNAO Leadership Award in Nursing Education (Academic).

Registered Nurse Journal 19 AGM 06

RNAO HONOURARY RNAO HONOURARY RNAO LEADERSHIP disadvantaged population, Monik LIFE MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP AWARD IN NURSING worked with a rest/ retirement ADMINISTRATION home to create the Rapid RNAO RNAO Honourary Membership Response Program, which helps Honourary is granted to individuals who The RNAO Leadership Award admit destitute patients to Life Mem- may, or may not, be RNAO in Nursing Administration is the home with funding from bership is members, but who have made offered to an RN who pro- the city. granted to outstanding contributions to vides exemplary nursing man- Monik is also the recipient long-standing nursing in the areas of practice, agement in an acute or long- of the RNAO Leadership RNAO members who have research, education or adminis- term care, community, educa- Award in Political Action, made outstanding contributions tration at the provincial, nation- tion, research, or other setting. presented to an individual who to nursing in the areas of prac- al and/or international level. This individual actively imple- initiates and participates in tice, research, education or This includes activities that ments innovative ideas in order political action that benefits the administration at the provincial, promote RNAO to nursing to enhance health of individuals, groups national and/or international colleagues, the government patient care, or populations of clients or level.This includes activities and other health-care partners. and demon- positively profiles or positions that promote RNAO to nurs- Raisa Deber is a professor strates a the nursing profession. ing colleagues, the government in the University of Toronto’s commitment Monik uses her position as and other health-care partners. (U of T) Department of Health to improve chapter president to advocate Charlotte Noesgaard, Policy, Management and the quality of for nursing in a variety of former RNAO president from Evaluation. Her research offers health care, thereby becoming a areas. She represented RNAO 1997 to 1998, is director of the solid evidence for a publicly role model in the area of nurs- at the Erie-St. Clair Local Nursing Education Research funded system. She has also ing administration. Health Integration Network Unit at McMaster University. In completed work on community Lynda Monik, president (LHIN) meetings, and main- addition to her leadership role health nursing for the Ministry of RNAO’s Essex chapter, is tains connections with at RNAO, Noesgaard has been of Health and Long-Term Care, described as a nurse who Windsor-area MPPs, accompa- a board member, chapter presi- and mentored many nurses in “never sleeps.” Her commit- nying several of them during dent, interest group representa- their graduate studies. Her for- ment to exceptional patient Take Your MPP to Work visits. tive, and committee chair. She is mer students say she is a natural care is unwavering, and is She was also invited to present described as a nurse who regards teacher. In addition to her teach- often noted by patient families to the provincial finance RNAO involvement as a ing and research responsibilities, who recognize her service minister in advance of the “lifestyle.”As president, Noesgaard Deber finds time to present her excellence in obituaries after 2006 budget.As utilization was instrumental in the push for findings loved ones have died.A proven management coordinator at BScN as entry to practice in to RNAO leader, Monik has been instru- Windsor’s Hotel Dieu Grace Ontario. She has been praised members, mental in securing grants from Hospital, Lynda uses her for her work in establishing the arming them the government and other political knowledge to help collaborative nursing program with evi- charitable organizations for patients. She also actively between McMaster University dence about initiatives vital to patient care. recruits new members to and Conestoga and Mohawk the merits of She led the creation of two RNAO, and takes the time to Colleges, and she led the a not-for-profit health system new nursing roles at Windsor’s personalize letters to encour- creation of the university’s that inspires them in their own Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital age potential members to join. Mentorship Program.A former political action campaigns. (HDGH) as part of the gov- recipient of an RNAO Award Deber holds a PhD in political ernment’s late-career initiative. THE HUB FELLOWSHIP of Merit, Noesgaard teaches science from the Massachusetts She also secured $100,000 for 4th-year nursing students about Institute of Technology, and has Virtual Tours of Discharge The HUB Fellowship is valued political advocacy and chal- been a professor at U of T for Destinations, which provide at approximately $2,000 and lenges facing the nursing profes- nearly 30 years. She has been in-patients with virtual tours provides an RNAO member sion.And she practices what she listed in “Canada’s Who’s Who” on television sets as a way to with the opportunity to job- preaches by participating active- since 1989 and won an excel- help them assess their care shadow executive director ly in RNAO’s annual Take your lence in teaching award from options in the community.To Doris Grinspun for one week. MPP to Work day. Phi Beta Kappa in 1998. meet the needs of Windsor’s The successful candidate

20 May/June 2006 demonstrates leadership poten- RNAO PRESIDENT’S RNAO’s President’s Award for tial and commitment to the AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP Leadership in Clinical Nursing nursing profession. IN CLINICAL Practice is granted to a staff Gurjit Sangha has been NURSING PRACTICE nurse who demonstrates an active member of RNAO expertise and evidence-based since her days as a nursing stu- dent in 2000. She began par- RNs help shape course of action for the future ticipating with encourages chapters, regions THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RNAO’s RNAOwithout chapters, interest RNAO’S BOD table recommendations based on board of groups and individual members to submit resolu- this comprehensive consultation to a special RNAO directors as tions for ratification at each annual general meet- general meeting or, at the latest, to the April 2007 a student ing (AGM). Resolutions are part of RNAO’s demo- RNAO annual general meeting, for decision by the representative cratic process, giving all members the opportunity voting delegates. and moved on to become to propose a course of action for the association. In Status: Carried region 6 representative in the interest of democracy, the Provincial Resolutions 2003. She has also acted as Committee does not endorse or censor resolutions. RESOLUTION #2 policy/political action and All resolutions that have met the required format Submitted by Angela Cooper Brathwaite on communications officer at the are distributed to RNAO members for considera- behalf of the Durham-Northumberland chapter regional level.While on the tion in advance of the AGM. In this issue of THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO lobby board for two years, Sangha Registered Nurse Journal, we reveal voting dele- the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to amend chaired RNAO’s membership gates’ decisions on each proposed resolution. the Off-Road Vehicle Act to prohibit anyone less recruitment and retention than 16 years of age from operating an all-terrain committee. She regularly RESOLUTION #1 vehicle (ATV) and to require all drivers of ATVs to speaks to students and fellow Submitted by RNAO’s Board of Directors complete a certified driver-training course, and RNs about joining RNAO, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO’s THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that and successfully recruited 50 board of directors (BOD) engage RNAO’s member- RNAO lobby the Ontario government to establish students while on the board. ship in an open and transparent consultation on an ATV Task Force to develop a comprehensive In her current role as clinical RNAO’s relations with CNA, in a spirit of coopera- approach to ATV use that would include public support nurse, Sangha is a tion and dialogue with CNA, and guided by the safety, legislation and enforcement, trails system resource to frontline RNs and three principles of: 1) congruency with RNAO’s and decreased environmental impact. advocates for her colleagues mission, 2) making sure RNAO members get Status: Carried daily. She is a nurse ambassa- appropriate value for their money, and 3) recogni- dor for RNAO and regularly tion of the need for a strong, national nursing RESOLUTION #3 speaks to high school students voice on professional, policy and advocacy matters Submitted by Angela Cooper Brathwaite on about careers in nursing. Once related to nursing and Medicare, behalf of the Durham-Northumberland chapter those students decide to pur- THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO sue their BScN, Sangha is RNAO’s BOD provide ongoing updates regarding lobby the Ontario government to amend the there to mentor them; some- the process and outcomes to the assembly and current Ontario Highway Traffic Act to restrict thing she has done for many general membership, and continued on page 23 new nurses since 2002.

Board of Directors 2006-07

MARY FERGUSON-PARÉ JOAN LESMOND APRIL RIETDYK HEATHER WHITTLE MARIA SCATTOLON TRICIA STILES KIM STOREY PRESIDENT IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 3 REGION 4 REGION 5

Registered Nurse Journal 21 AGM 06 practice.The winner receives a promotion programs, uses evi- to meet in the area of nursing research. $2,000 scholarship or $2,000 dence-based practice to counsel the new Katherine McGilton towards attendance at the next new parents, and leads several BScN entry is a research scientist at the CNA or ICN conference.This working groups, including one requirement Toronto Rehabilitation year the award goes to two that focuses on positive disci- in 20 months Institute, Queen Elizabeth individuals. pline strategies for children. instead of Centre. Known for her exten- Frances MacLeod has Bennett has been a workplace pursuing a four-year BScN sive knowledge in relationships been a clinical nurse specialist liaison since 1998 and a public degree. Coffey’s excellence and and care processes, McGilton and advanced practice nurse health nurse since 1999. She expertise in clinical practice, was awarded a Research Scientist specializing has led two health promotion as well as her creativity, clarity Award from the Ontario in gerontol- projects that have won awards. and patience, have been Ministry of Health and Long- ogy for 23 Bennett has been an praised by both colleagues Term Care in 2005.Through years. She RNAO member since 1992 and students. Coffey is also this award, McGilton focuses was on and has been on the executive the principal investigator for on the development, testing RNAO’s committee of the Peel chapter a study based on the RNAO and enhancement of processes board of ever since. She is the past co- best practice guideline Adult in long-term and complex directors as member at large, chair of the Peel chapter and is Asthma Care Guidelines for continuing care. McGilton’s research from 1990-92. Most its policy and political action Nurses: Promoting Control of current research projects also recently, MacLeod was instru- executive network officer. Asthma. Coffey is an active include creating a new model mental in the development Bennett is a member of both member of RNAO’s Nursing of care for patients with of two RNAO best practice the Childbirth Nurses Interest Research, Pediatric Nurses, dementia with hip fractures. guidelines on pressure ulcers. Group and the Community and Staff Nurse interest groups McGilton has chaired She is respected for her Health Nurses Initiatives and has served on the educa- RNAO’s Nursing Research creative and innovative ways Group. Bennett is co-founder tion committee of the RNAO Interest Group (NRIG) since to improve nursing team and current co-chair of board of directors for the last 2003 and has implemented performance and has been RNAO’s Chapter Presidents three years. various initiatives to increase praised by medical colleagues Committee. both student and RN involve- for her skills in communicat- RNAO LEADERSHIP ment in NRIG. McGilton has ing assessments and treatment RNAO LEADERSHIP AWARD IN NURSING also chaired the Relationship recommendations. She is also AWARD IN NURSING RESEARCH Centred Care group of the well-known for her ability EDUCATION, ACADEMIC Collaborative Research Program: to support change in nursing The RNAO Rehabilitation & Long-Term practice such as new therapies, The RNAO Leadership Award Leadership Care for the past five years, new supplies that assist nurses, in Nursing Education, Award in providing leadership to nurses and new techniques for Academic, is presented to the Nursing and researchers. She also pro- patient care. MacLeod has RNAO member who demon- Research is vided valuable input as a panel devoted most of her research strates excellence in nursing presented to member for RNAO’s best work to the study of the pre- education at the college or the RNAO member who practice guideline, Caregiving vention of pressure ulcers, and university level.The winner actively explores progressive Strategies for Older Adults with is considered to be a pioneer encourages critical thinking, ideas in nursing research.This Delirium, Dementia and in this field of wound care innovation and debate about individual enhances the image Depression. She completed a nursing in Ontario. nursing issues, and acts as role of nursing by engaging in PhD from the University of Claudine Bennett, a pub- model and mentor. efforts to disseminate research Toronto in 2001 and has lic health nurse at Peel Public In March 2005, Sue knowledge and communicat- published more than 13 Health, is a well respected and Coffey, assistant professor at ing with RNs to identify research papers. dedicated York University School of nursing research needs.This leader on a Nursing, launched an innova- RN has a proven ability to RNAO AWARD parenting tive post-RN BScN program attract research funding and OF MERIT team. for internationally educated participates in the activities Bennett nurses residing in Ontario. of professional organizations, RNAO’s award of merit is plans health The program allows students thereby becoming a mentor presented to RNs who have

22 May/June 2006 made outstanding contribu- Mildon helped create RNAO’s Initiatives Group and president tions to RNAO and nursing in Practice Page on the associa- of CHNAC. Mildon contin- Ontario.Winners have tion’s website. She has also ued her own professional demonstrated responsibility for served as chair of the growth by pursuing her PhD professional development and Community Health Nurses at the University of Toronto. are exemplary role models and mentors to peers. Resolutions (continued) Barbara Mildon’s dedica- tion to community health the number of passengers to the number of seat with a stipend of up to $500 to attend the annu- nursing has enriched nursing belts in a vehicle. al general meeting each year, provided she/he has in many ways. She led the Status: Carried recruited 25 or more new members in the current development of Canadian year or she/he has been nominated for the Community Health Nursing RESOLUTION #4 Student of Distinction Award. Practice Submitted by Heather Woodbeck on behalf of the Status: Referred to the board Standards, Lakehead chapter and, last THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO work RESOLUTION #7 April, the with the Ontario Health Coalition, the Ontario Submitted by Childbirth Nurses Interest Group (CNIG), first RNs Nurses’ Association, the Ontario Association of Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group (CHNIG), wrote the Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors, Ontario and Pediatric Nurses Interest Group (PedNIG) Canadian Long-Term Care Association, and the Ontario THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO collab- Nurses’Association’s certifica- Coalition of Senior Citizens Organizations to lobby orate with the Ontario Breastfeeding Committee tion exam for community the government to immediately increase the hours (OBC) to lobby the Ontario government, including health nursing. To celebrate of care funding for residents of long-term care the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Mildon’s work, the homes by $4,083.75 per resident or $11.19 per day, (MOHLTC), the Ministry of Health Promotion, and Community Health Nurses thereby fulfilling its election promise made in 2003. the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to: Association of Canada Status: Carried 1. support the implementation of the Baby (CHNAC) created the Barbara FriendlyTM Initiative (BFI) in Ontario hospitals, public Mildon National Certification RESOLUTION #5 health units and other community health services, and Bursary to cover the cost of Submitted by Grey chapter 2. include the BFI in the revision of the MOHLTC writing the certification exam. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO for- Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guide- Mildon is also dedicated to mulate a task force to explore and identify basic lines, and developing and using the best and continual educational, recruitment and 3. that funding be provided to support the ini- available evidence to improve retention initiatives to support rural and remote tiatives. the knowledge of all nurses. nursing practice. Status: Carried As a nurse educator, she Status: Carried helped fellow RNs refine RESOLUTION #8 specific skills by using “mobile RESOLUTION #6 Submitted by Judith MacDonnell on behalf of the learning labs” that traveled Submitted by Essex chapter Community Health Nurses Initiatives Group (CHNIG) through the province.A for- THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO home THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO develop mer RNAO board member- office sponsor one student from each chapter continued on page 25 at-large for nursing practice,

Board of Directors 2006-07 (continued)

PAULA MANUEL CARMEN JAMES-HENRY JANICE KAFFER RUTH POLLOCK CARMEN RODRIGUE PAUL-ANDRÉ GAUTHIER SUSAN PILATZKE REGION 6 REGION 7 REGION 8 REGION 9 REGION 10 REGION 11 REGION 12

Registered Nurse Journal 23 AGM 06

RNAO LEADERSHIP to experience work in long- leagues note she will continue ive learning environment for its AWARD IN NURSING term care while continuing to be a strong asset to health employees, including a precep- EDUCATION, STAFF to attend school. care as an RN. torship/mentorship program, DEVELOPMENT an online learning resource, RNAO STUDENT OF RNAO IN THE WORK- internal training services, and The Leadership Award in DISTINCTION AWARD PLACE AWARD bursaries for external training. Nursing Education, Staff According to its staff, SEHC Development, is presented to The RNAO The RNAO in the Workplace employees feel “connected, the RN who practices excel- Student of Award is presented to an supported, and empowered.” lence as a nursing educator in a Distinction Ontario-based agency that health-care organization and Award is promotes excellence in nursing CHAPTER OF THE YEAR enhances the image of nursing given to a practice by fostering the involve- by encouraging critical think- nursing stu- ment of RNs in their profes- The RNAO Chapter of the Year ing, innovation and debate.The dent who has made a signifi- sional association.The agency demonstrates the greatest winner also acts as a role model cant contribution to the creates a climate of professional advancement of RNAO’s goals and mentor. advancement of the nursing partnership and promotes the through political action, media Rhonda Seidman- profession, RNAO and the quality of working life for RNs. activity,and professional develop- Carlson is director of profes- Nursing Students of Ontario Agencies are nominated by RNs ment.The chapter is responsive sional practice at Toronto’s (NSO) within his/her nursing who work at that agency,and to members’ needs as well as to Baycrest Centre for Geriatric program.The student acts as a are awarded based on the RNAO officers, regional repre- Care. She brings her passion for resource for other nursing agency’s commitment to pro- sentatives or the provincial office nursing practice to every area of students and is a role model moting RNAO, to nursing pro- for input and accountability. her work.At Baycrest, she has for professionalism. fessional development, research- For the second straight year, spearheaded a program called Tania Paolini is an RNAO based practice, and professional Essex is RNAO’s chapter of the “Renewal” that offers staff an student liaison for the nursing practice. year. During 2005, the south- intensive three-week education University of Ottawa/ Saint Elizabeth Health western-Ontario chapter con- program that helps them focus Algonquin College collaborative Care (SEHC) is the winner of tinued to build on its strengths, on best practices (including nursing program and an execu- this year’s award. SEHC strong- including rapid membership RNAO’s clinical best practice tive member of region 10 as the ly encourages its nurses to join growth, political action and a guidelines), research, and educa- newsletter editor. Paolini active- RNAO and offers an RNAO visible presence in the commu- tion. Colleagues say Seidman- ly promotes RNAO to her membership subsidy fee to a nity.Last year, Essex chapter’s Carlson has a unique gift to peers by making an RNAO number of its employees. membership grew by 28 per adapt her teaching style to the bulletin board available to keep SEHC also provides paid time cent – the highest among all needs of students, and makes them updated on the associa- to staff members participating chapters – including 144 more learning tion’s latest news and events. in RNAO board of directors’ students. Nursing students at St. interesting She always encourages fellow activities and to staff who hold Clair College now pay the $20 and relevant. students to be politically active. RNAO leadership positions student membership fee along Seidman- Paolini also reaches out to stu- and must attend events. SEHC with their lab fees, while nearly Carlson also dents outside of her program. was one of RNAO’s first spot- 100 University of Windsor stu- takes time Last year, she played a lead role light organizations to imple- dents enjoyed pizza parties from her day in organizing the 2005 Ontario ment best practice guidelines where they learned more about to talk to front-line nurses at Regional Canadian Nursing and its RNs are actively RNAO. The chapter also Baycrest. She encourages many Students Association Conference. involved in RNAO’s Advanced continues to be successful in a of her colleagues to join Although still a student, Paolini Clinical/ Practice Fellowships number of RNAO activities, RNAO, and acts as a mentor embodies the professionalism Program.As part of its man- including Take Your MPP to Work for everyone from nurse practi- required of all RNs. She uses date, SEHC participates in Day. Essex members successfully tioners and clinical nurse spe- RNAO clinical best practice research projects and submitted secured a five-page Nursing cialists to new graduates. She guidelines in her clinical place- 10 successful research proposals Week spread in the Windsor also supports new RNs through ments and in her paid work. within the past two years. Star that profiled the work the Geriatric Internship Program, Paolini is currently a registered SEHC utilizes several of local nurses.The chapter designed to encourage students practical nurse, and her col- approaches to create a support- has also received coverage

24 May/June 2006 of its work in the community, to have the guidelines imple- year introduced the first including a teleconference mented in their workplaces. Annual Education Award to and fundraiser that linked CNSIG members promote support a CNSIG member nurses around the region RNAO and CNSIG to nurs- who is pursuing graduate with RNs in Louisiana and ing graduate students, and this education. RN Mississippi recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Resolutions (continued)

RNAO INTEREST GROUP a position statement explicitly addressing and the Mandatory Health Programs and Services OF THE YEAR politically advocating to nursing bodies, the Guidelines direct public health nurses and other provincial government, community health-care public health staff to use a Comprehensive School The RNAO Interest Group providers, and the general public to challenge sys- Health Approach in the provision of health pro- of the Year Award is given to temic heterosexism, biphobia and transphobia in motion and prevention services, and the RNAO Interest Group the workplace, and also related to client care. This THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that that best demonstrates com- can be done by RNAO itself and/or in collaboration RNAO lobby the Minister of Health and Long-Term mitment to RNAO through with the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA), Care and the Minister of Health Promotion to pro- active participation in RNAO Rainbow Health Network (RHN), the Centre for vide additional funding for public health nurses to initiatives.The interest group Equity and Health in Society (CEHS), and the Ontario ensure that every school in Ontario will have access effectively communicates Nurses’ Association (ONA), to a wide range of public health nursing services. through a variety of media and THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Status: Carried methods, influences decision RNAO develop a best practice strategy to advo- makers and mobilizes RNs for cate and foster the development of professional, RESOLUTION #10 action, and exhibits exemplary organizational and social support for sexual Submitted by the Provincial Nurse Educators teamwork and strong leader- minority nurses and others who would advocate Interest Group (PNEIG) ship within the nursing and on their behalf. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO lobby health-care communities. Status: Carried the provincial government to provide targeted The Clinical Nurse funding to home-care agencies to provide men- Specialist Interest Group RESOLUTION #9 toring programs for new graduates employed in (CNSIG) frequently speaks Submitted by Marlene Slepkov on behalf of home health. out on nursing issues in the Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group (CHNIG) Status: Carried media, participates in events THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO lobby the such as Take Your MPP to Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Minister RESOLUTION #11 Work, and advocates for of Health Promotion, the Minister of Education, and Submitted by Norah Holder and Jackie Watt, strengthening the health-care the Minister of Children and Youth Services to sup- RNAO members system by expressing concerns port the implementation of a Comprehensive School THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO lobby to politicians about Local Health Approach in all schools across Ontario, and directly and/or through the CNA to address and Health Integration Networks. THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that advocate for the global eradication of female CNSIG members also partici- RNAO lobby the Minister of Health and Long- genital mutilation. pate in the development of Term Care, the Minister of Health Promotion and Status: Carried RNAO’s best practice guide- the Chief Medical Officer of Health to ensure that lines and are strong advocates

Board of Directors 2006-07 (continued)

ELSABETH JENSEN CONNIE KUC JUDY BRITNELL SYLVIA RODGERS ESTHER GREEN HILDA SWIRSKY MAL NURSING RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP REP MAL NURSING EDUCATION MAL NURSING PRACTICE MAL ADMINISTRATION MAL SOCIO-POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Registered Nurse Journal 25 RNS CELEBRATE NURSING WEEK 2006

On May 9, RNAO, the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) and the Ontario Health Coalition released a letter signed by more than 300 nurses that called on the McGuinty government to stop the privatization of hos- pitals through public-private-partnerships, also called P3s. Joining RNAO executive director Doris Grinspun (right) at a press conference to publicize the letter are ONA president Linda Haslam-Stroud (left), and Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition.

Howard Hampton, Leader of the NDP Party in Ontario This year’s Toronto Star Nightingale Award winner and MPP for Rainy River, brought greetings to nurses and honourable nominees were recognized at during Nursing Week opening ceremonies at Toronto’s RNAO’s Nursing Week Expo on May 10. Right to Hospital for Sick Children (May 8). His tour also took left: RNAO President Mary Ferguson-Paré, him through the hospital’s ER, a place he’s visited on Nightingale award winner Joanne Wunderlich, hon- two separate occasions – once when his young son ourable nominees Lynda Monteleone, Aysha had an allergic reaction to medication and again after Ebrahim and Joan Miller, and Sheri Oliver, Director, a fall that left the 7-year-old in need of stitches. Strategic Nursing Initiatives, RPNAO.

RNs and RPNs (left to right) Sharon Pollock, Sharon Wilson, Diane Cowling, Rebecca Pietrzyk, and Tracey McLelland toured the medical unit at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville with Durham MPP John O'Toole on May 8.

The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Affairs and Housing (also responsible for seniors) and George Smitherman visited Casey House MPP for Kingston and The Islands, visits the North in Toronto on May 11. He toured the Kingston Community Health Centre on May 12 and facility with RNs Tracy Human (left) and participates in a “sittercize” program for clients who Lynn Muir, learning about the special cannot participate in regular exercise programs. needs of inner city clients. It’s a popula- tion he understands as MPP for Toronto Centre-Rosedale and a resident of the 26 May/June 2006 Regent Park community. Ella Ferris (left), Executive Vice The Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of President, Programs, and Chief Energy and MPP for Etobicoke Centre (seat- Nursing Officer at St. Michael’s ed, right), visited nurses at Trillium Health Hospital in Toronto, welcomed Centre’s Queensway Site in Etobicoke on Shelley Martel, MPP for Nickel May 8. Acute care nurse practitioner Denise Belt, to the hospital’s Nursing Button and Heart Function Clinic patient Week celebrations. Martel William McVie show Cansfield how Trillium’s brought greetings, acknowl- interdisciplinary team of health-care profes- edging nurses as the backbone sionals educate patients about heart failure, of the health-care system dur- and how to monitor and manage signs and ing Nursing Week and beyond. symptoms of worsening heart failure.

RNAO board member, socio-political affairs, Hilda Swirsky RNAO President Mary Ferguson- (right) and Dr. Knox Ritchie, maternal/fetal medicine spe- Paré (left) provided the keynote cialist, explain the inner workings of Mount Sinai Hospital’s address at a Hamilton chapter unit for high-risk pregnancies to MPP and Conservative meeting on May 3. She offered health critic Elizabeth Witmer. RNAO board member Janice local nurses in-depth details of Kaffer (left) presents Whitby- her three-month sabbatical to Ajax MPP Christine Elliott with Europe and Scandinavia, and also a plant during her visit to Saint joined Hamilton chapter co-chair Elizabeth Health Care’s (SEHC) Gloria Charles (centre) in present- Durham service delivery centre. ing Katharine Macleod with a pin Over the past four years, SEHC in honour of her induction into nurses have hosted 11 MPP vis- the local chapter’s Quarter its in partnership with RNAO. Century Club.

The Honourable Gerry Phillips, Minister of Government Services and MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt (left), sat down with health- care professionals at The Scarborough Hospital on May 12. Joining Phillips for a discussion about the need for community supports and services for seniors are (left to right) Chief Executive Officer Hugh Scott, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Shirley Musclow, RN Marilyn Matheson, and RN Sheryl McPherson. Registered Nurse Journal 27 Jean Lowery, RN 1931-2006 dards failed, she and others decided that collective bargaining was the answer.Thousands of RNs have benefited from her efforts.” At a time when nurses were poorly paid, lacked occupational safety Following Lowery’s death,Ontario Minister of Health and Long- standards, and, if they were sitting, had to stand as soon as a doctor Term Care George Smitherman recognized the 75-year-old in the entered the room, Jean Lowery made it her lifelong passion to ensure provincial legislature, calling her a “great Ontarian,” and “champion nurses received the respect they deserved. Lowery,a founding mem- of nursing.” ber and inaugural president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association Abdullah says Lowery was always concerned about working con- (ONA), died on April 3 following a battle with lung cancer. ditions for nurses, even in her final months. She hopes nursing stu- Close friend and colleague Anita Abdullah first met Lowery in dents and new graduates will follow Lowery’s lead, and continue to October, 1973, at a meeting that led to the creation of ONA as the advocate for better working conditions and respect. nursing union for the province. Lowery worked tirelessly with “If that kind of thing can come from Jean’s death…that would be RNAO’s then executive director Laura Barr to the best tribute,”Abdullah says. ensure a smooth transition that gave rise to ONA, In addition to two, one-year terms as presi- and remained a lifelong RNAO member.Abdullah dent, Lowery also assumed a number of staff posi- says Lowery’s commitment to that process, and tions at ONA, at times working directly with much of her subsequent work, was driven to front-line nurses during labour negotiations. In improve working conditions. 1991, she retired after a 40-year career and was “Nursing wasn’t just bringing a bedpan,” awarded an Honorary ONA Membership. Lowery is Abdullah says, adding that Lowery made a point of survived by her long-time partner Fred Barthel, ensuring RNs observations and proposed solutions daughter Merilyn Bailey,son Paul Lowery,grand- to health-care challenges were respected. children Allan and Susan, and five great-grand- Lesley Bell, chief executive officer of ONA, children. She will be fondly and respectfully praises Lowery’s efforts on behalf of nurses:“When remembered by all nurses for her great work to attempts to work with management to set stan- advance the profession. RN

Calendar

June 16-17 June TLC—TEACHING, September LEARNING, COMMUNICATING June 4-9 September 17-22 Ontario Family Practice CREATING HEALTHY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Nurses Conference WORK ENVIRONMENTS FALL INSTITUTE Radisson Admiral Hotel SUMMER INSTITUTE Hockley Valley Highlands Resort Toronto, Ontario Delta Pinestone Resort Orangeville, Ontario For more information, Haliburton, Ontario please contact: September 28-29 June 15 [email protected] 5TH INTERNATIONAL LEADING AND SHAPING June 24-29 CONFERENCE: OLDER PEOPLE SUCCESSFUL CHANGE NURSING BEST PRACTICE DESERVE THE BEST Regional Workshop GUIDELINES SUMMER INSTITUTE Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Vallhalla Inn Nottawasaga Inn Convention Conference Centre and Spa Thunder Bay, Ontario Centre & Golf Resort Markham, Ontario Alliston, Ontario

Unless otherwise noted, please contact Carrie Scott at RNAO’s Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence at [email protected] or 416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199, ext. 227 for further information.

28 May/June 2006 Nursing and Health Care Classifieds Leadership/ Management

FOOT CARE NURSE TRAINING: Updated LICENCED 14-BED SENIORS HOME Distance Program follows NEW Guidelines for FOR SALE: Private free-standing building- Education Advanced and Diabetic. Three separate pro- owner retiring. Turn-key operation - many grams available; for new nurses, experienced upgrades. Toronto area (Etobicoke). Monthly Program nurses and educators. Location: Kingston, ON income approx. $17,500.00 minimum. or Distance Education. Training Aids available; $899,900.00. $250,000.00 cash or credit-line Nursing Foot Care Management, 2005; required for down payment. Vendor take A Practical Guide to Independent Nursing back $650,000.00 mortgage (optional). No Practice, 2006; Photo CD; skills video. Contact agents. If interested, contact Mike Khan, 905- Cindy Lazenby, RN, [email protected], 471-0972 or www.goldensunsetresidence.com. GRANTING UNIVERSITY CREDIT AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION 613-389-3377. Endorsed by the CNA. All courses individually facilitated by an Educational Consultant Courses Offered:

Are you protected? Leadership/Management (6 units) • 9 month course completion • both theoretical and practical content Every nurse should have important in today’s work environment Advanced Leadership/ NEW professional liability protection. Management (6 units) • 8 month course completion • builds on the Leadership/Management course • topics include transformational and quantam leadership; emotional intelligence and organizational culture; applies theories and concepts to current work environment Conflict Management (3 units) • 6 month course completion • explores the types and processes of conflict in health care organizations and applies theory and research to conflict situations in the current workplace Leading Effective Teams (3 units) • 6 month course completion The Canadian Nurses • theory and methods of teams by intergrating professional and leadership disciplines Protective Society Decentralized Budgeting (1 unit credit) • 4 month course completion is here for you! • concepts of financial management and budget preparation • important to nurses involved with Call for a free consultation. decentralized management Total Quality Management/ Quality Assurance (1 unit credit) www.cnps.ca 1 800 267-3390 • 4 month course completion • theoretical and practical aspects applicable to developing quality assurance/improvement programs For further information please contact: Leadership/Management Distance Education Program DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS McMaster University, School of Nursing 1200 Main Street West, 2J1A about our health-care system? Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5 Get the answers at www.rnao.org Phone (905) 525-9140, Ext 22409 Fax (905) 570-0667 Help promote RNAO's online Ask an RN program. Email [email protected] Internet www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/ Contact [email protected] for program brochures and distance/distance.htm drop them off at your local library or community centre. Programs starting every January, April & September NURSING EDUCATION ˜ÌiÀ˜>̈œ˜> INITIATIVE i>Ì °

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