Francophone patients need French-speaking RNs • Champions network reaches 1,000 • Calling RNs to Queen’s Park Registered NurseJanuary/February 2007 JOURNAL BUILDINGBUILDING HEALTHYHEALTHY WORKWORK ENVIRONMENTSENVIRONMENTS

PM 40006768 2786_HUB_AD 6/13/06 3:27 PM Page 1

Now I know why thousands of nurses have chosen HUB!

I used to think insurance was insurance and The HUB representative also asked whether never gave much thought to where I bought I had upgraded or added on to my home. it – I assumed it was the same everywhere Now, my home has been undergoing and all that mattered was finding the best extensive renovations for some time, but it price. Was I ever wrong! I heard about HUB had never occurred to me that those Personal Insurance from a colleague at work. upgrades could affect my insurance policy, She mentioned that HUB offers RNAO or more specifically, any claim I may have members great rates on home and auto while these changes are taking place. HUB insurance, but it was her comment on the brought me up to speed on what to include outstanding service that made me decide on my homeowners policy immediately and to find out for myself. made further recommendations for when the renovations are completed. When I contacted HUB, I spoke to an insurance advisor immediately – no pushing I was impressed. I now realize insurance a million buttons or leaving a voicemail is not the same everywhere. There are message. The advisor assessed my insurance differences in product features, pricing, needs and gave me a no-obligation quotation and most importantly, in the people and on the spot. The savings were significant and I the advice they provide. really appreciated the great additional benefits Thank you to the RNAO and HUB for HUB offers. I switched to the HUB plan for taking care of me! Now I know what the RNAO members right away! HUB is all about! Contact HUB today. Call 1 877 466 6390 or visit www.hubvalue.com

Toni Sammut, R.N. You spend your time taking care of others. Now let us take care of you. Call for a no-obligation-quotation and you could WIN pampering for 2 at a spa of your choice! Registered Nurse JOURNAL Volume 19, No. 1, January/February 2007

FEATURES BUILDING HEALTHY 12 WORK ENVIRONMENTS THE LINEUP By Jill Scarrow Six new RNAO Best Practice Guidelines EDITOR’S NOTE 4 provide the tools to create thriving workplaces.

PRESIDENT’S VIEW 5 LOST IN TRANSLATION MAILBAG / OBITUARY 6 16 By Jill Scarrow Ontario’s francophones face challenges EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DISPATCH 7 accessing health care in their mother tongue. NURSING IN THE NEWS/OUT & ABOUT 8 RN PROFILE - ANNE-MARIE DEAN 11 IN PURSUIT OF PUBLIC OFFICE 18 By Kimberley Kearsey NEWS TO YOU/NEWS TO USE 25 Ten RNs talk about lessons learned POLICY AT WORK 26 through RNAO’s political training program.

CALENDAR 27 CHAMPIONS CHANGE THEWAY 21 NURSING CARE IS DELIVERED By Jill-Marie Burke More than 1,000 RNs champion clinical BPGs in their workplaces.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM RNAO 22 BOARD RECEIVE SUPPORT, PRAISE By Jill Scarrow Voting delegates at January’s general meeting commend RNAO’s board for its work on resolution #1.

Registered Nurse Journal 3 The journal of the REGISTERED NURSES' Editor’s Note ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (RNAO) 158 Pearl Street Toronto 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] Words: What would EDITORIAL STAFF Marion Zych, Publisher Kimberley Kearsey, Managing Editor we do without them? Jill Scarrow, Writer Tiffanie Ing, Editorial Assistant Looking back at a trip to Chile a few years ago, I recall a EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Patricia Stiles, Chair moment of genuine relief and excitement when I picked up a Joseph Gajasan, Anne Kelly, Connie Kuc, Holly Lake, Sylvia Rodgers, Shannon Landry, menu and discovered it had English translations for all the dishes. Rosanna Wilson Phew.At least I knew what I’d be eating for dinner that night. DESIGN, ART DIRECTION, PRODUCTION Communicating in a foreign country can be a challenge Kyle Schruder/James Ireland Design Inc. when you don’t know the language.As you’ll see in our feature ADVERTISING Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario about providing health care to Ontario’s francophone population (pg.16), communica- Phone: 416-599-1925, ext. 211 tion breakdown doesn’t only happen in far-off places. It’s also a challenge many Fax: 416-599-1926 French-speaking patients are trying to overcome right here at home. SUBSCRIPTIONS Registered Nurse Journal, ISSN 1484-0863, is a The importance of effective communication is a common thread in this issue of benefit to members of the RNAO. Paid subscriptions are welcome. Full subscription prices for one year (six Registered Nurse Journal. issues), including taxes: Canada $38.52 (GST); Outside Canada: $42. Printed with vegetable-based inks on Our Nursing in the News feature, for instance, brings you details of Justice Archie recycled paper (50 per cent recycled and 20 per cent post-consumer fibre) on acid-free paper. Campbell’s final SARS report, released in January.He was exceedingly clear in his

Registered Nurse Journal is published six times a recommendations that better communication with frontline staff is vital during year by RNAO. The views or opinions expressed in the editorials, articles or advertisements are those of the emergency situations.Without an informed workforce, chaos ensues. authors/advertisers and do not necessarily represent the policies of RNAO or the Editorial Advisory We also see the importance of open dialogue in our cover feature about building Committee. RNAO assumes no responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from healthy work environments. Our story starts with news of nurses at Welland the use of any information or advice contained in the Registered Nurse Journal including editorials, stud- Hospital going home in tears due, in part, to the lack of communication between ies, reports, letters and advertisements. All articles and photos accepted for publication become the property of staff.Those tears dried up when opportunities for better communication became the Registered Nurse Journal. Indexed in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. part of a new work environment. Our coverage of RNAO’s province-wide consultation about the relationship CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Undeliverable copies and change of address to: RNAO, 158 Pearl Street, between RNAO and the Canadian Nurses Association (pages 5 and 22) also Toronto ON, M5H 1L3. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40006768. provides an important and positive example of the power of dialogue.

RNAO OFFICERS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT Opening channels of communication can ease stress, improve care, heal Mary Ferguson-Paré, RN, PhD, CHE troubled relationships, educate and empower.Anne-Marie Dean, the subject President, ext. 204 Joan Lesmond, RN, BScN, MSN, Ed. D (c) of our RN profile on page 11, supports this notion when she says listening Immediate Past President, ext. 202 is one of the oldest tools nurses use to care for patients. It’s clearly a remarkably Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD (c), O.Ont. Executive Director, ext. 206 effective tool – at the bedside and beyond. Irmajean Bajnok, RN, MScN, PhD Director, Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence, ext. 234 Kimberley Kearsey Sheila Block, MA Managing Editor 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 Anitta Robertson, RN, BAAN, MPA Director, Special Projects, ext. 240 Tazim Virani, RN, MScN, PhD (cand) Director, Best Practice Guidelines and Advanced Clinical/Practice Fellowships Marion Zych, BA, Journalism, BA, Political Science Director, Communications, ext. 209

4 January/February 2007 President’s View with Mary Ferguson-Paré

General meeting results

On Jan. 26, your Social determinants of health ship for nurses as a national social force. Board of Directors RNAO members believe that the social Openness and transparency (BOD) and I had the and environmental determinants of health Members envision nursing associations at opportunity to meet are a critical area for national and provincial all levels to be open, transparent, account- with 280 members advocacy,and they want CNA to assume a able, and member-driven.They also want who attended the stronger role in advancing these at the fed- to be kept updated on the issues that general meeting to eral level. In particular, members identified matter to them. discuss and vote on as their key priorities: poverty,environ- In the past nine months, you have the BOD’s recommendations on resolution ment, education, childcare, and housing. made it clear, through the survey to all #1. The meeting provided another oppor- Medicare members, 25 local consultations and your tunity for us to hear first hand about the RNAO members believe that Medicare almost unanimous approval of the BOD’s issues of concern to you, and it brought to a and health-care reform are critical areas for recommendations at the January general close our formal consultation process on national and provincial advocacy,and they meeting, that these are the policy priori- resolution #1. The process also offered a want CNA to assume a consistent and ties your professional association must chance to connect with our members, and assertive role in defending Medicare from continue to speak out on.These are also learn more about how we can continue to the policy agendas you want your national have open communications in the future. association – CNA – to actively pursue. The meeting was the culmination of “This is a victory for The excitement of working together nine intense months of consultation with nurses everywhere, with CNA in an activist role for our our 26,000 members, many of whom we national association is just starting. Our heard from directly. Indeed, more than and for the public members’ energy will continue to encour- 6,000 members told us what was impor- we serve.” age CNA and its member organizations as tant to them regarding nursing, health and we all collaborate to place nurses at the social issues.We heard your passion for our current threats and working to enhance it forefront of healthy public policy. profession, for Medicare, and for the social by promoting primary health care, protect- We have come out of this process – and environmental determinants of health. ing universal health care, stopping the provincially and nationally – stronger than At the meeting, members discussed and expansion of for-profit delivery, enforcing ever.We look forward to collaborating voted on six recommendations presented the Canada Health Act, developing a with CNA to advance issues that are by RNAO’s BOD.The recommendations national pharmacare program, and improv- important to RNAO members at the reflect what you have told us: ing the health of Aboriginal people. national level. Raising issues nationally Nurses as a social force This is a victory for nurses everywhere, RNAO members indicate that the federal RNAO members want national activism. and for the public we serve. government is paying too little attention to They expect their national association to It has been my privilege to preside their issues of concern, and they want those mobilize nurses, nursing organizations and over this democratic process. RNAO has issues – both nursing and healthy public the public across the country to raise their grown, in deeds and in actions, into an policy – to be raised nationally,and with a issues and to speak out for nursing and for organization that is owned by its mem- stronger voice. health.They want to see a proactive bers.That is our strength and source of Nursing agenda, by participating in and leading energy as we move forward together. RNAO members indicate that the nation- coalitions, organizing campaigns, engaging Let me finish by saying that, on behalf al association has an important role to play with politicians and governments, and of the board, it has been a great honour for in promoting issues of nursing policy and through other forms of grassroots mobi- us to hear the voices of thousands of practice at the federal level. Members lization of both nurses and the public. members.Your board of directors and staff referred to issues such as replacement of Positive engagement with CNA believe that you – members in all roles, in RNs, standards of nursing practice, Members want RNAO and CNA to col- all sectors and in all regions of the province e-health and informatics, workplace issues, laborate in bringing members’ issues onto – should be in the driver’s seat: speaking nursing shortage, collaborative practice, the national stage to bring about positive out for health, speaking out for nursing. nursing education, mentorship for new change.This includes advancing the social nurses, nurse practitioners and expanded and environmental determinants of health, MARY FERGUSON-PARÉ, RN, PhD, CHE, roles for nurses. defending Medicare, and effecting leader- IS PRESIDENT OF RNAO.

Registered Nurse Journal 5 Mailbag Obituary Better late than never Dorothy Doan, RNAO Member Emeritus 1915-2006

Re: Shifting gears, Dorothy Doan’s nearly 50-year nursing Lambert, Doan’s niece, and also a nurse. Nov./Dec. 2006 career took her from nursing school in Lambert recalls a snowstorm in the 1970s I can fully relate to rural Ontario, to the pyramids of Egypt that stranded motorists on local highways. your Shifting gears during the Second World War, to bedsides Doan invited the travellers to sleep in story. Like the nurses and boardrooms at Strathroy Middlesex SMGH’s lobby and stayed with them all in your article, I too General Hospital (SMGH). night. It was not because they needed am in the middle of a Doan graduated from the nursing pro- health care, Lambert remembers. It was to mid-career education gram at Strathroy General, a local hospital make sure everyone was comfortable. upgrade. I graduated from a college-based that operated inside a small house, in 1935. Lambert says Doan was always commit- nursing program 20 years ago in Ontario. I She headed off to war in 1942, and found ted to making sure Strathroy had the most am now almost through my Bachelor of herself in Africa, where, when she wasn’t car- up-to-date medical facilities — whether Nursing at Memorial University of Newfo- ing for soldiers,she would tour the pyramids, they were needed to house snowed-in undland, which I am doing by distance local markets, and even tried a camel ride. In travellers or for medical emergencies. She studies from Uganda. I have worked for 17 1947, she returned to Strathroy General to says her aunt always knew Strathroy had years in various health positions in Africa. I work as assistant superintendent. She earned to compete with larger towns and cities to realized while practising away from home a degree in Nursing Service Administration attract health-care staff, so she went out of that to further my career and increase my from the University of her way to ensure the work- impact in health care, I need more education. Toronto and eventually ing conditions and salaries at Ultimately I plan to do a master’s degree in became the superintendent at SMGH were second to public health or my nurse practitioner train- Strathroy General. Doan real- none. Even after her retire- ing. Studying requires a high level of motiva- ized the community was out- ment in 1981, she continued tion, organization and a lot of late nights. At growing its small hospital, and, to be involved. In her later the same time, however, the learning is just so in the 1950s, she led the plan- years, she helped fundraise stimulating and applicable to my nursing ning and construction of for the hospital’s renovation practice. While at times I lament that I did SMGH at a time when few and expansion, and con- not do the degree program initially (so that women held leadership roles vinced the mayor to con- by now I would be completing a master’s in hospitals. tribute $1 million to degree), I also appreciate that I am getting She was one of the first Canadian women SMGH’s new addition and renovations, so much more out of my nursing degree to become a fellow of the American College completed last year. by doing it at this time in my life and profes- of Hospital Administrators, an organization That’s how Mike Mazza, the current sional career. that provides education and credentialing chief executive officer of SMGH, met Cindy Rugsten, RN for hospital executives. By the time she Doan. Mazza says Doan was always Kampala, Uganda retired in 1981, Doan had become SMGH’s modest about what she had accomplished, Executive Director. It but her determination in negotiating the We want to was her commitment to construction of a brand new hospital in her community, and her the 1950s and 1960s make her a role hear from you hard work to ensure model for younger nurses. Please e-mail letters everyone in her home- RNAO board member Elsabeth Jensen to [email protected] town got the best possible agrees. She knew Doan through work at or fax 416-599-1926. health care, that everyone RNAO in the 1970s. “She was a leader in Please limit responses will remember. many ways, going where women and to 150-250 words and Doan died on June 10, nurses had not gone,” she says. “She was include your name, 2006, just a few weeks an excellent role model for other nurses, credentials, hometown before her 91st birthday. and no doubt influenced more than a few and telephone number. “She was a person who to pursue senior positions.” RNAO reserves the always wanted to help Dorothy Doan is survived by many fam- right to edit letters others; she was a very giv- ily members, friends and colleagues. She for length and clarity. ing person,” says Yvonne will be missed by the nursing community.

6 January/February 2007 Executive Director’s Dispatch with Doris Grinspun

3Ps: Passion, persuasiveness and persistence help to grow RNAO

In my last column I home office and was able to feel the receive a $20 RNAO gift certificate. talked about the 3Ps – strength of the team environment. For every new nursing student you passion, persuasiveness We have to draw on this incredible recruit, you receive $5.And if you and persistence – as energy and show our colleagues and recruit seven new RNAO members, the character traits I other nurses just what they’re missing by you get your membership free in the see in nurses who are not being members of the association. subsequent membership year. becoming more and Many nurses have already played a This exciting initiative looks to you more politically active. vital role in helping to build our collective to show non-members across Ontario You will see these traits yourself when voice. In fact, 2005-2006 was another how important it is for them to join you turn to page 18 and meet the 10 exceptional year for membership recruit- almost 26,000 colleagues and become nurses RNAO selected to participate in ment and retention. Overall, membership engaged and informed ambassadors for its political training program last fall. increased by 8.6 per cent to 25,807 the profession and for healthy public It’s time now to draw on the 3Ps in members.This is vital as we embark on policy.It’s clear that the 90 per cent another arena that is just as important to of members who choose to renew the future of RNAO as political action is their memberships each year see the to the future of high quality and univer- “There’s simply importance of being part of RNAO. sally accessible health care.This area is Nurses’ commitment to their membership growth and development. no arguing the professional association is also clear Increasing RNAO’s membership in the results of our membership enables us to ensure the views of nurses notion that survey,conducted this past summer. are included in all discussions and debates Members told us their top reasons affecting the health of nurses and the the stronger for joining the association.Their motiva- public we serve.To make that happen, tions relate directly to the important each nurse needs to show a passion for and more work we do to raise awareness of our professional association, persuasiveness nursing and health issues. in promoting the value of membership influential The survey found nurses join to colleagues and other nurses, and RNAO for its information sharing persistence in gathering support for RNAO is, on health care and nursing issues and RNAO and its endless opportunities its advocacy and action. for personal growth, professional the stronger Advocacy and action, in fact, was education, social awareness, political described by members as the second most action, influence and impact. you will valuable thing about RNAO membership, The more members we have, and the second only to legal protection. more committed they are, the more means become The power of voluntary members is and energy we have to tackle the issues second to none and we count on you – that affect us and the public. as RNs.“ the owners of this association – to make There’s simply no arguing the notion that our passion contagious as we continue to the stronger and more influential RNAO is, an election year and increase RNAO’s speak out for healthy public policy.We the stronger you will become as RNs. presence in the halls of government, also count on your passion to help In our coverage of the political training at decision-making tables, in boardrooms, grow RNAO membership, and we program, you will meet Donna Kearney, classrooms and on the frontlines. challenge you to recruit at least one an RN who made an observation that To build on the success of our last colleague by the end of March. perfectly illustrates that point. She told us membership year, RNAO is stepping up its This will ensure various how the training offered her an opportu- exciting “Get 7”program, which relies on perspectives inform RNAO’s work, nity to see the guts of the association and existing members to use the 3Ps to create a and with one strong collective voice the true power of the collective voice of stronger profession and a stronger nursing we will continue to shape the future. nurses. She admitted to not realizing voice across the province and the country. RNAO’s influence as a frontline RN in For every new RNAO member you DORIS GRINSPUN, RN, MSN, PhD (CAND), the field, but respecting it when she was at recruit before the end of May,you O.ONT, IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF RNAO.

Registered Nurse Journal 7 by Tiffanie Ing Nursinginthenews RNAO & RNs weigh in on . . . SARS commission final report released Toronto, CFMT-TV Toronto, CITY-TV Toronto, CHWI-TV Windsor, CIII- TV Ontario, CFPL-TV London, Toronto Sun, Canadian Press; Jan. 11, RCI International, YorkRegion.com, Calgary Sun, Toronto Star) • RNAO Immediate Past President Joan Lesmond responded by saying, “One of the key issues that became very clear during [SARS] …was the casualization of nurses…RNAO is talking to the governments to ensure there are enough full-time nurses in the system so if we have a pandemic…we have enough resources…” (Jan. 9, CKXT-TV Toronto; Jan. 10, ROG-TV Mississauga) • Irmajean Bajnok, Director of RNAO’s Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence, reminded the media and the public that nurses’ concerns were not heeded during the SARS outbreaks, further complicating the spread of the disease. (Jan. 10, ROG-TV Toronto) • RNAO member and Royal Victoria Hospital RN Christine Keogh voiced her view that the government failed nurses during the Jan. 9, Justice Archie Campbell released his final SARS crisis. (Jan. 9, CKVR-TV Barrie, CITY-TV Toronto) report on the 2003 SARS outbreaks. Nurses around • RNAO member and St. Joseph’s Health Care London ER Director Karen ONthe province responded to his recommendations, Dyer drew attention to the progress the health-care system has made which included establishing better communication with frontline staff, since the SARS outbreaks four years ago. (Jan. 9, CFPL-TV, London) ensuring the safety of health-care workers, and implementing stringent • RNAO member and ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud recalled precautions until evidence shows they are no longer needed. what happened during the outbreaks: “It was the most devastating • On television and in print, RNAO Executive Director Doris Grinspun time for us as nurses because our priority was providing quality care talked about the need for better safety protocols for nurses: “You to the patient. We were trying to provide it under these very difficult would never send soldiers to a war without being properly trained circumstances, with the right hand and the left hand not knowing and [without] the proper equipment…We should not send health- what was going on.” (Jan. 9, CBL-FM Toronto; Jan. 10, RCI-R Sirius care providers, who are your army during a health-care emergency, Satellite, Globe and Mail, Orillia Packet and Times; Jan. 12, Toronto to the frontlines without being properly trained and properly Star; Jan. 13, Hamilton Spectator; Jan. 16, Ottawa Citizen; Jan. 17, protected.” (Jan. 9, CICT-TV Calgary, CHCH-TV Hamilton, CP24-TV Windsor Star; Jan. 19, Peterborough Examiner)

Statistics Canada Beatty spoke about the abuse she faced on • RNAO member Rani Srivastava spoke releases national survey the frontlines:“It’s very difficult for nurses to to the South Asian Edition of OMNI News on nursing workforce deliver the kind of care they want to deliver. about unsatisfactory working conditions for On Dec. 11, Statistics Canada released its first- This impacts on their emotional feelings, nurses. (Dec. 11, OMNI.2 Toronto) ever national survey on the nursing profes- for one thing, and their satisfaction with • RNAO member and St. Mary’s Hospital

) sion, reporting that Canada’s nurses are physi- their work.”(Dec. 11, CBC-NW National, nurse practitioner Suzy Young said nurses r e y a cally and verbally abused, overworked, and CFRB-AM Toronto, CBC.CA News) often struggle with verbal abuse:“We see it r F n i stressed out. RNAO said the results corrobo- • RNAO members Evelyn Gordon and a lot. People get called names and told v e K

( rate conclusions from other studies done in Sandra Keon of Pembroke Regional they’re not doing a good job.You take that P C

: the last decade.They are also a call to action Hospital commented on the report, con- home with you. It sticks with you.”RNAO y h p

a for employers to hire more nurses and to firming that nurses deal with more stress member and Cambridge Memorial r g o

t ensure the safety of all health-care workers. than the rest of Canada’s workforce. Hospital Chief Nursing Executive Beatrice o h

P • RNAO Nursing Policy Analyst Gail (Dec. 11, CHRO-TV Ottawa) Mudge agrees that “a big part of nursing is

8 January/February 2007 For complete versions of any of these stories, contact Tiffanie Ing at [email protected].

Out & About

RNAO’s Grey chapter hosted its 2nd Annual Evening of Celebration and On Dec. 6, RNs (from left) Karen Hilliard, Holiday Fun on Nov. 13. The local Deb Valickis and Samantha Earl attended executive, including (left to right, at a candlelight vigil in Brampton’s Gage Park Each year, one RNAO member is selected back) Janice Arnold, Jan Holmes, Doris to mark Canada’s National Day of for a HUB Fellowship and the opportunity Cassan, and Sheri Hatcher (right) Remembrance and Action on Violence to job-shadow Executive Director Doris presented Quarter Century Club Against Women. The event included Grinspun for one week. On Nov. 20, Awards to Mary Lynne Kennedy- a presentation by RNAO’s Peel Tim Currie, President of HUB International, McGregor (centre) and Ann Morrison. chapter political action officer invited recipients of the award to the The chapter also recognized Anne Claudine Bennett. first annual fellowship alumni dinner at Tobey (absent) as the recipient of the CN Tower. Past winners include the Member Emeritus Award. Patricia Mlekuz (left), Cheryl Yost (centre), and Laurie Clune (absent). Gurjit Sangha (right) won the award in 2006.

On Dec. 13, more than 15 primary health-care practitioners from Chile, including RNs, physicians, midwives, dentists, and social workers, visited RNAO to discuss differences in health-care practice in North and South America. The group was also interested in exploring ways for health-care professionals in Chile to collaborate with RNAO members to improve health policy and practice. talking with and reassuring patients because College of Nurses of the government wants to increase access to you certainly do have people who are wor- Ontario releases stats primary health care, reduce wait times, dis- ried and frightened.”(Dec. 12, The Record on nursing employment charge patients safely from hospital to their (Kitchener,Waterloo and Cambridge)) According to statistics released on Jan. 4 by homes, support healthy aging, and respond • RNAO member and Director of the College of Nurses of Ontario, the num- adequately to health emergencies, it must McMaster University’s Nursing Health ber of new nursing positions created in the hire more nurses right away.We will be Services Research Centre Andrea province was lower than expected. During looking for conditional funding in the Baumann said she was not surprised the last provincial election, Premier Dalton upcoming budget.We know that targeted by the results of the report:“We’ve McGuinty pledged to create 8,000 new investment would pick up the pace of seen…high job strain because of the nursing jobs in the province. RNAO progress.”(Jan. 5, CBL-FM Toronto, CBCL- intensity of the work, and [it’s] increasing Executive Director Doris Grinspun urged FM London, CBQ-FM Thunder Bay, because of shortened stays, sicker patients the government to increase efforts to ensure CBCK-FM Kingston, CBO-FM Ottawa, and fewer staff.”(Dec.12, Toronto Sun) every RN in the province is employed.“If CBE-AM Windsor, CBCS-FM Sudbury)

Registered Nurse Journal 9 Public hearings on Applaud standards for nursing Long-Term Care Homes Act care rather than criticize On Jan. 16, public hearings for Bill 140, them for getting in the way Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes Act, began Letter to the editor at Queen’s Park in Toronto. RNAO National Post, Jan. 19, 2007 President Mary Ferguson-Paré called on Re: Calgary set to the government to ensure 3.5 hours of care lose two more RNs per resident, stating the government must While I sympathize with the plight of ensure “there are enough RNs, nurse prac- Leah Plaizier, who wants to have her titioners and other care providers in each partner instantly employed in Canada as facility to ensure seniors get the care they a registered nurse, surely she must realize need.”(Jan. 17, Welland Tribune) that the red tape the partner has encoun- • RNAO board member Paul-André Sandals for charity tered is in place to ensure that those Gauthier spoke to French TVO about While holiday shopping in hired from abroad meet the standards RNAO’s suggestions for improving the December, Kingston RN Kerri of this country’s nursing profession. bill. He urged the government to increase Tadeu visited Old Navy and Nursing education varies from the number of RNs and RPNs in long- discovered stacks of sandals on country to country,as does nursing term care facilities and to improve funding sale from .25 cents to $2 each. practice and its responsibilities. Just to implement these changes. (Jan. 16) At such an affordable price, because Alberta is experiencing a • Haliburton-Victoria-Brock MPP and nursing shortage does not mean we RNAO member Laurie Scott said Bill Tadeu realized she could do should be allowing all foreign-trained 140 needs a lot of amendments, and was something to help people who nurses who come to Canada to start happy about the dialogue.“If there isn’t a might otherwise not have shoes working in our hospitals. proper process where people feel they can on their feet. She bought 244 While Ms. Plaizier’s letter railed adequately discuss or air out concerns they pairs of sandals that day and against the Association of Registered have about the care for their family mem- started calling around to other Nurses of Alberta, those reading bers, then we have to look at changing the branches of the clothing chain her comments should be relieved to process.”(Jan.17, Lindsay Daily Post) in hopes of collecting more know that the Canadian profession of nursing, though short-handed, cont- Flu and other outbreaks sandals. She will hand out a inues to maintain its high integrity. Nurses across the province urged patients total of 1,350 pairs of shoes in Laurie Spooner, RN,Toronto to get their flu shots despite the delayed the Dominican Republic in onset of cold weather this winter season. February. Her sandal project • RNAO member Lois Lacroix, manager quickly expanded to include of the infectious disease department at donations from other retail While politicians receive pay Niagara Region Public Health, warned outlets and free shipping to raise, the poor are still poor that despite the warmer weather, flu Letter to the editor season is unavoidable, and people should the Caribbean courtesy of UPS. Toronto Star, Jan. 3, 2007 get the flu vaccine if possible.“It depends “That’s the best part of this Re:The hidden faces when that little bug raises its head in whole journey,” the 28-year-old of Canada’s poor the region. Some years it shows up fairly RN says. “With every act of Before the legislative assembly took a early…Last year we didn’t really see generosity...someone else got Christmas break, most politicians were the bulk of the cases until January.” inspired by it.” (Jan 2, Sault Star, united in their resolve and determination (Jan. 5, Welland Tribune) Kenora Daily Miner and News, to authorize a 25 per cent increase for • RNAO member Pam Braithwaite Kingston Whig Standard, CP Wire) themselves. Imagine the positive impact talked about this year being particularly on the health and well-being of our most bad for stomach viruses, specifically the vulnerable in society,the poor, if these Norwalk-like outbreak going around the (Dec. 30, Owen Sound Sun Times) same elected political representatives were province, C-difficile, and the stomach flu. • The Norwalk-like virus also hit Soldiers’ just as persistent and united in being lead- (Jan. 4, CIII-TV Ontario) Memorial Hospital in Orillia, and spread ers dedicated and committed to creating • RNAO member and South Grey Bruce to the nearby Trillium Manor nursing and spearheading an action plan that Health Centre Director of Patient Care home. RNAO member Janet Milligan would make poverty history in Ontario. Mark Sanderson said Owen Sound is assured people the virus was not life- Hilda Swirsky, RN,Toronto suffering a double dose of illness this year: threatening, but restricted visitors to keep “…Everybody knew something was out it contained:“Each unit is self-contained, there that was catching people by surprise. and we try and keep the same staff work- They’d have the trots, nausea and ing in the affected areas.” hit the bed for four or five days.” (Dec. 13, Orillia Packet and Times)

10 January/February 2007 by Helena Moncrieff Accompanist to a gentle end NAME: Anne-Marie Dean OCCUPATION: RN, Executive Director, Hill House Hospice HOME TOWN: Richmond Hill, Ontario

Anne-Marie Dean set her life goals early. had worked as a firefighter for more than Others are suffering from congestive heart She wanted to be a mom and a nurse. 20 years. He died last fall.“He had given failure or liver failure. As a child, she considered it a privilege so much care and compassion to the com- Hill House is a small bungalow, rented to be allowed to help with the care of her munity and we were able to give back to for one dollar a year from the Town of grandmother, ailing from tuberculosis. “I him,” Dean remembers. “We don’t often Richmond Hill. It could accommodate four would wash her back, put her socks on, and get the opportunity to thank people for patients, but under Dean’s leadership, it was never saw it as a chore.” what they do.” decided that one bed remain free for family When Dean was 10, she was rubbing Dean’s path to nursing was not as direct members. There are also cots, chairs and a lotion into her grandmother's hands when as the path some of her nursing colleagues pull-out couch to ensure anyone who needs she was told, “goodbye.” Dean thought may have taken. She quit school when she to be there can be there at any time. her grandmother meant “good night.” was 16 and started a family.When her third Dean believes clients should be in “No… this time, it’s goodbye.” She sat child entered grade one, she figured it was charge. “Our job is to help people live with her grandmother until the woman time to head back to school and get her until they die.” stopped breathing. Dean says she remem- diploma. She then enrolled in Seneca “If you’ve been a smoker all your life bers it as being very peaceful…until she College's nursing program, graduating at and you want a cigarette, we'll get you out- told her parents. the age of 37 in 1995. side so you can smoke.If you want a rye and Today Dean is executive director of Hill Dean believes her age was a factor in coke with your breakfast, have it.” House Hospice in Rich- Dean says her biggest mond Hill, north of Tor- challenge is “normalizing” onto. She oversees the nurs- death.“There is still a stigma es and trained volunteers attached to this work and who provide end-of-life people think you have to be care for the hospice’s three a little weird to be in it.” patients. She is also a con- Taking some of the mys- stant source of support, and tery out of death takes time, spends hours at bedsides and she says.When Dean arrived helping families understand at the hospice, funeral what’s happening to their homes would send unm- loved ones. arked vans to the back of the She says she always strives house to retrieve the to ensure the peace she saw deceased. She was told that in her grandmother’s death.“Often a client her choice to pursue palliative care. was because of a high school across the will say they are afraid to die,” she explains. She’s quick to point out, however, that street. She stopped that practice. “I ask them to tell me what they think it younger nurses can and are getting into “Within weeks I got a call from the will be like. They talk and talk about their the field.After graduating, Dean was hired school asking me to come and talk about joys and life. Listening is one of the oldest as a shift nurse by the Victorian Order death and dying,” she says.The kids asked tools we have that we need to use more.” of Nurses to work on the palliative care many questions but mostly wanted to tell The bulk of Dean’s responsibilities are team in York Region. After four years at their own stories about how their loved administrative, maintaining the payroll and VON, she and a colleague presented ones died. That’s mission accomplished, medical charts, keeping policies and themselves as a job-sharing team in 1999 she says. More outreach, more education, procedures up to date, and staying abreast for the top job at the newly established and less fear. of new approaches and medications for Hill House. A few years later, Dean Dean has been nominated for many palliative care. She’s also in charge of became sole executive director. awards. While acknowledging that the fundraising. When Dean arrived in the late 90s, nominations are an honour, she says the The Ministry of Health and Long- Hill House was one of just three hospices most coveted recognition comes in the Term Care pays a portion of the costs for of its kind in Ontario. There are eight reams of letters sent to her and her staff nursing and support services for clients at today. Each is dedicated to providing end- from families grateful for the support pro- Hill House, but the rest comes in large of-life support for people who, for various vided for a dying loved one. RN part from donations offered in memory of reasons, can't die at home but have chosen patients who have died. not to spend their final moments in an HELENA MONCRIEFF IS A FREELANCE One of those patients was a man who institution. Most clients have cancer. WRITER WHO LIVES IN TORONTO.

Registered Nurse Journal 11 BUILDING HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENTS With the release of six healthy work environment best practice guidelines, RNs and CEOs will have the tools to create thriving workplaces and ensure quality care. BY JILL SCARROW

aure Jenkins remembers a time female and male nurses alike said they had together to create the guidelines. Leslie when fellow nurses on her unit little support from their fellow co-workers. Vincent, Senior Vice-President of Patient went home from work crying. These pressures are taking their toll on Services and Chief Nursing Executive at It wasn’t just the pressure of nurses, who are more likely than workers in Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, says she rushing to care for patients on most other sectors to say they have been wanted to get involved in the project because LWelland Hospital’s busy surgical/medical depressed in the last year. More than a third she believes the strength of nursing teams is floor that was grinding away staff morale. of nurses also suffer physical pain serious fundamental to creating better workplaces. Bed closures, a lack of communication enough to prevent them from conducting “I think teamwork is a pretty core comp- among employees, and constant staff and daily activities. onent of working in a health-care organiza- management turnover on the unit were RNAO President Mary Ferguson-Paré tion,” says Vincent, who co-chaired RNAO’s also piling on the stress. Jenkins says things says the numbers from the Statistics Canada Collaborative Practice Among Nursing Teams got so bad, students didn’t want to do report should be a wake-up call. guideline. She hopes the panel’s work will placements on her floor. “Nurses are the heart of the health- help create stronger nursing teams that trans- The December release of Statistics care system,” she says. “We have to make late into better patient care. Canada’s National Survey of the Work and sure we give them the resources to stay Irmajean Bajnok, HWE BPG Program Health of Nurses (NSWHN) showed that well on the job.” Director and Director of RNAO’s Centre Jenkins’ experience is not unique.The com- RNAO has long recognized that for Professional Nursing Excellence, says that prehensive report, conducted in partnership unhealthy working environments not only despite the daily challenges, most nurses love with the Canadian Institute for Health affect nurses, they also trickle down to the their jobs.The reality is, however, they need Information and Health Canada, asked front lines of patient care. Since 2003, more tools to make workplaces healthier. If 19,000 nurses about their working condi- RNAO has been developing healthy work work is making nurses sick, it costs the tions, on-the-job challenges, and mental and environment best practice guidelines health-care system. Sixty-one per cent of physical well-being. It told the story of a (HWE BPG) on: collaborative practice; nurses surveyed by Statistics Canada said worn-down workforce. effective staffing and workload practices; they’d taken time off for health reasons. Almost one-third of female nurses embracing cultural diversity and develop- “It’s usually because they’re stressed at surveyed said they had high job strain. ing cultural competence; professionalism; work,” Bajnok says, adding they have “a

u Almost half of nurses said their employers nursing leadership; and health, safety and workload that’s really hard to manage, or o n a expected them to work overtime. And well-being.This year, work will also begin causes them to be awake at night worrying.” P m i

J while almost three quarters of nurses felt on a seventh HWE BPG on prevention of Bajnok says many health-care organiza- : n o

i their manager was a good leader, and more workplace violence. tions are coming to the realization there’s no t a r t than 80 per cent had good working Nurses from a variety of sectors quick fix to help RNs sleep better. It takes a s u l l I relationships with physicians, about half of and areas of nursing have been working long-term commitment.

12 January/February 2007

Niagara Health System (NHS), where “If (new grads) are burning out within Embracing Diversity Jenkins complained of emotionally drained two years of getting into the workplace, Rani Srivastava, Deputy Chief of nurses, is one of those organizations. Today, we’re going to lose our future cadre of Nursing Practice at Toronto’s Centre Jenkins is a member of the hospital’s nurses. I don’t want to be a patient if they’re for Addiction and Mental Health, Performance Excellence Employee Repres- not there,”she says. says accepting diversity and entative (PEER) Team.The group meets reg- Laschinger says nurses’ sometimes enhancing cultural competence is ularly to talk about new ways to improve strained relationships with their immediate as important to creating a healthy work environments, and she says teamwork supervisors are a good indicator of burnout, workplace as safety or staffing. and communication among nurses and all and she hopes the guideline will provide Srivastava chaired the panel of experts that developed RNAO’s other health professionals on her unit has concrete examples of leadership styles that Embracing Cultural Diversity in improved dramatically.There is now a steady can result in better retention and job satisfac- Health Care: Developing Cultural manager on the floor, RNs and RPNs are tion among Canada’s estimated 314,900 Competence guideline. Diversity can working together more closely, there is less nurses, the country’s largest group of health- cover a range of factors that make turnover,and staff is committed to improving care professionals. everyone unique, from religion and communication to ensure everyone is on the Linda O’Brien-Pallas, chair of RNAO’s ethnicity to sexual orientation and same page when it comes to a particular Developing and Sustaining Effective Staffing and age. The guideline acknowledges patient’s care. Workload Practices guideline panel, and direc- nurses coming to Canada from Other changes are also tor of the Nursing Health different countries will bring differ- “When nurses are on underway at NHS. RN Barb Services Research Unit at the ent cultural traditions and different role overload, that values and beliefs around health, Dixon, a Human Resources University of Toronto, says that illness, nursing and patient care. Consultant for the Quality of is, working beyond taking up the fight for healthi- Srivastava says internationally Worklife Department, has their capacity, er workplaces isn’t just impor- educated nurses who have made spent the past three years tant for the nurses. It’s also Canada their home can strengthen working directly with front- not only nurses important for patient care. the nursing workforce, but first line personnel across NHS to suffer, but patients “When nurses are on role they must feel welcomed by their build better work environ- and costs to the overload, that is, working professional colleagues. ments. In some cases, that has beyond their capacity,not only “We live in a very global meant helping staff improve system suffer.” nurses suffer, but patients and world. If people don’t see others their clinical and professional skills. It also costs to the system suffer,”she says. like them in a position, why would they want to be there?” means looking beyond clinical improve- Janet Roberts, panel member and interim Srivastava says the guideline, ments and creating less stressful workplaces co-chair of the Workplace Health, Safety and to be released this March, offers through the use of massage therapy and Well-Being of the Nurse guideline, says front- recommendations that nurses at healthy living programs that encourage line nurses must be just as vocal as all levels and across all sectors physical activity. Dixon says RNAO’s HWE Laschinger, O’Brien-Pallas and other resear- can build on to address BPGs are a crucial part of helping her navi- chers if they want to see change. She believes their own workplace needs. The gate the path toward a better workplace. RNs are in charge of their own destiny and recommendations include hiring Heather Laschinger, Nursing Professor play an important role in making healthy individuals of diverse backgrounds, and Associate Director of Nursing Research workplaces happen. In fact, that shared supporting and mentoring at the University of Western Ontario, is also responsibility ranks among the guideline’s internationally educated nurses, and including cultural travelling down that path through her work top recommendations for organizations. competence in the nursing as panel chair for RNAO’s Developing and Roberts says the SARS outbreaks in 2003 curricula. Srivastava hopes the Sustaining Nursing Leadership guideline. She showed her how important that approach is. guideline will also help individual says it’s a much-needed journey because Five staff members at Markham Stouffville nurses overcome any appreh- research she’s conducted in the last several Hospital (MSH), where she is the vice-presi- ensions they may have with respect years shows nurses in Ontario hospitals are dent of clinical programs and chief nursing to learning about, and embracing, burning out faster than ever before. executive, became ill with the virus. the different perspectives of “I think what’s happening is that the “What we learned during SARS is culturally diverse colleagues. downsizing, restructuring, cutbacks and that nurses need to be responsible for their “The guideline will give (nurses) resulting (lack of staff) are finally starting to own health,” Roberts says. “If you’re not some ideas, some language and the courage, I hope, to just explore the catch up to nurses,”she says. well, seek medical attention. Make sure you differences, (so) we learn about New recruits who are expected are trying to live a healthy lifestyle…and ourselves and others.” to replace their experienced nursing that you’re coming to work refreshed, ready All of this will create a healthier colleagues headed for retirement are espe- to work and engaged. At the same time, work environment, facilitate cially vulnerable. Last spring, Laschinger the organization must ensure the equip- more effective teamwork, and released a survey that found 66 per cent of ment, resources, staffing, [and] the processes ultimately have a positive 225 junior nurses in Ontario were experi- are in place to support you to work in impact on patient care. RN encing symptoms of burnout. She says a safe manner.” these findings are particularly troubling. Roberts believes it’s important to

14 January/February 2007 emphasize that these measures don’t neces- Professionalism contributes to sarily need to be costly.While investments positive work environment in human resources and equipment are nec- essary, in many cases she says administrators Professionalism in nursing is an In 2005, Kilty was the principal can create safer work environments by essential ingredient of a healthy work investigator on the Ontario Nurse Mentor environment. How well nurses are Project, conducted for the Ontario using existing resources creatively.At MSH, able to demonstrate the attributes of Hospital Association with funding from for instance, they look to the expertise of professionalism is a factor of both the the Ministry of Health and Long-Term physiotherapists to teach nurses how to environment and the nurse. Care (MOHLTC). This project investigated safely use patient lifts. For some RNs, consistently the effects of formal mentorship on both RN Liz Ruegg, Professional Practice demonstrating professionalism can new and experienced nurses, particularly Coordinator at Headwaters Health Care be a challenge given the complex the impact on recruitment and retention. Centre, knows how important it is to find demands of patient care and The project’s findings were presented at creative solutions to ensure Headwaters everyday realities of the workplace. RNAO’s Healthy Work Environments is a better place for nurses to work. In McMaster University researcher international conference last year. November, the community hospital, which Andrea Baumann is chair of RNAO’s She says one of the project’s most has sites in Orangeville and Shelburne, began Professionalism in Nursing Healthy significant findings was that new nurses work as one of the 11 pilot sites in Ontario Work Environment Best Practice in mentoring relationships reported feel- that will evaluate HWE BPGs. Ruegg says Guideline (HWE BPG). She hopes the ing more comfortable with their ability Headwaters will be piloting three guidelines: guideline, set for release this March, to handle the work. In addition, the staffing and workload; professionalism; and will help nurses understand the compo- mentors reported higher confidence in collaborative practice.The guidelines will be nents of professionalism and how they their leadership abilities. These kinds of implemented on the complex continuing can be embraced and lived daily in results contribute to a healthier work care, emergency and surgical/pediatric units. nursing practice activities. environment, which is a key factor in Ruegg says Headwaters’ lean leadership The key attributes of professionalism retention and recruitment. structure and the absence of clinical educa- outlined in the guideline include: Irmajean Bajnok, HWE BPG Project tors may present some challenges. learning and knowledge acquisition; Director and Director of RNAO’s Centre The hospital has only a few master’s- autonomy and accountability; for Professional Nursing Excellence, prepared nurses who are needed for the innovation; ethical behaviours; and says that while professionalism is an research component of the evaluation. Still, collaboration and collegiality. expectation of all nurses, the work Ruegg says it’s important to her to create Professional behaviours contribute environment itself plays a large role work environments that will help make to positive work environments that in the ability of nurses to embrace Headwaters an employer of choice. enhance quality of care and good professional behaviours. She says nurses Becoming an employer of choice is also working relationships. need opportunities to voice new ideas, the goal of community-care provider Saint For example, health-care professionals test innovative best practices, access who foster collegiality allow the next gen- professional development, discuss Elizabeth Health Care. Saint Elizabeth is eration of RNs to make the transition ethical issues, and practice autonomously one of four organizations, including from the books to the bedside through with clear accountability. WestPark Healthcare Centre, Niagara mentoring. Heather Kilty, Assistant Baumann says she believes the guide- Health System and the Victorian Order of Nursing Professor at Brock University, says line makes the concept of professionalism Nurses, that have received funding from mentorship – whether done formally or much more tangible for nurses, and she Health Canada to pilot the Developing and informally – is an important way to give hopes it will help them develop work Sustaining Leadership guideline. nurses, especially new nurses, knowledge environments that support professional- Nancy Lefebre, Saint Elizabeth’s Chief and skills that promote professionalism ism and enhance their ability to round out Clinical Executive and Senior Vice-President and creates a healthy workplace. their professional lives. RN of Knowledge and Practice,says the organiza- tion is using the guideline recommendations to create an environment that supports lead- Lefebre says Saint Elizabeth is fortunate Given the findings of Statistics Canada’s ership at all levels of the organization.While to have Gayle Seddon, a nursing manager survey of the nursing workforce, the need for Headwaters’ challenge lies in finding staff for who is completing an RNAO Advanced HWE BPGs and initiatives like those hap- the evaluation, Saint Elizabeth is faced with Clinical Practice Fellowship on the guide- pening at Saint Elizabeth, Headwaters, the task of engaging and communicating line. The fellowship, a mentoring program Niagara Health System and many others with managers and staff who travel across the that allows nurses to advance their educa- around the province has never been greater. province visiting clients and families. tional and professional development, will As more and more organizations begin “The challenge is for managers to identi- afford Seddon the opportunity to connect implementing the guidelines, Bajnok hopes fy creative approaches and strategies that are with managers to talk about strategies to they will infuse every level of health care to required to engage a virtual workforce. implement the guideline. She will also offer create better workplaces that not only heal There’s not the opportunity to bring staff in education sessions on how managers can patients, but care providers as well. RN for discussions. How do you connect with use evidence on leadership to engage and staff; how do you engage them,”she says. energize staff. JILL SCARROW IS STAFF WRITER FOR RNAO.

Registered Nurse Journal 15 LOSTin translation For members of Ontario’s francophone population, accessing health care in their mother tongue can mean the difference between good health and better health. BY JILL SCARROW

von Ferrand is fully bilingual. But Communities found that in areas where des intervenants francophones en santé et en serv- when he had a heart attack and francophones are in the minority, only half ices sociaux de l’Ontario (RIFSSSO) was Y spent a week in intensive care at of them have access to health services in launched in 1990 with five objectives: to Ottawa’s Montfort Hospital eight years ago, French. In the 71 communities studied for speak publicly on behalf of francophone the option to communicate with health- the report, English-language health services health and social service professionals; care professionals in French – his first lan- were up to seven times more available than to build partnerships with health-care stake- guage – helped to put his mind at ease. services in French. holders; to gain recognition as a leader in the “When you’re sick, you’re already very Paul-André Gauthier is RNAO’s region planning of bilingual human resources; to nervous. Under my condition, I didn’t 11 board member who represents north- establish an information exchange network really know what was going on,” he says. eastern Ontario, where 25 per cent of the for French nurses and other health-care pro- “Everybody is moving very fast and ques- population is francophone. He says when fessionals; and to promote professional tions are coming from everywhere.” French-speaking clients are cared for by development. Gauthier says that, like nurses, Ferrand credits the staff at Montfort English-speaking health-care professionals, many professional groups are interested in with helping to make his recovery a there can be confusion. Although health- finding out the number of French-speaking success. As an academic, community hospi- care providers across all sectors can experi- individuals in their respective specialties, but tal that emphasizes working in French first, ence this communication gap, it’s natural are unable to dedicate resources and funding Montfort was the place where he could that, since RNs represent 58 per cent of all to target to this effort. always find the right words to tell doctors regulated health-care professionals, they are In February 2006, Hélène Sabourin, and nurses what was wrong. the ones with whom the francophone pop- senior nursing policy consultant for the Ferrand’s feelings of unease in a predo- ulation will have the most contact. Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), took minantly English-speaking health-care In an effort to close this communication on the challenge of finding out what kind environment are not unusual. Although gap, and provide better care to the of supports French-speaking nurses, and French is an official language in Canada, francophone population, at least nine their patients, need. Last July, CNA distrib- for more than half-a-million francophones health-care groups including physiothera- uted a survey funded by the Société santé en in Ontario, accessing care in their first lan- pists, dental hygienists and social workers français and the Primary Health Care Transition guage can be a challenge. have joined nurses as partners in an umbrel- Fund from Health Canada. It asked French- A 2001 report submitted to the federal la organization that hopes to improve the Canadian nurses about their education, the health minister by the Consultative accessibility and quality of French-language language they speak with patients and Committee for French-Speaking Minority health and social services. Regroupement co-workers, how comfortable they feel

16 January/February 2007 working in French, and their perceptions of a leader by translating health and nursing grams at universities and colleges in the need for local French health services. terminology into French, and using it Ottawa simply don’t produce enough Sabourin also organized focus groups regularly with francophone colleagues francophone health professionals, and that across Canada where RNs from all sectors outside the hospital. Originally from means Montfort must look to recruit from expressed a desire to have French educa- northern Ontario, Perreault says it’s a other areas, including northeastern tional tools to offer patients. They rare privilege to have a job at a place Ontario or Quebec. expressed a need to organize health serv- like Montfort where she can work in That may include nurses like France ices so francophone nurses are assigned to French first. Venne,a francophone fourth-year student at care for francophone patients. And some “It’s always so easy to get assimilated in Laurentian University.At school, all Venne’s focus group participants thought an an anglophone world.There’s a certain sense courses are in French and her clinical place- English-to-French lexicon of nursing of pride with being able to work in the field ments have been done in English, but that terms would help nurses who work in of your choice, and being able to do it in the doesn’t mean she doesn’t still have the French only rarely. * language of your choice,”she says. opportunity to care for French patients. Last RNAO’s region 10 board representative, Perreault admits, however, that health fall,Venne volunteered at a wellness fair and Carmen Rodrigue, is among 16 per cent of care is about more than the words nurses says people were eager to approach her francophones who live in the Ottawa area. use. She says Montfort also offers French- once they found out she spoke French. She can sympathize with colleagues looking Canadian food, and uses culturally specific “Patients just love it when you go into for resources in French not only for them- patient education methods. She says fran- the room and you speak French,”she says. selves, but to distribute to their patients as cophones often communicate and learn Venne says she’d like to work in a well. Rodrigue says those resources need best as a group in an informal environ- bilingual hospital or in the community

to be translated carefully because the literal ment. So, to mimic that, the hospital has when she graduates. She wants to keep I l l u s translations can’t always be relied on to created kitchen-like settings where her bilingual tongue sharp and provide t r a t i convey the complete meaning. patients and families can meet to learn care for patients like Ferrand, easing the o n :

RN Lucille Perreault, Vice-President more about their care. minds of patients and their families in a P h i l i of Clinical Programs and Chief Nursing Perreault says the hospital – which has way that words – in any language – can’t p p e

Executive at Montfort, understands how received funding to double in size by describe. RN B e h a

difficult it can be to keep the French 2009 – welcomes all bilingual staff, regard-

CNA’s formal report is available at www.cna-nurses.ca /

* i 2 i language alive when you’re surrounded by less of whether English or French is their a r English. She says Montfort tries to act as first language. Perreault says French pro- JILL SCARROW IS STAFF WRITER FOR RNAO. t

Registered Nurse Journal 17 p o l l a G n o s y a J

: RNs with a passion for politics participate in RNAO’s RN Candidate Training Program. They are (from left to right): y h p Donna Kearney, Elizabeth Chu, Claudine Bennett, Hilda Swirsky, Cathie Gernaey, Angela Kennedy, a r g Norma Nicholson, Kim Stasiak, Valerie Parkes, and Rosalie Dwyer Kent. o t o h P

18 January/February 2007 2002) and nurses were asked to apply with letters explaining their political ambitions. “Women define a different agenda polit- ically,” says Janet Solberg, one of two instructors who provided the nurses with In pursuit of insights on everything from the nomination process, to building a team, positioning a candidacy, building support, and generating finances for a campaign. “We know from public polling, and also public office from political experience, that women are Ten nurses participate much more inclined to put on the political agenda social services…or care for the elder- in RNAO’s political ly…or the environment…or childcare,” she candidate training says. “In contrast, men will tell you they’re deeply concerned about international affairs program, testing and defense and security and the budget. The issues that women delineate are hugely their ability to think important to people’s everyday lives.” “I think the landscape will change with quickly, their confidence more nurses in politics,” candidate trainee Elizabeth Chu says. “We have the creden- at the podium, and their tials and the credibility. Politicians are viewed as people we cannot trust in society. true passion for politics. I’m hoping that with more nurses…we can BY KIMBERLEY KEARSEY change that image.” Fellow trainee Donna Kearney agrees, adding: “As nurses we’re seen as caregivers hile working at Haldi- It wasn’t long before Stasiak became a and as soft and gentle. I’ve always seen that as mand War Memorial vocal and politically charged advocate for a liability.The course made me realize it’s not Hospital over Christmas, nursing and patient issues as political repre- a liability; it’s a quality that’s valued and rare.” Kim Stasiak ran into an sentative for the Ontario Nurses’Association. “It’s good if people can see us in a dif- old friend. He’d recently She’s now a founding board member of ferent light…start to see how we’re active pickWed up a copy of the local newspaper and the Hamilton-Niagara-Haldimand-Brant in representing them,” Stasiak adds. “We read an article about her participation in Local Health Integration Network but is know your health situation.We live it with RNAO’s RN Candidate Training Program,a seriously considering a run at political life you…so we can represent you well in the six-session, intensive workshop that prepares once her term is done in 2008. political setting.” nurses for the mostly male world of politics. RN Angela Kennedy’s passion for politics “This was a terrific group of women,” He was inspired. is equally intense. Solberg says of the nurses she and fellow So inspired, in fact, that he met with “It’s my third term…as school trustee,” instructor Anna-Rae Fishman trained dur- colleagues in the United Senior Citizens she says of her position with the Toronto ing three full weekends in October and of Ontario advocacy group and suggested Catholic District School Board. “I do a full November. “I was so blown away by their someone run for political office so the day of nursing work and then I’m dying to passion around issues. I’ve worked with elderly – like nurses – can get the issues do the politics in the evening.” teachers and trade unions. (Nurses) are they advocate onto the political agenda. With the next provincial election sched- so inspiring. I guess because (these are) life It only takes one thing to spark that uled for Oct. 4, and Kennedy’s commitment and death issues – literally – that they’re political passion, Stasiak says. to run for nomination as a Progressive focused on.” For her, it was a male patient she met six Conservative candidate in a Toronto riding, In the application letters to RNAO, one years ago. He entered the ER complaining those evenings have now turned into long common passion emerged among all the he had spent a decade going from walk-in nights of preparation and work.“My career as nurses selected for the training: social deter- clinic to walk-in clinic, all the while trying a nurse, I’ve loved it and it’s been great,” she minants of health. Each RN described that to find a family doctor. His rectal tumor says. “But after 35 years, I’m ready to move focus as key to any campaign they may run. had grown to the size of a grapefruit by the on to a full-time career in politics.” “One of the things brought up in the time they met. Stasiak and Kennedy were among 10 training course was the perception that “That’s how people fall through the RNs whose political passions drew them to nurses only have one view: health,”Claudine cracks and that’s how our system is failing,” RNAO’s candidate training program last fall. Bennett recalls.“But if you think about social she says.“That was a turning point for me. I This is the second time the association has determinants of health, it encompasses every- thought this should not have happened.” hosted the training (the first time was in thing in a person’s life. (The training taught

Registered Nurse Journal 19 me) different ways to approach different top- you to solve a problem with a patient or pro- RNAO does,” she says. “Having that expo- ics or issues, bringing health in without it gram.The skill is already there, it’s just using sure has helped me to see the political things being the only focus.” it in a different way.” that are going on and that I never really paid RNAO board member and candidate Kennedy agrees that some of the basic much attention to before.” trainee Hilda Swirsky agrees with the notion skills are already there for nurses, but notes Swirsky agrees a seat in the legislative that health is all encompassing: “Politicians another unique characteristic RNs possess: assembly isn’t the only route to political ful- really make a difference on a macro level… “The advocacy part of being a nurse, advo- fillment.“I would say the definition of win- making policies that impact a lot of people’s cating on behalf of your patients and on ning has to change,” she says. “When you lives. That’s inside the legislature, but outside behalf of yourself…what we’ve been look at the last provincial election, 1,600 the legislature they’re helping people to solve exposed to as nurses…there’s such a depth people ran and they can’t all win. Sometimes problems and directing them to resources. of experience that we have. It’s hard to it’s not about winning, it’s that you’re You can make a real difference that lasts a match that.” involved and can influence the party. The long time.” For some of the trainees, it’s not only worst thing is not to be involved at all.” RNAO Executive Director Doris Grin- about clinical skills being transferable to the Like Gernaey, candidate trainee Valerie spun says she has long advocated for more political arena. It’s also about other experi- Parkes has decided the pursuit for public nurse involvement in politics and policy for office is not in the cards for her right now. exactly that reason. “We’re committed to “Sometimes After visits with Conservative Leader John changing the composition of the legislative Tory, Liberal MPP Deb Matthews, Cons- assembly so political and legislative decision- it’s not about ervative Health Critic Elizabeth Witmer, and making can benefit from the knowledge and former political candidate and RN Kate experience of RNs,”she says. winning, it’s Wilson – each of whom provided keynote When the association launched the first presentations at the training sessions – Parkes political training program five years ago, that you’re says she realized just how much dedication a Grinspun says she was thrilled that 15 nurses involved and can run at political office takes. took advantage of the opportunity. Several “I’ve learned an awful lot about how went on to run for office. She is urging each influence the politicians give of themselves…to the popu- of the 10 RNs who participated in the most lation at large and to their communities,”she recent course to take the lessons they’ve party. The worst says.“I’ve gained a lot of respect for them.” learned and seek nomination in the political Fellow trainee Norma Nicholson echoes party of their choice. thing is not to be the sentiment: “You’re not going into politics To start the trainees on the right path, the to be known.You’re going in to serve,just like course instructors created a program that involved at all.” you are in nursing,” she explains, adding that offered participants a chance to engage in self you have to “be prepared that it will be a lot examination designed to help them articu- ences that provide a unique perspective. of hard work.” late their values and their reasons for pursu- Candidate trainee Cathie Gernaey Thanks to the political training last fall, ing politics. They reviewed data about believes she’s in a unique position to these 10 RNs know that if they choose to women in politics, barriers to women run- become political because of her experience join the race, they don’t face the challenge ning, and what the political parties are doing nursing in the U.S. alone.“It’s been valuable because you have 10 to recruit more women. The group also “I have an understanding of how difficult women…if three or four of us become polit- received extensive tips on how to deliver it is to get nurses back into Canada to work,” ically involved and run for MP or MPP, or effective and articulate speeches and how to she says. “Politically there’s a lot of ways we work for city council, there are seven others conduct successful media interviews. They can be doing things to make that better.” who are supporting them,”Gernaey says. brushed up on their knowledge of the She admits, however, the one important All the participants have said they will provincial and federal elections acts, lesson she took away from the training was keep in touch, and will support one another improved their communication and organi- the knowledge that you don’t need to be an in their endeavors – political or otherwise. zation skills, and developed more confidence MPP or MP to be political. “I’m interested in working with other speaking publicly about important issues. “If I were to run for office, I would have people interested in pursuing politics and There’s no question the nurses involved to stop what I’m doing, put my nursing setting up campaigns for nominations,” in the training see the unique value they career aside for a while and…maybe, maybe candidate trainee Rosalie Dwyer Kent bring to the political arena. not, get into office,”she says, adding that she’d says. “It’s all about having the right team “If you’re a politician, you need to think rather spend her time doing things in other and building your ntwork in the community. quickly on your feet all the time.You never ways that would be valuable to nursing. The depth of passion that’s out there is know when you’re going to get a question Gernaey says she’ll join a political party evident to me. It was pleasing to see and thrown at you that will be difficult to and volunteer for the 2007 provincial elec- exciting to be a part of.” RN answer,”Bennett says.“If you think about the tion, but the training made her realize she environment most nurses work in, that’s can make the most difference politically by KIMBERLEY KEARSEY IS MANAGING something we do all the time.You’re always becoming more involved in the activities of EDITOR/COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT trying to access information that will help RNAO.“This has opened my eyes to what MANAGER FOR RNAO.

20 January/February 2007 Champions change the way nursing care is delivered More than 1,000 nurses across the province champion RNAO’s clinical best practice guidelines in their workplaces. BY JILL-MARIE BURKE

hat began in June 2002 as an to develop a city-wide education initiative hospital committee to review the BPGs on RNAO strategy to promote based on two guidelines: Risk Assessment and vascular access. He says it was important for W greater awareness of the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers and Assessment and the group to ask: “Why aren’t our nurses Nursing Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) Management of Stage I to IV Pressure Ulcers. putting in PICC lines if nurses are doing it at Program has since grown into a powerful Launched in 2003, the initiative includes other hospitals?” grassroots movement known as the Best workshops on assessment, wound preparation, Fieber spent the next few months con- Practice Champions Network, an enthusiastic types of ulcers and available therapies. tacting fellow champions to find out about group of RNs and RPNs who are passion- Wound care is also a top priority for their vascular access practices, and to get ate about implementing BPGs. BPG champion Gloria Hamel, Skin Care their advice on pitching a nurse-initiated “Champions have moved best practices Coordinator and Program Developer at PICC line program to senior management: to the forefront in 250 organizations,” Providence Manor, a long-term care facility “The Best Practice Champions Network is a explains Stephanie Lappan-Gracon, who led in Kingston. Hamel is responsible for the community of like-minded practitioners the champions program for almost four implementation of the Risk Assessment, who have hands-on experience dealing with years. “They are leading multi-disciplinary Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers the same issues. Professional relationships BPG implementation teams in all sectors of BPG.She and the members of her team have have developed among champions and we the health-care system and are significantly coordinated education sessions at the facility, often ask each other for advice. Before the changing the way nursing care is delivered.” and led the charge that made it mandatory Champions Network existed, we figured it was One of those champions is Donnabeth for nurses to document every new wound, Thunder Bay Regional against the world.” Sweetland, Manager of Education and skin tear or ulcer in the facility. Armed with information and advice, Development for the South West Com- Following the implementation of the Fieber and Susan Pilatzke, a fellow champion munity Care Access Centre (CCAC). She BPG, Providence saw a reduction in the and an RNAO board member, developed a attended one of the first champions work- number of wounds. In the last quarter of business plan to convince senior management shops in 2002. A personal and professional 2005, 22.5 per cent of patients had Stage II that allowing nurses to insert PICC lines commitment to wound prevention and pressure ulcers. By the last quarter of 2006, would shorten wait times for the procedure, care was her impetus for finding out more the incidence had been reduced to 10.42 reduce the number of infections, and ulti- about the BPGs. per cent. mately lead to shorter hospital stays. Senior “My two grandmothers, who lived into Hamel says nurses are excited about the management approved the plan and three their 90s, had significant wounds at the end results they’ve achieved: “A nurse recently RNs and one nurse practitioner at the hospi- of their lives and they succumbed to those came to my door after changing the dressing tal began inserting PICC lines late last year. wounds. At that time, I didn’t have enough of a man with a Stage III wound. She had Sweetland, Hamel and Fieber offer just information about best practices to impact been working on that wound for six months three examples of how patients and health- their care,” explains Sweetland. “Professi- and… for the first time, the resident hadn’t care organizations benefit from the work of onally, I knew wound care was a high complained of any pain. (The nurse) experi- BPG champions.According to Tazim Virani, volume service for the CCAC… I was enced the success of best practice and she Project Director of the BPG Program, there committed to improving the overall knowl- was so happy you could see stars in her eyes.” are also rewards for the nurses themselves: edge of wounds and pressure relief so people For RN George Fieber, the impetus to “They benefit from being part of a move- could be treated with expertise.” become a BPG champion in his community ment in nursing that really celebrates nursing Sweetland had just become a member of of Thunder Bay was more personal. knowledge,” she explains. “Being a champi- two wound care committees when she Following surgery at Thunder Bay Regional on validates a nurse’s clinical expertise and 1000attended the champions workshop five years Health Centre, where he works as a profes- underscores the importance of providing ago. “The local wound care experts knew sional practice leader, Fieber spent weeks excellent nursing care.” RNAO was about to release a BPG on pres- waiting for a physician to put in a peripher- For more information, contact Carrie sure ulcer management and we decided to ally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Scott, 1-800-268-7199, ext. 256. use it as a gold standard,”she says. The procedure kept getting bumped because Sweetland has since championed the BPGs no doctor was available. JILL-MARIE BURKE IS MEDIA RELATIONS by partnering with her committee colleagues After his return to work, Fieber formed a COORDINATOR FOR RNAO.

Registered Nurse Journal 21 RECOMMENDATIONS FROM RNAO BOARD RECEIVE SUPPORT, PRAISE After nine months of consultation and discussion, RNAO members vote in favour of six recommendations about RNAO’s relations with the Canadian Nurses Association. BY JILL SCARROW

his January marked several firsts for RNAO.It was the first time in sev- eral decades that members assem- T bled for a general meeting during the cold winter months, and the first time such a meeting was broadcast into members’ workplaces and homes by live webcast. These milestones were reached as a result of resolution #1, the historic resolution pre- sented unanimously by RNAO’s Board of Directors at last April’s annual general meet- ing (AGM). Passed by voting delegates after passionate debate,resolution #1 set the board in motion to engage all members in an open, transparent consultation about RNAO’s relationship with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). At the general meeting on Jan. 26, the same voting delegates who passed the reso- lution also passed six recommendations that promote RNAO’s continued work with CNA on issues important to nurses. The recommendations also set out a plan to continue to report, at least annually, on the relationship between RNAO and Bonnie Sparrow, a voting delegate for the King- Jasmine Lavadan, a nursing student from Canada’s nursing body. ston chapter, reminded board members of the Peterborough, said she was impressed with The board’s six recommendations are the importance of ensuring the general member- the board’s work around resolution #1. result of consultations that took place ship is made aware of emerging issues at RNAO. throughout the summer and fall of 2006. During that time,the board heard from more than 6,000 members who participated in als; defend Medicare against for profit deliv- change nationally. local and regional meetings, direct commu- ery; promote primary health care; and address “The board believes members should be nications with board representatives, and a social determinants of health. in the driver’s seat,” she continued. survey distributed to all members by RNAO President Mary Ferguson-Paré “RNAO has grown into an association that Innovative Research Group (IRG), a polling presided over the meeting,and told members is owned by its members.” and strategy firm. The survey alone, which how the board of directors relied on the Ferguson-Paré assured members that was available online and by mail, was com- themes that emerged from the consultations progress has been made to improve the rela- pleted by more than 5,000 members. as it developed its six recommendations. tionship between RNAO and CNA since Greg Lyle, Managing Director of IRG, “Members made it clear they want the two began meeting about resolution #1. spoke at the January meeting,providing com- nursing policy and practice and healthy She said CNA has adopted two new strategic prehensive details of the survey findings to public policy discussed on a national scale, directions on social and environmental almost 300 participants, including 128 voting and that a national organization should lead determinants of health and Medicare, and delegates and 152 general members who social activism on nursing and health issues these commitments have been supported wanted to hear the discussions. He revealed by mobilizing nurses from coast to coast, with dedicated funding and staffing. She also that more than half of survey respondents said and by speaking out on social determinants reported that CNA board meetings have it’s ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important that their of health and defending Medicare,” she become more transparent. national nursing body: speak out on the prac- said. “They also called on RNAO’s board CNA President-Elect Kaaren Neufeld tice of replacing RNs with other profession- to continue to work with CNA to create provided greetings to the meeting and spoke

22 January/February 2007 O BOARD RECEIVE SUPPORT, PRAISE

“I commend the board for having the courage and strength to bring resolution #1 to the AGM…You got the members to engage [and] express their opinions. I am so proud…that political activism is so important to the membership.” –RNAO Past President Adeline Falk-Rafael

Norma Nicholson, a voting delegate for the CNA President-Elect Kaaren Neufeld crowd that RNAO is the only nursing Peel chapter, prompted fellow members to spoke to members about the improved organization speaking out about housing keep themselves abreast of RNAO issues by relationship between RNAO and issues and advocating for a stronger national getting involved at the grassroots level. Canada’s national nursing body. voice to secure a national housing strategy. Members also shared their reactions to the resolution #1 consultation process. to members about the improved relationship the Canadian Association of Social Workers, RNAO Past-President Adeline Falk-Rafael between RNAO and CNA. the Canadian Medical Association, the took the floor to express her pride in the “Each of CNA’s member organizations Canadian Public Health Association, and the members for their commitment to political has a unique mandate…each of us operates National Alliance for Children and Youth. activism, and the board’s commitment to in a distinct cultural and legislative environ- Following Neufeld’s presentation, mem- hearing nurses’ ideas and acting on them. ment. That is our legacy as Canadians. CNA bers stepped to the microphones to share “I commend the board for having the too has a unique mandate, and its environ- their own views on the need for a stronger courage and strength to bring resolution #1 ment is the national policy arena,”she said. nursing voice.They touched on issues rang- to the AGM…You got the members to Neufeld outlined CNA’s work on ing from the evolution of the Local Health engage [and] express their opinions. I am so national issues that resonate with RNAO Integration Networks to protection of proud…that political activism is so impor- members. She updated voting delegates and Canada’s not-for-profit health-care system. tant to the membership,”she said. general members on the issues CNA will be Laurie McKellar,a member of Middlesex- Valerie Grdisa, President of RNAO’s tackling in the coming year, including Elgin chapter, called on RNAO to speak out Mental Health Nursing Interest Group, also improving access to publicly funded and to protect the social determinants of health thanked the board for the work it has done not-for-profit health services, child care, and Canada Health Act from domestic and to make the discussion on resolution #1 so housing, pharmacare, poverty and climate international pressures set by trade agree- positive. She said she was disillusioned with change. She also outlined organizations ments. She was joined by member Cathy the debate that ensued after the resolution CNA will continue to work with, including Crowe, a street nurse, who reminded the was introduced at last April’s AGM, and was

Registered Nurse Journal 23 SIX RECOMMENDATIONS PROMOTE CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH CNA Voting delegates at RNAO’s January general meeting approved the following six recommendations regarding resolution #1:

Recommendation # 1: Recommendation # 5: Collaboration with the Canadian Nurses as a Social Force Nurses Association (CNA) • RNAO will work with CNA and other • RNAO members want their issues organizations to vigorously advocate for raised nationally and RNAO will healthy public policy at the federal and work collaboratively with CNA to provincial / territorial and international achieve outcomes. levels through grassroots mobilization Recommendation # 2: of nurses and the public. Speaking Out for Nursing Recommendation # 6 • RNAO will continue to work with Open and Transparent Communication CNA and other organizations to • RNAO will keep members well informed raise nursing issues of importance of its collaboration with CNA, including: to RNAO members. • The RNAO Board of Directors (BOD) Recommendation # 3: will report to the RNAO membership at Speaking Out for Health: its April 2007 AGM on the implementation Determinants of Health of resolution # 1 and the outcome of the • RNAO will collaborate with CNA and January 2007 general meeting. other organizations to advocate for the • RNAO’s BOD will provide updates social and environmental determinants at least annually, beginning with the of health and well-being. April 2008 RNAO AGM, summarizing Recommendation #4: progress on: Speaking Out for Health: Medicare • RNAO’s collaboration with CNA • RNAO will work with CNA and other • Speaking out for nursing at organizations to protect and enhance the national level. one of Canada’s major social achievements • Speaking out for health at – a quality, publicly funded, publicly the national level. administered and not-for-profit • Nurses as a social force at health-care system (“Medicare”). the national level. happy to see that the tone around the dis- How do we look outside the box, and how RNAO’s Peel chapter, called on individual cussion had improved so much over the last do we get all 20,000 plus members to know members to help bridge that communica- nine months. and to be on the ball?” tion gap by getting involved at the grassroots But while members applauded the Colleen McKey,President of the Nursing level. She said members can get involved and board for its leadership, they also cautioned Leadership Network, also encouraged informed by taking on executive positions in that more must be done to improve com- RNAO’s board of directors to develop a chapters, or just coming out to meetings. munication with the wider membership, communication strategy that will ensure the “Tell [local representatives] what we can especially since so many survey respondents membership is well informed. do to represent you,” she said. “We’re all said they were not aware of the concerns “Nurses really used their voices through- nurses, we are all members.” between CNA and RNAO before the res- out this process. The resulting dialogue, we As resolution #1’s formal consultation olution surfaced. believe, has presented an opportunity for period comes to a close, RNAO’s board Irene Koutsoukis, a member of the tremendous growth for RNAO, CNA and members say they will now look to the Nursing Research Interest Group, called on nursing as a whole,”she said. future. They say they have embraced their the board to continue to improve commu- Ferguson-Paré agreed that communica- new responsibility to provide updates that nication in an effort to keep every member tion is a top priority for the board.“We pride summarize RNAO’s continued work with informed. ourselves on being a member-driven organi- CNA, as well as progress made in speaking “I do realize that RNAO has been zation,”she said.“It’s always difficult to make out for nursing, health care and social issues tremendous in trying to get members more sure everyone has all the information all the at the national level. RN aware in terms of e-mail, mail, the web, time, but it’s not insurmountable.” Internet,” she said. “But, it’s not working. Norma Nicholson, Co-President of JILL SCARROW IS STAFF WRITER FOR RNAO.

24 January/February 2007 toYou NEWStoUse

Beatrice Levis, a member of the RNAO-led Elder Health Coalition, was one of 29 individuals invested into the Order of Ontario in 2006. In her nomination letter, RNAO Executive Director Doris Grinspun wrote:“Bea is a formidable champion of social justice, including Medicare and the rights of seniors.At the age of 87, Bea exemplifies community spirit, caring and dedication to the well-being of her fellow citizens.” The award was presented by The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in December.

BEATRICE LEVIS On Nov. 15, nurses at Huronia District Hospital participated in a training exercise to learn what to do when “contaminated” people visit the ER. To prepare for the possibility of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear spill, health-care professionals donned decontamination suits complete with self-contained respirators. Participants learned that, in the event of an emergency, potentially contaminated patients enter a decontamination tent to be sprayed clean (12 minutes) and then enter the ER on foot or on stretchers.

RNAO member Karima Velji,Vice-President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, was named Outstanding Professional by the province’s Ismaili Muslim Community at its annual achievement awards in early December.Velji was recognized for her profession- al achievements at work, her scholarly achievements in cancer research, and her charity work.

RNAO’s Rainbow Nursing Interest Group (RNIG) was launched in September with the aim to empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered (LGBTT) nurses, and those who KARIMA VELJI work with a similar client population. RNIG President Bonnie Lynn Wright says acceptance and more open discussion about sexual orientation has helped to make it the right time to introduce the group. For more information, visit www.RNAO.org or e-mail [email protected].

RN James D'Astolfo is president and founder of RNAO’s new Men in Nursing interest group. He says the group, which was formally approved at a board of directors meeting in January, wants to educate the public and students about the profession and the role men play. The Tamil Nurses’ Association of Ontario also received formal designation as an affiliated interest group of RNAO in January. For information about the groups, visit www.rnao.org and click on ‘interest groups.’

RNAO member Nancy DiPietro was so moved following last summer’s HIV/AIDS international conference that she is challenging nurses across Ontario to donate one hour of pay to help colleagues in Africa. “As nurses on this side of the globe, we have a responsibility to reach out and help when we can,” she says.“One hour of pay could change another nurse’s life for the better…perhaps (allowing a nurse to) provide more efficient care to more people or…to spend another healthy day with her family.” To make a donation, visit www.stephenlewisfoundation.org.

In June 2007, Toronto RN Joseph Gajasan, a member of RNAO’s editorial advisory committee, will launch a scholar- ship program for high school students. The program, called Florence Nightingale: The Art and Science of Nursing Award, will be financed by Gajasan and will help aspiring nurses to learn about the profession. It will also support a new nurse in his/her career ambitions by paying for student membership to RNAO and financing their first year of nursing school. To find out more, e-mail [email protected]. JOSEPH GAJASAN The Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO) will offer 37 awards through its 2007 Awards and Scholarships Program. New this year are the Julie Hall Scholarship, which provides an opportunity for an RN to pursue education at the baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral level with an interest in any aspect of neuroscience nursing, and the Infection Control Scholarship, which supports the advancement of professional practice in infection control. For more information about these and other awards, visit www.rnfoo.org, call 416-426-7127, or e-mail [email protected].

Registered Nurse Journal 25 Policy at Work

mitting to a plan that aims to prevent and the government must provide ongoing RNAO calls for end to deal with instances of abuse and assault. support to help newly registered profes- violence against nurses That’s why RNAO took this action,” said sionals find suitable work. in the workplace Executive Director Doris Grinspun. RNAO also reminded committee members that while it supports the On Dec. 6, Canada’s National Day of rights of nurses to choose where they live Remembrance and Action on Violence Against A time for inclusion and practice, it strongly opposes any Women, RNAO released a policy statement attempt to recruit health-care professionals aimed at protecting nurses from violence On Nov. 22, Immediate Past President from other countries, especially those in the workplace. The statement calls on Joan Lesmond appeared before an all- experiencing shortages or pressing health- health-care organizations to implement party committee at Queen’s Park to present care needs. policies, procedures and practices that pro- RNAO’s views on Bill 124, legislation mote the safety of nurses. RNAO also RNs speak out over wants government to share in the responsi- treatment of Bulgarian nurses bility by providing money to health-care employers so that sufficient action is taken. More than 500 RNAO members “It’s in everyone’s interest to draw responded to news in December that attention to this issue on this national day five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian of remembrance,” said RNAO President doctor had once again been convicted Mary Ferguson-Paré. “The sad reality is and sentenced to death on charges of that nurses tell us this is still a major prob- intentionally spreading the HIV/AIDS lem.We know that 50 per cent of health- virus. The six health-care professionals care workers will be physically assaulted worked at a hospital in Libya where more during their careers.” than 400 children became infected. RNAO believes health-care organiza- The accused, who have been in jail tions should take necessary steps to protect (L to R) RNAO Senior Economist Kim Jarvi, since 1999, were first convicted in 2004. Immediate Past President Joan Lesmond, Their convictions were overturned and a and Valerie Glasgow, Chair of RNAO’s new trial was ordered following interna- International Nursing Interest Group, tional pressure about the fairness of the present the association’s submission regarding Bill 124. judicial process. In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen aimed at helping internationally trained Harper, RNAO expressed its deepest professionals find work in their chosen field. sympathy to the families of the infected In its submission, RNAO supported children, especially those who lost loved the primary aim of the legislation, but it ones to AIDS. The letter also referred to suggested several measures to ensure scientific evidence, which if heard by the barriers to new immigrants are removed. court, would likely have shown the health- For example: care workers were wrongfully accused. On Dec. 6, RNAO President Mary • The government’s proposed access RNAO members wrote their own let- Ferguson-Paré (right) represented RNAO at a candle-lighting and rose centre for internationally trained individu- ters to the Prime Minister and Foreign ceremony at Toronto’s Women’s College als should compare and evaluate the regu- Minister Peter MacKay, urging them to Hospital. The event, which latory and educational standards of other follow the lead of other governments and honoured the 14 women killed in the countries; and take up the issue with Libya. RNAO has Montreal Massacre of 1989, included • The fairness commissioner should received responses from both the Prime presentations by Health Minister George Smitherman and Sandra Pupatello, report annually on the proposed legisla- Minister’s office and Minister MacKay’s Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues. tion, indicating the impact of Bill 124 on office thanking the association and its certification and employment of interna- members for raising the matter. nurses, especially in light of the death of RN tionally trained professionals. RNAO will continue to urge the Lori Dupont in the fall of 2005. “You can’t RNAO also pointed out that even after Canadian government to use diplomatic prevent every instance of violence. But you professionals fulfill the necessary registra- means to pressure Libya into releasing the can try to ensure it never happens by com- tion requirements for practice in Canada, health-care workers. RN

26 January/February 2007 Calendar

March April March 8 April 5 April 14 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: DEVELOPING CULTURAL LONDON AND DISTRICT REGIONAL WORKSHOP COMPETENCE IN DIVERSE PERIOPERATIVE REGISTERED 89 Chestnut Residence WORKING ENVIRONMENTS: NURSES' ASSOCIATION SPRING Toronto, ON REGIONAL WORKSHOP INSPIRATIONS CONFERENCE Days Inn and Convention Centre Shuttleworth Auditorium, St. March 22 Kingston, ON Joseph Health Care, London, ON PRECEPTORSHIP FOR NURSES: For information: REGIONAL WORKSHOP April 13-14 [email protected] Video Conference EIGHTH ANNUAL OPTIONS FOR Thunder Bay, ON DIABETES CONFERENCE April 19-21 Holiday Inn, Kingston, ON RNAO Annual General Meeting March 29, 30, April 2-4 Contact Margaret Little Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham DESIGNING AND at 613-547-3438 or Conference Centre and Spa DELIVERING EFFECTIVE [email protected] Markham, ON EDUCATION PROGRAMS RNAO/OHA JOINT PROGRAM OHA Office, May 200 Front Street West, May 3 May 9 Suite 2800 LEADING AND SHAPING RNAO HEALTH-CARE EXPOSITION: Toronto, ON SUCCESSFUL CHANGE: NURSING CAREER FAIR REGIONAL WORKSHOP 89 Chestnut Residence Capone’s Catering Toronto, ON Ottawa, ON

Unless otherwise noted, please contact Vanessa Mooney at RNAO’s Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence at [email protected] or 416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199, ext. 227 for further information. 5IBOL
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Registered Nurse Journal 27 Classifieds Nursing and

Do you have financial planning issues? Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Health Care Are you nearing retirement? Services for Seniors (OANHSS): Leadership/ I will assist you with your retirement planning, Leading education in not-for-profit which may include information on: HOOP, a long-term care. Management defined benefit pension plan; Canada Pension 2007 Annual Meeting and Convention. Distance Plan; RRSP benefits; taxation; investment plan- April 30 – May 2, 2007, Westin Harbour Castle, ning; and estate planning. With over 15 years of Toronto. Workshops specifically tailored Education experience as a consultant/planner, I have to gerontological nurses. Program insight into your professional issues. As a certi- Contact: Karen Elliott, Conference Planner, fied financial planner with a fee-based business, 905-727-1537, [email protected]. I am also licensed to sell some products. Visit www.oanhss.org. An appointment can be arranged at your convenience. Please call 416-259-8222 ext. 504. Diabetes Update 2007: Innovative and Gail Marriott CFP emerging therapies in the management GRANTING UNIVERSITY CREDIT of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes — Friday, March AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and 23, 2007, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Endorsed by the CNA. Services for Seniors (OANHSS): South Building, 700 Level, 222 Bremner All courses individually facilitated by an Educational Consultant Directors of Nursing — Thinking of becoming Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario. To view program Courses Offered: an administrator in long-term care? This is the brochure: http://www.cme.utoronto.ca/PDF/ course for you. Administrator Certification BDC0701.pdf. For information: Office of Leadership/Management (6 units) • 9 month course completion Program, Feb. 25-March 2, 2007, Sutton Place Continuing Education and Professional • both theoretical and practical content Hotel, Toronto. Recognized by the Ministry of Development, Faculty of Medicine, important in today’s work environment Health and Long-Term Care. University of Toronto. Phone: 416.978.2719, Advanced Leadership/ Contact: Karen Elliott, Certification Registrar, Toll Free: 1.888.512.8173, Fax: 416.946.7028, Management (6 units) 905-727-1537, [email protected]. E-mail: [email protected], • 8 month course completion Visit www.oanhss.org. Website: www.cme.utoronto.ca • 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) Are you protected? • 6 month course completion • explores the types and processes of conflict in health care organizations and applies Every nurse should have theory and research to conflict situations in the current workplace professional liability protection. Leading Effective Teams (3 units) • 6 month course completion • theory and methods of teams by intergrating professional and leadership disciplines Decentralized Budgeting (1 unit credit) • 4 month course completion • concepts of financial management and budget preparation • important to nurses involved with decentralized management Total Quality Management/ Quality Assurance (1 unit credit) • 4 month course completion • theoretical and practical aspects applicable to developing quality assurance/improvement programs The Canadian Nurses For further information please contact: Leadership/Management Distance Protective Society Education Program McMaster University, School of Nursing 1200 Main Street West, 2J1A is here for you! Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5 Phone (905) 525-9140, Ext 22409 Fax (905) 570-0667 Call for a free consultation. Email [email protected] Internet www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/ distance/distance.htm Programs starting every January, www.cnps.ca 1 800 267-3390 April & September AD PROOF & ESTIMATE Docket: 610-088 **All prices exclude taxes.** Media: Section: Ad Size: Insertion Date: Price: Registered Nurse Journal Careers 1/4 page Jan. 3/07 (2006 prices)

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FACULTY OF NURSING DO YOU KNOW A ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR SPECIAL NURSE? The Faculty of Nursing invites applications for three (3) tenure- track positions commencing July 1, 2007, at the ranks of Assistant/ Associate Professor, one of which is in the area of Community Health (Position #AKS064). The two other positions (Position #04660 and #04661) will be open to the best qualified candidates. Ranks and salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. readers are being asked to nominate someone in Qualifications: A PhD in nursing or a related field is required. the Nursing Profession for the TORONTO STAR Individuals who are near PhD program completion (i.e., data collection NIGHTINGALE AWARD 2007. completed by start date) may be considered. Additional qualifications include evidence of: a beginning program of scholarship, including Information on Award Criteria, and Where to Send research and publication; effective teaching and communication skills; clinical expertise as relevant; registration or eligibility for your Nomination, will be published in the Star, and registration with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba; and at www.thestar.com/nightingale the ability to establish collegial relationships. Applications are requested by February 19, 2007; however Deadline for Nominations is March 21, 2007. applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Winner will be announced during Applications including a curriculum vitae and the names, Nursing Week 2007. addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references should be sent to: Dr. Dean Care, Interim Dean, Faculty of Nursing, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, FAX: (204) 474-7500. Further information may be obtained from: www.umanitoba.ca/employment/academic or www.umanitoba.ca/nursing or by e-mailing: [email protected] ONE UNIVERSITY. MANY FUTURES. 2007

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