RN.v4 7/5/05 2:55 PM Page 1
RNAO releases report on full-time work for RNs • Nursing Week/AGM roundup • SARS movie review
May/June 2005 Registered Nurse JOURNAL
The 7700 percent solution
PM 40006768 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:50 PM Page 2 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:26 PM Page 3 Registered Nurse JOURNAL
VOLUME 17, NO. 3, MAY/JUNE 2005
FEATURES
PLAGUE CITY 6 By Karen Ellacott, RN, BScN Karen Ellacott, a member who nursed through SARS, says CTV movie, Plague City, was true to life in revealing some of the key roles and experiences of RNs during the epidemic.
THE 70 PER CENT SOLUTION 10 By Kimberley Kearsey RNAO’s survey of employers and RNs finds that government policies to increase full-time employment for RNs are on the right track – just not the fast track.
THE MINISTER RESPONDS 14 By Kimberley Kearsey 24 In an interview with Registered Nurse Journal, Health Minister George Smitherman weighs in on the wisdom of the 70 per cent solution for RNs and the public they serve.
THE LINEUP AGM 2005: SPECIAL SECTION 18 Highlights from the 2005 AGM, which brought together EDITOR’S NOTE 4 nurses, students, politicians and reporters for three days PRESIDENT’S VIEW 5 of discussion and debate about nursing and health care in Ontario. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DISPATCH 7 NURSING IN THE NEWS 8 MAKING THE CUT NURSING WEEK 2005 15 24 By Kimberley Kearsey Two RNAO members – from Goderich and Sharbot Lake – POLICY AT WORK 27 share their excitement at the prospect of creating Family CALENDAR 28 Health Teams in their communities. RN PROFILE 26 By Jill Shaw RN Jan Tomlinson educates the public about water safety to help ensure children in the London area have a safe and healthy summer. RN.v4 7/5/05 3:27 PM Page 4
The journal of the REGISTERED NURSES' Editor’s Note ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (RNAO) 438 University Avenue, Suite 1600, Toronto ON, M5G 2K8 Phone: 416-599-1925 Toll-Free: 1-800-268-7199 Fax: 416-599-1926 Web site: www.rnao.org E-mail: [email protected] Letters to the editor: [email protected]
EDITORIAL STAFF Sine MacKinnon, Publisher Lesley Frey, Managing Editor Kimberley Kearsey, Writer Jill Shaw, Editorial Assistant
EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Patricia Stiles, Chair Kathy Dawe, Joseph Gajasan, Connie Kuc, The spirit of change Ann Lukits, André Picard, Julie Pierce, Sylvia Rodgers
DESIGN, ART DIRECTION, PRODUCTION In this issue, we examine the spirit of change that govern- Tammy Hunter/Ireland+Associates ment, employers and health-care providers embraced in the early ADVERTISING Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario days of 2005.We release the results of RNAO’s progress report Phone: 416-599-1925, ext. 211 Fax: 416-599-1926 on increasing full-time employment for Ontario RNs.We meet SUBSCRIPTIONS two RNAO members who are at the heart of efforts to establish Registered Nurse Journal, ISSN 1484-0863, is a benefit to members of the RNAO. Paid subscriptions are welcome. Full subscription prices for one year (six Family Health Teams in their respective communities, and we issues), including taxes: Canada $38.52 (GST); Outside Canada: $42. Printed with vegetable-based inks on reflect on the lessons learned from SARS in a review of the CTV movie Plague City. recycled paper (50 per cent recycled and 20 per cent post-consumer fibre) on acid-free paper. In our cover feature, we explore the 70 per cent solution and release the results of Registered Nurse Journal is published six times a RNAO’s survey of employers and RNs, which found that new government policies to year by RNAO. The views or opinions expressed in the editorials, articles or advertisements are those of the authors/advertisers and do not necessarily represent build a nursing workforce with 70 per cent of RNs working full time are indeed on the the policies of RNAO or the Editorial Advisory Committee. RNAO assumes no responsibility or liability right track – just not the fast track.The link between more full-time RNs and better for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice contained in the health is clear, but only 59 per cent of Ontario’s RNs work full time.The results show Registered Nurse Journal including editorials, stud- ies, reports, letters and advertisements. All articles and we’re heading in the right direction, but as the executive director’s column reveals, this photos accepted for publication become the property of the Registered Nurse Journal. Indexed in Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. overreliance on part-time and casual nursing employment is a relatively recent and
CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Undeliverable copies uniquely Canadian phenomenon, a troubling one that can and must be abated. and change of address to: RNAO, 438 University Avenue, Suite 1600, Toronto ON, M5G 2K8. As we mark the mid-way point of 2005, there is a spirit of change in the air for Publications Mail Agreement No. 40006768. health-care in Ontario: full-time employment for RNs is growing, Family Health RNAO OFFICERS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT Joan Lesmond, RN, BScN, MSN Teams are budding, and local health integration network are taking shape. During President, ext. 204 much of the past decade, change has meant uncertainty, instability and downsizing for Mary Ferguson-Paré, RN, PhD, CHE President Elect, ext. 202 RNs and the public they serve. But change doesn’t have to mean confusion and con- Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD (cand), O.Ont. tainment. RNAO will be keeping careful watch to ensure that these changes translate Executive Director, ext. 206 Irmajean Bajnok, RN, MScN, PhD into better – not just different – health care. Director, Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence, ext. 234 In this same spirit of change, this will be my last issue as managing editor of Registered Sheila Block, MA Nurse Journal.After almost nine years at RNAO, I am taking on a new communications Director, Health and Nursing Policy, ext. 215 Nancy Campbell, MBA challenge at Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital. I have enjoyed working with and meeting Director, Finance and Administration, ext. 229 many of you over the years, and I will take the invaluable experiences I was privileged Daniel Lau, MBA Director, Membership and Services, ext. 218 to be part of at RNAO with me as I embark on this new endeavour. Many thanks. Sine MacKinnon, B. Journalism (Hon.) Director, Communications, ext. 209
Lesley Frey Managing Editor
www.rnao.org 4 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 4:10 PM Page 5
President’s View with Joan Lesmond
Chaoulli ruling challenges us to remember how to keep Canada strong and free
As Canada begins its reforms such as improved primary health own experience – and with passion. 139th year, let us care, expanded home care, and strategic We need to shake off the collective reflect on the nature investments to reduce wait times and increase amnesia that has struck politicians and others of our nation, on what the number of health-care providers. who have forgotten (or buried) all we have distinguishes us as a I believe that Canadians, with nurses once discovered and done about health-care country,as a people, as again leading the way, will stand by their reform this decade. It is as if the Romanow a community.Are we, belief in universal access to medicare as a Commission and its unprecedented consul- as our anthem pro- public good, and will reject the notion that tation, research, and report never happened. claims,“strong and free?”If so,is that strength individual rights override the collective Recall the 2003 Health Accord that estab- and freedom shared fairly among everyone good. RNAO has never stopped fighting for lished the Health Council of Canada? who resides in and on this land – and that. Within a week of the ruling, board Remember the historic 2004 health agree- beyond? Are we able each in our own way members met for a policy summit, during ment committing $41 billion to the to contribute to public policy debates that which the board passed a resolution to take provinces and territories? help shape our country? to the CNA annual general We know we have much We contemplate these questions today meeting. The resolution, The Chaoulli still to do. RNAO is no apolo- within a new context, created by the June strengthened by other jurisdic- gist for the status quo. In fact, 9th Supreme Court ruling that the Quebec tions and unanimously passed, ruling could there is no status quo in health government could not ban private health called on the prime minister, lead to the slow care today. Investments and insurance for medically necessary services the minister of health, and reforms are progressing. Change available in the public health system. The other political leaders “to take starvation of the takes time; data collection takes Chaoulli ruling could ultimately lead to the all available measures and make health-care even longer. But one thing is slow starvation of the health-care system that all necessary investments to system that nurses clear: if, in the meantime, two- nurses helped to build, a system based on prevent a two-tier health-care tier health care takes hold, severity of need, not on ability to pay – and system, strengthen publicly helped to build. improvements to the public to a redefinition of who we are. It has led funded, not-for-profit delivery, system will dissipate as the pri- already to laudatory comments from some and the five principles, two conditions and vate system drains the public system of provincial premiers, business people, and the the spirit of the Canada Health Act.” resources, while the private system caters to Canadian Medical Association, all eager to Over the summer, RNAO will turn to the privileged few. try once again to increase private sector its members to help ensure two-tier health My Canada Day questions are answered: delivery of health care – and, more alarm- care does not take root in Ontario or medicare gives all Canadians, regardless of ingly, to have people pay out of pocket for spread across the country.We’ll give mem- income, a fundamental freedom that does it.We hope the Supreme Court will stop this bers the analysis and information they need indeed distinguish us from other countries. in its tracks by granting the Quebec govern- to show that two-tier health care and for- It’s a freedom from fear: fear that we won’t ment’s July 4th request for an 18-month stay profit delivery is exclusionary, expensive, be able to pay for the health care we and our of the landmark judgment. inefficient, and leads to poorer health out- families need, or fear that we’ll go broke All Canadians want better and quicker comes. We’ll ask you to initiate and guide doing it.The answer lies neither in smug self- access to health-care services. But the answer discussions — at work and play, in the congratulation about being Canadian, nor in is not to allow a select few to buy their way media, classrooms, community centres, on cynical, self-interested condemnations of to the front of the queue while boosting pri- sports fields, over fences, around the bar- medicare; it lies in acting on RNAO’s man- vate health-care profits and siphoning beque, or outside mosques, temples, syna- date to speak out for health, and speak out resources from the public system.The answer gogues and churches across the province. for nursing. is to strengthen public, not-for-profit health Explain why health care should not be for care and to improve access to health services sale. Listen to questions and concerns, and JOAN LESMOND, RN, BScN, MSN, IS for all Canadians.We must focus on healthy address them with evidence, research, your PRESIDENT OF RNAO.
Registered Nurse Journal 5 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:28 PM Page 6
by Karen Ellacott
inadequate resources, economic priorities, lack of preparedness, con- Plague City cerns about the implications of panic-filled press releases and gov- ernment officials who just didn’t get it. Registered Nurse Journal asked RN Karen Ellacott to review the Aside from the Hollywood appearance of the main character CTV movie Plague City: SARS in Toronto, a human and political (read: tall, thin,“pretty”, white), I felt that an honest attempt was thriller chronicling the transmission of SARS from a small town in made to portray the vital role that nurses played. Nurses were not China, across borders and to Ontario. stereotyped to quite the same extent that they sometimes can be y initial reaction to the request to write a review of in media and television.We saw nurses of both genders.We saw Plague City was a resounding NO. In the quality of that the role of both hospital nurses in their facilities and public Mresponse, I recognized the intensity of my desire to leave health nurses on the streets. We saw nurses who spoke up and the experience in the past. My distaste for the prospect of revisiting out.When one nurse was asked by family,“But why do you have it was strong, but then I recognized that forgetting about SARS is to work with SARS patients?,”her answer was “I’m a nurse, these the very thing we must never do. people need us.” Instead, we must carry the experi- I would challenge real-life nurs- ence forward into the future and es to go beyond this somewhat let it shape our practice and par- stereotyped reply and fully articu- ticipation in health care. late why they remained at their In this, I share only my own post, carried the burden and took personal opinions. I didn’t experi- on the risk. To understand the ence Plague City as an inspiring qualities and identities ingrained in movie that really succeeded in our profession and ourselves that capturing the emotional, frighten- provided the strength and stamina ing, rock-your-world quality of to do that. To make those things the actual epidemic.The story line explicit and allow them to guide us was a bit incoherent and may have more consciously in the arenas of been difficult to follow for anyone policy making, curriculum devel- who wasn’t an integral part of it opment, professional planning and all. Characters were not really bedside care. developed in any depth. But then While the film only touched clarity, depth and coherence were superficially on the issues, it can not qualities that emerged at any serve well as a focal point to help step of the real crisis either. I feel it initiate deeper consideration and is important to mention that as a discussion. These issues include tribute to health-care workers, the the allocation of federal and movie focused predominantly on provincial resources to public nurses and physicians. My heart health, the allocation of facility went out to the paramedics, respi- resources to infection control, the ratory technologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers, importance of building surge capacity into the system, disaster pre- chaplains and countless other dedicated health-care workers who paredness, the need for cohesive leadership across sectors and set- remained invisible in the TV version of events. tings, the vital importance of clear and integrated channels of The script was true to life in revealing some of the key roles and communication, the implications of a casualized and exhausted experiences of nurses during the epidemic.We learn of nurses’ keen nursing workforce and of failing to heed the perceptions, expertise assessments and their recognition of emerging patterns that sound- and vision of nurses. ed the warning bells in both the first and subsequent outbreak.We The movie ended with the haunting strains of Sarah McLauglan also see the resistance to believing and acting on those impressions. singing of the “memories that seep through my veins.” The movie’s We’re given glimpses of the long and arduous shifts, the challenges best gift is that of keeping those memories near and alive to guide faced by casualized nurses, the shocking transformation of the work- us in responding to future challenges. RN place, the anguish of being separated from families, of putting self and loved ones at risk, of watching colleagues fall ill and die.We’re RNAO MEMBER KAREN ELLACOTT, RN, BSCN, NURSED THROUGH shown how dedication to health and safety had to do battle with SARS AS AN EMERGENCY ROOM RN AT NORTH YORK GENERAL.
6 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/6/05 3:15 PM Page 7
Executive Director’s Dispatch with Doris Grinspun
Canada needs to catch up on full-time nursing front
The International realities of the 1990s, which forced thou- RNs got their preferred employment status, Council of Nurses’ sands of RNs into casual and part-time 64.5 % would have full time work. And, if (ICN) 23rd Quad- work and pushed full-time employment working conditions were to improve, many rennial Congress, held down to 50 per cent in 1998, seems to be more RNs would move to full time, poten- in May in Taiwan, was behind us. tially reaching 76 per cent full-time a magnificent experi- RNAO reported at ICN that improve- employment within the RN workforce. ence. It allowed us to ments in full-time work did not happen The report includes recommendations learn from one anoth- without intense lobbying that put the for government and employers: increased er and to present on the many initiatives issue front and center on the policy agen- targeted funding for full-time RN posi- RNAO is leading: from clinical and healthy da.We felt proud to say that today,many – tions; stringent conditions atttached to that work environments best practice guidelines if not most – employers, politicians, the funding in all sectors; accelerate delivery of to advanced clinical fellowships to our media, and the public understand and funding to create the 8,000 new nursing unforgettable experience with SARS. support the importance of full-time positions the government promised by The congress also opened our eyes to an employment for RNs. 2007; and working schedules that accom- important reality: Ontario’s over-reliance on What lessons have we learned? It takes modate the unique needs of senior and part-time and casual nursing employment is years – in this case, five – to move an agen- novice nurses. mainly a Canadian phenomenon. What is da from our books to government policy. For the few who remain skeptical, this most remarkable about attending interna- Since 1998, RNAO has called on govern- survey is instructive. There are more RNs tional events is the opportunity to compare ments and employers to create a nursing who want full-time positions than there are the global experiences of nurses. This year workforce in which 70 per cent of all RNs full-time positions available, so let’s open we learned: work full time.The Liberal party committed the doors. Data (and common sense) sup- • In most other countries, those who work itself to that goal during the 2003 election port the link between full-time employ- part-time or casual (there are very few of campaign, and early in its mandate the ment and improved patient/client out- the latter) choose to do so (this McGuinty government intro- comes, efficient RN utilization and system used to be the case in Canada duced policies to increase full- cost effectiveness, enhanced organizational until the mid 1980s). time nursing employment. We commitment, and successful recruitment • Many countries, such as Japan There are are now seeing progress – 59 and retention of RNs. and Thailand, have workforces more RNs who per cent of Ontario RNs work Have we heard nurses saying they can’t in which close to 100 per cent full time – but if government is find part-time or casual work? RNAO has of RNs work full time. want full-time to accomplish its (and not. Have we heard from frustrated nurses Employers and nurses report positions than RNAO’s) goal, it must revital- who can’t find full-time work? RNAO has no difficulties with this. there are ize its commitment and target taken many calls from frustrated RNs, and • The U.S. aggressively mar- more funding to it. one of those was Victoria Wagner, a nurse kets a 72 per cent full-time full-time positions That’s what the results of you’ll meet in our cover story.After a stint RN employment rate. This available. RNAO’s survey of RNs and in the U.S. and a year’s search for full-time stands in sharp contrast to employers indicate. The 70 per work, she just landed a permanent, full- Canada’s 55 per cent rate, and cent solution: A progress report on time position at St. Michael’s Hospital. threatens an exodus of our increasing full-time employment for Congratulations! new graduates unless we immediately and Ontario RNs, released June 14, shows Let’s continue to move on the right fully open our doors to meet their desire progress in increasing full-time employment track, but let’s pick up the pace.Together we for full-time work (Andrea Baumann and stresses the urgent need to accelerate can reach our target – 70 per cent full-time reported in 2004 that 79.3 % of new grads targeted investment in full-time positions. It – and become a magnet province for RNs! want full-time work). highlights the gap between high RN desire It felt good to say at ICN that Ontario for full-time work and low employment DORIS GRINSPUN, RN, MSN, PhD (CAND), is making progress. The gloom-and-doom opportunities.The survey indicates that if all OONT, IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF RNAO.
Registered Nurse Journal 7 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:29 PM Page 8
by Jill Shaw Nursing inthenews RNAO & RNs weigh in on . . .
Supreme Court decision on RNs aim for 70 per cent private health insurance ollowing the June release of RNAO’s report, The 70 per cent solution: A progress report RNAO called the Supreme Court of on increasing full-time employment for Ontario RNs, our message about the need for Canada’s recent decision that struck down Ffull-time RN jobs was spread across Ontario in nearly 50 print and broadcast stories. Quebec's prohibition on private health Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the report surveyed more insurance deeply disturbing. than1,500 RNs and 280 hospital, community and long-term care employers in Ontario to find • “All Canadians want better and quicker out what progress has been made towards achieving the Liberals’ election campaign promise access to health-care services. But the to provide full-time work for 70 per cent of RNs. answer is not to allow a select few to buy “The link between more full-time RNs and better health is clear,” RNAO president Joan their way to the front of the queue …” Lesmond said in the Ottawa Sun. RNAO member and recent graduate Melissa Gradeen said RNAO president Joan Lesmond agreed. “We try so hard to have continuity of care. If they had more people working full (Toronto Star,The Record – Kitchener- time it would make things a lot less hectic,” she told the Sun (June 15), adding she is cur- Waterloo, Windsor Star, June 10). rently working part time and some of her classmates went south of the border for work. • RNAO executive director Doris RNAO executive director Doris Grinspun said the Health Minister has been quick to realize Grinspun said the decision could mean a the importance of RNs working full time, but he needs to keep it at the top of the priority minority of Canadians will get the care list (Toronto Sun, June 15). they need while many will go without Meanwhile, RN Victoria Wagner – who recently began her first full-time position in (National Post, Ottawa Citizen,Windsor Canada after returning from the United States and spending almost a year working part- Star, June 10). time and casually – shared her story with CBC TV – Ottawa and Toronto. And RNAO mem- • RNAO provided its perspective in a bers April Rietdyk and Carmen Rodrigue spoke about the importance of having full-time 10-minute panel conversation (on CTV nursing on CHRY FM – Leamington – and CBC French radio – Sudbury (June 14 & 15). Newsnet) with Senator Michael Kirby, the Canadian Medical Association President, and the Canadian Health Coalition lawyer. RNAO’s views also appeared in stories in the Toronto Sun, CBC Radio One – Thunder Bay,Toronto, Sudbury and Ottawa, and CBC French TV – Ottawa (June 9 & 10).
Family health teams • RNAO executive director Doris Grinspun told Canadian Press it’s important the teams – made up of doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and other health- care professionals – are actually implement- ed and interdisciplinary (April 15). • Theresa Agnew, Heather Elliott and Julia Johnston advocated for the nurse practitioner’s role in family health teams in two separate letters to the editor published by the National Post.They responded to a physician’s letter suggesting that allowing “non-MDs” to provide care would threat- RN Victoria Wagner talks about her experience trying to find full-time nursing employment en the health-care system.“The integration in Ontario with Marc Labelle from CBC’s Radio Canada at RNAO’s June 14 news conference to release The 70 per cent solution: A progress report on increasing full-time employment of nurse practitioners across the health-care for Ontario RNs. system … is a way of improving access and
8 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:29 PM Page 9
For complete versions of any of these stories, contact ws Jill Shaw at [email protected].
improving care,”Agnew wrote (April 29 & 30). Nursing Week VON are part of the fabric of our com- • Ruth Kitson said the Leeds, Grenville • Several newspapers across Ontario munity and we can’t just junk them out at and Lanark VON will operate one of the worked with RNAO to publish special the end of a season like some old tulips.” 52 newly announced teams (Brockville sections recognizing nurses in their com- (Toronto Star, May 7) Recorder and Times,April 21). munities, including the Toronto Star, • RNAO member Lisa Shishis shared Hamilton Spectator and Windsor Star. with the Toronto Star details about the The provincial budget Congratulations to the Hamilton and nursing care she provides to homeless and • RNAO president Joan Lesmond told Windsor RNAO chapters who worked so underhoused people – from a bus that The Globe and Mail the provincial budget well with their community newspapers to travels through Toronto’s downtown needed specifics about how it will produce excellent publications. (Toronto Star, May 7). improve health care. "Nurses and the pub- • The Windsor Star five-page Nursing Week lic they serve need to know in human section included stories ranging from Taking MPPs to Work terms how today's budget will continue to videoconferencing to connect patients on • Marlene Slepkov said the opportunity strengthen nursing and thus the health of Pelee Island with health-care professionals to show MPPs what nurses do every day the public." (May 12) on the mainland to nurses who make out- is important to help them understand the • RNAO executive director Doris standing contributions to the community, unique relationship nurses have with Grinspun called on the Minister of Health to the nursing shortage (May 9). patients (Niagara Falls Review, May 26). to prevent nursing layoffs as hospitals insisted • The Hamilton Spectator eight-page Nursing • Local MPP visits were also covered by: their need for more money may lead to lay- Week section included stories that profiled CKWS TV – Kingston; CHBX TV, offs.“We are saying to the hospitals and to a day in the life of a nurse, the education CHAS FM and CJQM FM – Sault Ste. the government: Not a single nurse can be nurses need to provide high quality care, Marie; CBC TV – Windsor; CHEX TV – laid off without the government signing (off) and the diversity and skills nurses bring to Peterborough; Peterborough This Week; … It’s the job of this premier and this minis- their patients. and Clinton News Record (May 2005). ter to protect these nursing jobs.”(Niagara • RNAO president Joan Lesmond said Falls Review, Brockville Recorder and Times, St. nurses need guaranteed work or they will Reporting gunshot Thomas Times-Journal,Toronto Sun,Ottawa Sun leave the profession or wounds National and Global TV – Toronto, May 12 & 13) province (Toronto Star, Nursing RNAO executive director 5 2005 May 7). Lesmond also may 9-1 Doris Grinspun’s view week Week Bidding on home care talked about the con- May 9 - 15, 2005 that new provincial legisla- Special Advertising Feature of The Windsor Star • Monday, May 9, 2005 C1 • Following the release of Elinor Caplan’s tributions nurses make tion requiring health-care long-awaited review of the competitive to health care on professionals to report bidding process for home-care services, CHML AM – Hamilton gunshot wounds might RNAO said Caplan’s recommendations – (May 11). discourage people who HE D BY T OGNIZE including giving quality priority over • In a profile of a VON REC need health care from price when awarding contracts and nurse, RNAO member seeking treatment was rewarding organizations with good quality Judith Shamian covered by CBC Radio
CTION ING SE VERTIS IAL AD services and working conditions with described VON nurses’ A SPEC One – Ottawa, Many Roles One Profession longer contracts – would improve client dedication.“To them,it’s Kingston,Thunder National Nursing Week care, but RNAO continues to call for an not just a job, they see it What is the Bay and Toronto - objective of National end to the competitive bidding process as a commitment to the Nursing Week? Brockville Recorder and
ALL STORIES BY SUSAN LEWIS Registered Nurse, Dale Bernandes takes a temperature reading of patient Breena Special to The Star Menard, 2, sitting on mother Tracey’s lap. (Canadian Press,Welland Tribune, May 31). community.” And RNAO National Nursing Week Times, Peterborough The Most Trusted May 9-15, 2005 National Nursing Week pro- vides Canadians with the opportu- nity to learn why nurses are at the • RNAO member Evelyn Earle said the executive director Doris Profession heart of health care. Examiner, Canadian As health care providers, the Of all the professions, who would you trust the most? According safety and well-being of patients to a December 2003 Gallup survey of public perceptions of hon- is a nurse’s foremost priority. As esty and ethics, nurses topped that list, being ranked first by 79 per knowledge workers, the evidence- cent of the respondents. based decisions a nurse makes Nurses have taken top honours nearly every year since 1999, daily are key to providing this report won’t help home-care nurses or Grinspun highlighted when Gallup added that profession to the ethics survey. The one quality care. Press, Niagara Falls exception was the 2001 survey in which firefighters took top spot This year’s National Nursing in the wake of September 11. Week theme addresses both facets Why do nurses rank so high? According to individuals inter- of a nurse’s work and calls atten- viewed by various newspapers in the wake of the ranking, it is sug- tion to nursing as a profession gested that the nurse-patient relationship is the basis. Close care committed to the delivery of safe, and empathy strengthens the rapport between patient and practi- competent and ethical care in the patients.“They’re not talking to the the need for continuity tioner. public interest. Review, Simcoe Reformer, The Gallup results were based on telephone interviews with a The origin of National Nursing Registered Nurse, Charlene Nosella works in the Critical Care unit at Windsor randomly selected national sample of 1,017 adults. The survey Week can be found in the 1971 Regional Hospital. All Photos: Ed Goodfellow - Special to The Star asked which category of professional “lied less”. decision by the International The top 10 professionals identified in the survey were: Council of Nurses to designate ing profession, the minister of Canadians. It is also an opportuni- May 12 as International Nurses health at the time proclaimed the ty to educate Canadians about 1. Nurses Day, in honour of Florence second week of May as NNW. In health issues, by providing infor- people it really affects, and of course that’s of care and caregiver in 2. Military officers Nightingale. 1993, the name was changed to mation they need to make deci- Canada.com and 3. High school teachers In 1985, CNA passed a resolu- National Nursing Week to empha- sions about their health, and to 4. Clergy tion to begin negotiations with the size the profession’s accomplish- promote the role of the nurse. 5. Police officers federal government to explore ments as a discipline. Each year a theme is selected. 6. Druggists, pharmacists having the week including May The purpose of NNW is to Past themes have focused on nurs- 7. Physicians 12 proclaimed as National Nurses increase awareness among the es caring for families, caring for 8. Funeral directors Week (NNW). A few months public, policy-makers and govern- the environment, Canadians get- the public themselves.” (Welland Tribune, home care. 9. Accountants later, in recognition of the dedica- ments of the many contributions ting in shape and caring for Canadian Healthcare 10. Journalists tion and achievements of the nurs- of nursing to the well-being of seniors. May 31) “Organizations like the Manager (June 1). •••• ••••
Registered Nurse Journal 9 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:30 PM Page 10
10 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:31 PM Page 11
by Kimberley Kearsey
The 70 percent solution
Two years ago, Dalton McGuinty promised to build a nursing workforce within which 70 per cent of all RNs would work full-time. RNAO analyzes the government’s progress to date, and finds new government policies are on the right track – just not the fast track.
hen Victoria Wagner graduated from Centennial The reality for too many new nursing graduates in WCollege in 2002, she was armed with a nursing Ontario is that there are few options outside of part- diploma, high expectations for the future, and a burn- time or casual employment.This, despite the fact that ing ambition to become a full-time trauma nurse in at least 79.3 per cent of new graduates want full-time Ontario. Her first full-time job offer came less than a work according to a 2004 McMaster University study year after graduation. But sadly, it wasn’t as close to entitled Educated and Underemployed: The Paradox of home as Wagner had hoped. In fact, it was south of the Nursing Graduands. border – in Pennsylvania – and far from the Canadian But while almost all new grads want it, only half of health-care system that claimed to need her. them find it. After a year at the Hospital of the University of Laura Istanboulian, a new RN graduate who works Pennsylvania,Wagner returned to Ontario last summer on a casual basis in the multi-organ transplant unit at with hopes of finding a full-time position at home. University Health Network (UHN), reminds herself Fortunately, and finally, she just did – after a search daily that feeling discouraged and defeated about not that lasted almost a year. finding full-time work is counterproductive, especially Unfortunately,she’s one of a minority of new grads for someone with her passion for the profession. n o
i who can make that claim. Istanboulian says she knows nursing is the career for s u l l
I “A lot of nurses I talk to are frustrated…because they her, and remains optimistic that “patience and advoca- / s m
a feel they went to school, got this education, and now cy” will eventually land her a full-time job in her field d A they can’t even get a full-time job,”Wagner says.“Sure, of choice – critical care. e v e t
S the opportunities in the States…the money and school- “Full-time positions should make up at least 70 per
: n
o ing…it’s appealing. But this is home for us. I think a lot cent of all nursing positions… for retention purposes, i t a r
t of people want to stay but they can’t find anything. for infection control, and to keep nurses healthy,” s u l l I You have to think, okay, what are my options?” Istanboulian believes.
Registered Nurse Journal 11 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:32 PM Page 12
Fortunately, she shares this vision not processes are disrupted.” “The results show we’re heading in the only with RNAO, which first called for the RNAO supports Alberta’s findings as right direction and that targeted funding is “70 per cent solution” in 1998, but also with well as the findings of a 2005 Nursing starting to pay off,”RNAO executive direc- Ontario’s Liberal government, which made Sector Study report entitled Building the tor Doris Grinspun said. Survey responses a 2003 campaign promise to “have 70 per Future: an integrated strategy for nursing human provided insight into the lessons learned cent of registered nurses working full-time.” resources in Canada. Released in May, the during the implementation of policies and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care report links full-time employment with practices, information on the barriers and George Smitherman cites public health, better patient outcomes. The Walker opportunities to achieving the 70 per cent continuity of care, and a healthier and hap- Commission on the SARS Outbreak in goal, strategies for boosting full-time ratios, pier nursing workforce as key motivators for Ontario, released in 2003, also recognized and suggestions on how the 70 per cent promising to achieve this milestone. that link and recommended to the provin- solution might be implemented differently “Premier McGuinty and I are commit- cial government a “…goal of greater than to achieve greater or quicker success. ted to restoring the foundations of nursing 70 per cent full-time employment across all Grinspun says the survey findings, which health-care sectors by April 1, 2005.” include the percentage of RNs who would The government took its first step in that move immediately to full-time positions if direction soon after its election to office they were available as well as those who when the Health Minister announced $50 would accept full-time employment if work million for full-time nursing positions in environments improved, show that the 70 Ontario hospitals. Since then, he’s followed per cent goal is completely achievable – but only if government and employers provide more targeted funding in all sectors, better working conditions, and better work-life balance initiatives. “The results show we’re The survey also identified challenges that heading in the right direction employers and administrators suggest are slowing their progress when implementing and that targeted funding policies for more full-time nurses. Recruit - ment and retention,the cost of management, is starting to pay off.” scheduling, and buy-in at the budgetary level were identified as stumbling blocks. Denise Hardenne, VP of Nursing Programs and Professional Practice at up with a number of other policy initiatives Halton Healthcare Services (HHS), agrees to support the 70 per cent solution. that Ontario is headed in the right direction Building on that momentum, RNAO with the 70 per cent target. She adds, how- secured funding from the government in ever, that despite having an enviable 63.9 early 2004 to survey employers and RNs to per cent of its RNs working full-time, HHS ascertain whether and how well those poli- finds it challenging to achieve the goal part- – foundations that have been chipped away cies were working.The survey was based on ly because of operational funding constraints over time,”he said just before his first fund- responses from more than 1,500 RNs and but also because of the one-time nature of ing announcement of $50 million for new 280 hospital, community and long-term funding through the ministry. full-time RN positions in February 2004. care employers. Acknowledging that hospitals have Another motivator for meeting this tar- At a news conference at Queen’s Park on called for multi-year funding for years, the get is patient safety, especially given the June 14, RNAO released the results of that Liberal government announced on June 21 unmistakable link between patient well- survey in a report entitled The 70 per cent that for the first time in Ontario’s history it being and nurse staffing.That link was most solution: A progress report on increasing full-time would provide that multi-year funding for recently supported by the University of employment for Ontario RNs. the next three years.With a promised $1.75 Alberta which published research findings “The link between more full-time RNs billion, the ministry says hospitals will have in March confirming “…the highest varia- and better health is clear,”said RNAO pres- “the stability they need to adopt long-term tion in deaths are related to continuity of ident Joan Lesmond.“This government rec- planning and resource management.” care variables such as the proportion of per- ognizes that, and is responding with targeted “Permanent funding will provide for the manent to casual and temporary staff.” Dr. funding that is beginning to bridge some of creation of new, full-time positions to sup- Carole Estabrooks, lead author of the study, the gap between where we are today – 59 port the needed stabilization of staffing and expressed concern when releasing the per cent of Ontario’s RNs working full time ensure successful outcomes,”Hardenne says. results that “some patients die unnecessarily – and where we must be – 70 per cent – if Sharon Partridge, Nursing Workplace in Alberta hospitals when continuity of care nurses are to give people the care they need.” Improvement Coordinator at Barrie’s Royal
12 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:33 PM Page 13
Victoria Hospital (RVH),was a participant in full-time positions. From there, they can casual nurses who want permanent, full-time RNAO’s full-time employment survey in build their seniority in order to become positions. That’s just one group graduated January. She also admits to having trouble competitive and get to the next step and a from school, getting casual positions, and balancing competing initiatives, noting in true full-time position.” wanting permanent, full-time work.” particular this year’s balanced budget require- According to RNAO’s survey, a concise “There are two camps out there right ments and accountability agreements, which and clearly articulated strategy such as this is now,” she says of speculation about whether led to some creative shuffling of resources. vital to successfully creating full-time posi- the health-care system as a whole can reach “The government has…to look at their tions. In fact, given the “strong, positive and the same ratio she enjoys at PMH. “I’m a balanced budget plans and accountability statistically significant” correlation between firm believer in the permanent, full-time, agreements and work with facilities to figure the existence of a “plan” and the likelihood capacity building for registered nurses. It’s out the impact of those agreements on our an employer would increase full-time posi- better for patient care because it provides front-line staff. On the one-hand, we’re try- tions, RNAO recommended the govern- continuity.And it’s better for the profession ing to create all these full-time positions and ment “maintain and expand the require- because we then have a workforce that has the government is committed to it, but on ments for health-care institutions to develop the other hand, in order to meet the bal- full-time implementation plans.” anced budgets, many hospitals have had to This recommendation was one of eight cut positions. That’s a strict dichotomy,” in RNAO’s progress report. Among the Partridge says. “You have to bring those other recommendations: ongoing, targeted together somehow, there has to be some funding for full-time employment initiatives; understanding of cause and effect.” “I would love to see full-time positions open up for new grads, and to have some flexibility,” Partridge says, noting that RVH has a zero vacancy rate and that full-time “I went back to school for postings usually get filled by experienced a profession. I wanted to nurses who have seniority. “I’m really quite concerned…and I wonder how many new give more than just on grads will go to the States.When grads go to a part-time or casual basis.” recruitment fairs that have American recruiters, it sounds absolutely wonderful and we’re up against that.” Employers are also up against pressure to balance the needs of new nursing grads continued conditionality and clear expecta- against the needs of part-time and casual tions for gains in full-time employment for RNs who are already in the workforce, and the hospital sector; development of condi- looking for full-time positions.“I think that tionality and expectations on other sectors; it would be nice to accommodate new grad- and additional tools, resources and the shar- uates where we can but we also have to be ing of best practices among employers for sensitive to the balance of senior to novice successfully increasing full-time ratios. more stability.” nurses,”Hardenne says, adding that she’d like Karen Gayman is Director of Nursing at Wagner and Istanboulian are two nurses to see more initiatives that offer students UHN’s Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), a who are looking for that stability. Increased mentorship opportunities. facility that has surpassed the 70 per cent tar- involvement and a sense of belonging were Partridge is confident RVH is effectively get for several years. Although she believes also motivators for Wagner during her search addressing this need for balance in two ways: additional government tools and resources for full-time work, and they continue to first, it fills its rare vacancies with existing would be helpful, she recognizes innovation motivate Istanboulian as her search continues. part-time and casual nurses; and second, it and incentive has to come from within each “I went back to school for a profession,” has created an innovative strategy to offer individual organization or facility. She is Wagner says. “I didn’t just want to do this movement for new graduates into tempo- always cognizant that although PMH has tra- here and there. I wanted to give more than rary full-time positions. ditionally done well in terms of its full-time just on a part-time or casual basis.” “When someone goes on a maternity ratio, it too has ongoing challenges maintain- For a full summary of RNAO’s survey leave or extended leave, we are now turning ing a higher-than-average track record. and an electronic version of the report, that into a temporary full-time position “UHN has always been above the please visit www.rnao.org and click on the rather than seeing it picked up in bits and benchmark of 70 per cent.The challenge is link to Health and Nursing Policy. RN pieces by casual and part-time staff,” she to stay at whatever number we’ve reported,” explains. “This has been a method for get- she says. “We had 40 nurses in our orienta- KIMBERLEY KEARSEY IS COMMUNICATIONS ting some of our new grads into temporary, tion class to UHN in June and they’re all OFFICER/WRITER AT RNAO.
Registered Nurse Journal 13 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:33 PM Page 14
by Kimberley Kearsey
they’re the employer…The goal is so important, and we really do The minister responds believe quite fundamentally in it, no doubt about that, but we’ve impressed upon health-care providers, especially our hospitals, to In an interview with Registered Nurse let them know that this is something the government sees as a key Journal, Health Minister George Smitherman measurable.The public policy benefits from 70 per cent full-time S nursing, they accrue to everyone…There is a tremendous role on RN CELEBRATE weighs in on the wisdom of the 70 per cent solution for RNs and the public they serve. the part of nurses, nurses’ associations, nursing unions, front-line health-care providers…everyone (must) deliver something to the NURSING WEEK 2005 formula to make more improvement on this number. RNJ: Soon after you became Health Minister, you announced $50 million to create full-time nursing posi- RNJ: Are you confident the government will deliver on its promise tions in hospitals. Why was that announcement – and to create 8,000 new nursing positions with 70 per cent of all RNs work- nurses for that matter – so high on your TO DO list? ing full-time? GS: For any government that came to office at GS: Yes, I’m very confident. We’re quite confident that with the time we did (post-SARS), it was easy to see our continued focus we’ll make considerable progress. I think on that the nursing agenda needed to be an important part of the these things, and health care generally, what we need to adopt is a transformation of health care. One of the most essential elements philosophy that I like to refer to as ‘continuous improvement,’built we campaigned on was improving the circumstances related to on the idea that the challenges we’ve encountered in health care nursing.We felt it was very important to signal that we had a firm have not likely all arisen overnight, and therefore it’s quite unlike- intention…by putting our money where our mouth was…(to ly they’ll all be addressed overnight. But if we work together in a make) sure health-care providers – perhaps most especially our hos- focused way, and we measure our outcomes, we will find there’s pitals – understood we were very committed to this agenda. sufficient accountability to make sure initiatives like this don’t drop off the radar screen.This is one we intend to keep pounding on. I RNJ: Why is full-time employment guess the best way I can tell you that I for 70 per cent of RNs important to think we’re making progress is that patients and to health care? when I walk into a hospital today the GS: One of the things that I have a CEO is now armed with the answer chance to say all the time (is that) as the to the question ‘what is your percent- government that falls on the heels of age of full-time nurses?’ This is a sig- SARS, we have a really important nificant change that has occurred obligation to Ontarians to learn all the since our government came to office. lessons of SARS. Justice Archie Campbell and others have been can- RNJ: What are the next steps to did…in reminding all of us that there achieve that? are inherent risks if we’ve got a nursing GS: It isn’t so much about next workforce working in a variety of envi- steps; it’s about creating stability and ronments. When infectious disease consistency.We will continue to chal- challenges are likely to become even lenge our hospitals, and to create more pressing, we want to be associat- incentives and rewards for appropriate ed with creating a more stable work- behaviours. I think you can (also) see force in nursing. One reason is the through the various initiatives that public health. A second reason is the we’ve had on nursing, there’s signifi- health of nurses.The third piece of that cant influence from RNAO. RNAO is that patients benefit from having ideas (are) in our policy around the more continuity of care. new grad strategy and giving more opportunity for older nurses to take some of their time away from RNJ: RNAO’s survey, The 70 per cent solution, identified that your the clinical and into the teaching so they can pass on expertise and policies are beginning to pay off, but it also shows that the govern- also the culture of nursing to the new grads.Those are just a cou- ment has a lot of work to do to reach its goal. What is your reaction to ple of examples. There are a wide variety of (other) things that the survey findings? have been dramatically influenced by the work of RNAO. RN GS: The challenge of 70 per cent full-time nursing is not a challenge for government alone; it’s a challenge for nurses on the KIMBERLEY KEARSEY IS COMMMUNICATIONS OFFICER/WRITER front line, and it’s a challenge for health-care providers because AT RNAO.
14 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:34 PM Page 15
Protect your health. Protect nurses now! RNS CELEBRATE NURSING WEEK 2005
NAO congratulates all of its members spotted RNAO’s Nursing Week theme on for their innovative and inspiring licence plate frames and buttons across the R Nursing Week activities. This year, province or read about the issues behind the RNAO developed a number of new com- theme in several special sections in communi- munications tools to help you promote ty and national newspapers. Nursing Week events in your region, chapter, And, this year’s Take Your MPP to Work ini- interest group and workplace, and to help you tiative far exceeded our target of 35 visits. highlight this year’s theme: Protect your health. The number of politicians participating Protect nurses now! increased by 86 per cent this year and includ- As part of RNAO’s public campaign, the ed all three provincial party leaders, seven association released two radio spots highlight- ministers, and 18 parliamentary assistants. ing the close connection between better Congratulations all! health and more nurses. (To hear the spots, go The following are some highlights from to www.rnao.org.) The public may also have Nursing Week 2005. National Nursing Week May 9 - 15, 2005 Special Advertising Feature of The Windsor Star • Monday, May 9, 2005 C1
5 2005 may 9-1 week Many Roles One Profession National Nursing Week What is the objective of National Nursing Week?
ALL STORIES BY SUSAN LEWIS Registered Nurse, Dale Bernandes takes a temperature reading of patient Breena Special to The Star Menard, 2, sitting on mother Tracey’s lap. National Nursing Week The Most Trusted May 9-15, 2005 National Nursing Week pro- vides Canadians with the opportu- nity to learn why nurses are at the Profession heart of health care. E As health care providers, the BY TH Of all the professions, who would you trust the most? According safety and well-being of patients GNIZED to a December 2003 Gallup survey of public perceptions of hon- is a nurse’s foremost priority. As RECO esty and ethics, nurses topped that list, being ranked first by 79 per knowledge workers, the evidence- cent of the respondents. based decisions a nurse makes Nurses have taken top honours nearly every year since 1999, daily are key to providing this when Gallup added that profession to the ethics survey. The one quality care. exception was the 2001 survey in which firefighters took top spot This year’s National Nursing Be on the lookout in the wake of September 11. Week theme addresses both facets Why do nurses rank so high? According to individuals inter- of a nurse’s work and calls atten- viewed by various newspapers in the wake of the ranking, it is sug- tion to nursing as a profession gested that the nurse-patient relationship is the basis. Close care committed to the delivery of safe, and empathy strengthens the rapport between patient and practi- competent and ethical care in the tioner. public interest. for the more than The Gallup results were based on telephone interviews with a The origin of National Nursing Registered Nurse, Charlene Nosella works in the Critical Care unit at Windsor randomly selected national sample of 1,017 adults. The survey Week can be found in the 1971 Regional Hospital. All Photos: Ed Goodfellow - Special to The Star asked which category of professional “lied less”. decision by the International The top 10 professionals identified in the survey were: Council of Nurses to designate ing profession, the minister of Canadians. It is also an opportuni- May 12 as International Nurses health at the time proclaimed the ty to educate Canadians about 1. Nurses Day, in honour of Florence second week of May as NNW. In health issues, by providing infor- 2. Military officers Nightingale. 1993, the name was changed to mation they need to make deci- 1,500 license plate 3. High school teachers In 1985, CNA passed a resolu- National Nursing Week to empha- sions about their health, and to 4. Clergy tion to begin negotiations with the size the profession’s accomplish- promote the role of the nurse. 5. Police officers federal government to explore ments as a discipline. Each year a theme is selected. 6. Druggists, pharmacists having the week including May The purpose of NNW is to Past themes have focused on nurs- 7. Physicians 12 proclaimed as National Nurses increase awareness among the es caring for families, caring for 8. Funeral directors Week (NNW). A few months public, policy-makers and govern- the environment, Canadians get- frames and buttons 9. Accountants later, in recognition of the dedica- ments of the many contributions ting in shape and caring for CTION 10. Journalists tion and achievements of the nurs- of nursing to the well-being of seniors. ING SE VERTIS IAL AD highlighting this A SPEC •••• •••• year’s theme, Protect your health. Protect RNAO’s Hamilton and Essex chapters nurses now!, on display joined forces with their local newspapers to in communities across Ontario. produce special Nursing Week sections.
Registered Nurse Journal 15 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:35 PM Page 16
RNS CELEBRATE NURSING WEEK 2005
RNAO workplace liaison JoAnn Tessier teaches Jim Brownwell, Liberal MPP for John Milloy, Liberal MPP for Kitchener Stormont-Dundas- Centre, visited St. Mary’s Hospital on May Charlottenburgh, how 9. Pictured with Milloy (from left) are RNs to don personal Mary Helen Stroeder, Sheila Gallinger, protective equipment Rebecca Jesso and Suzy Young (president at Cornwall Community of RNAO’s Waterloo Chapter). Hospital on May 10.
Esther Williams (second from left), a commu- RNAO President Joan Lesmond speaks nity health nurse for VON, is flanked by NDP with CanWest News Service reporter leader Howard Hampton (l) and RNAO execu- April Lingren immediately following tive director Doris Grinspun during a May 9 Premier McGuinty’s and Health Minister home visit in Toronto. Williams provides daily George Smitherman’s visit to Princess care to Mohammed Asef (sitting), who has Margaret Hospital on May 10. received funding for wound care through the Interim Federal Assistance Program. With him is his interpreter. Hampton also met (May 10) with members of the Furniture Bank, a resource that helps individuals and families furnish their first permanent housing as they make the transition from hostels/shelters to independent living.
On May 13, Durham College faculty members give Jerry Ouellette, PC MPP for Oshawa, a tour of the nursing labs and an opportunity to learn CPR.
Ted Arnott, PC MPP for Waterloo- Pat Hoy, Liberal MPP for Chatam-Kent- Wellington, met with RN Helene St. Essex, met with RN (EC)s Lori Dalton (left) Pierre (right) and Jean Hutchinson at and Jill Nooyen (right) at the Women Groves Memorial Hospital on May 13. and Children’s Clinic on May 20.
16 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:36 PM Page 17
ce Tessier rownwell, or On May 12, RNAO president Joan das- Lesmond took PC Leader John r h, how Tory (right) on a tour of Casey nal House, which provides palliative pment and supportive medical care ommunity services to people living with May 10. HIV or AIDS.
Deputy PC Leader Elizabeth Witmer attended the RNAO executive director Doris Grinspun (right) Hospital for Sick Children’s (HSC) Nursing Research and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Lunch and Learn on May 11. Pictured (from left): George Smitherman congratulate Marietta Sima, Mary Jo Haddad, HSC president and CEO; Witmer; recipient of the 2005 Toronto Star Nightingale Margaret Keatings, HSC vice president, professional Award at RNAO’s Healthcare Exposition. practice and chief nurse executive; and Paula Manuel, chair of HSC’s RN Council. Manuel, chair of RNAO’s Staff Nurse Interest Group, received The Grace Evelyn Simpson Reeves Award for nursing leadership at a May 9 ceremony at HSC.
Anitta Robertson, RNAO’s director of special projects, chats with Jean Warner, a resident at Toronto’s On May 25, Liz Sandals (right), Belmont House and former RNAO Liberal MPP for Guelph- board member (1930s), following Wellington, met with RN case a May 10 presentation about the manager Laura Planta at the changes and challenges nurses Community Care Access Centre face when caring for the elderly. of Wellington Dufferin.
RN and Chief of nursing and profes- Tony Martin, NDP MP for Sault Ste. sional practice Kathleen Heslin (right) Marie, met with RNs Barb Del Paggio- explains West Park Healthcare Centre’s Ruscio (left) and Kathy Rankin at the role as a Best Practice Guidelines Algoma Community Care Access Centre. (BPG) Spotlight Organization and progress made on BPG implementa- tion to Donna Cansfield, Liberal MPP for Etobicoke Centre. Registered Nurse Journal 17 ++++ ++++AGM ++++ ++++
++++ +++AGM+
RN.v4 7/5/05 3:37 PM Page 18
AGM05
2 1
his year’s annual general + Programs to encourage meeting, Learning from older nurses to remain in Tthe past, acting in the pre- the workplace sent, and shaping the future, + Increased funding for services brought together nurses, stu- for individuals diagnosed with dents, politicians and reporters Acquired Brain Injury for three days of discussion and + Protection for the clinical debate (April 21-23) about nurs- nurse specialist title ing and health care in Ontario. + Developing a best practice The opening ceremonies guideline for RNs in end- 5 6 showcased the strong collabora- of-life care tive partnerships RNAO has The results of RNAO’s three- established with government, way race for president-elect were opposition leaders and health- announced on Friday, April 22. care organizations. Minister of Incoming president-elect Mary Health and Long-Term Care Ferguson-Paré told members, George Smitherman, Deputy PC “We are on a path at RNAO – a Leader Elizabeth Witmer, and very proud path, a very coura- NDP Leader Howard Hampton geous path – and we will not be shared their respective party’s diverted from that path. We will perspectives on increasing full- find a way to lead together. time employment for RNs, shift- Ultimately, we will lead the ing from hospital to community development of a sustainable 8 care, creating healthy work envi- health-care system, a healthy ronments for RNs, and address- work environment for nurses, ing home care’s competitive bid- healthy nurses in the end, and ding process. healthy citizens as a result.” At RNAO’s annual business During the President’s meeting, members watched a Banquet Friday evening, PC video message from Premier Leader John Tory expressed his Dalton McGuinty, and enjoyed interest in forging a constructive actor Catherine Vaneri’s perfor- relationship with nurses, and mance of Flo’s Girls, a play RNAO presented the association’s about Florence Nightingale. annual recognition awards as The meeting also gave members well as the 2005 Awards for a forum to bring forward press- Excellence in Health-Care ing issues from the regions and Reporting. to debate resolutions (see page The following are some high- 22) calling for: lights from RNAO’s 2005 AGM.
JOAN LESMOND MARY FERGUSON-PARÉ PRESIDENT PRESIDENT-ELECT
18 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:38 PM Page 19
1 Canadian Nurses Association University’s School of Nursing, (CNA) representatives attended invited 32 students participating the Board of Director’s meeting on in a new bridging program for 4 Wed., April 20. Pictured (from internationally educated nurses to left): CNA executive director earn a baccalaureate to attend Lucille Auffrey, RNAO president the Students’ Leadership Lunch. Joan Lesmond, CNA president Deborah Tamlyn, and RNAO exec- 9 RNAO was fortunate to have 3 utive director Doris Grinspun. three strong candidates running for president-elect. Pictured (from 2 Journalists (from left) James left) executive director Doris Wallace (Osprey News Network, Grinspun, candidate Lyn Button, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief) and RNAO’s new president-elect Mary Adam Vaughn (Citytv, Political Affairs Ferguson-Pare, immediate past Specialist) participate in a panel president Adeline Falk-Rafael, can- discussion at the assembly meeting, didate Riek van den Berg, and Making and shaping the news. president Joan Lesmond.
3 Actor Catherine Vaneri kicks off 10 Author Suzanne Gordon deliv- the opening ceremonies, leading ered Saturday’s keynote address the way for RNAO president Joan and launched her new book, Lesmond and the opening proces- Against the odds: How health care 6 sional. Vaneri also performed scenes cost cutting, media stereotypes, from her one-woman show about and medical hubris undermine 7 10 Florence Nightingale, Flo’s Girls. nurses and patient care. Look for a Q&A with Gordon in the next 9 4 Minister of Health and Long- issue of Registered Nurse Journal. Term Care George Smitherman (top right), Deputy PC Leader 11 Nursing leaders mingle at the Elizabeth Witmer and NDP Leader stakeholders’ reception. Picture Howard Hampton address mem- (from left): College of Nurses of bers at the opening ceremonies. Ontario (CNO) executive director Anne Coghlan; RNAO honorary 5 James Chu (right), president of life member Gail Donner; Kathy 12 the Nursing Students of Ontario, Cook, CNO vice president, RPN; presents Minister of Training, Ontario Nurses’ Association presi- Colleges and Universities Mary dent Linda Haslam-Stroud; CNO Anne Chambers with a token of director of investigations and appreciation following her hearings Gail Siskend; and Sandra keynote address at the Students’ Ireland, CNO president, RN. Leadership Lunch. 12 Conestoga College/McMaster 6 PC Leader John Tory speaks at University students (from left) the President’s Banquet. Cailin Hill, Sarah Micks and Eimear Keely attended the AGM thanks 13 7 Incoming Region 7 to sponsorship from Perth Chapter. Representative Carmen James- Henry (centre) chats with RNAO’s 13 Peel Chapter members (from Member-at-Large, Socio-Political left) Vlad Estampador, co-chair Affairs Monica Purdy (left) and Claudine Bennett, Norma RNAO member Rani Srivastava. Nicholson, Diane Villamater, and communications officer 8 RNAO member Lesley Beagrie Jannine Bolton at the stake- 11 (left of podium), director of York holders reception.
Board of Directors 2005-06
APRIL RIETDYK HEATHER WHITTLE MARIA SCATTOLON PATRICIA STILES GABRIELLE COE VACANT REGION 1 REGION 2 REGION 3 REGION 4 REGION 5 REGION 6
Registered Nurse Journal 19 +++A + RN.v4 7/5/05 3:39 PM Page 20
AGM05
Peer recognition for outstanding RNs RNAO’s annual recognition awards
RNAO Student of writing campaign to raise con- their own pace, and has worked Ward-Griffin is a role model for Distinction cerns about the lack of full- with several physicians to many of her undergraduate and time jobs for nursing graduates. develop clinical education pro- graduate stu- The RNAO Student of He is also committed to grams, including an educational dents. She Distinction Award is given to a improving patients’ quality of package to be used by home challenges stu- basic nursing student who has life by promoting the RNAO care and long-term care nurses dents to think made a significant contribution best practice guideline to implement the RNAO best critically about to the advancement of the nurs- Integrating Smoking Cessation into practice guideline Assessment nursing issues ing profession, RNAO and the Daily Practice Nursing in his clin- and Management of Venous Leg while incorporating health pro- Nursing ical placements. Ulcers. Russell also led a project motion into her classes. Students Students of called Wisdom on the Web, say she inspires them to excel in Ontario RNAO Leadership or WOW,that allows digital research and community nurs- (NSO) within Award In Nursing photographs of wounds to ing.A past-president and cur- his/her nurs- Education, Staff be sent electronically to remote rent political action officer in ing program. Development wound and ostomy specialists the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk The student acts as a resource who then help direct the care. Chapter,Ward-Griffin promotes for other nursing students and is The Leadership Award in Russell also dedicates her RNAO in the classroom, and as a role model for professionalism. Nursing Education, Staff time to promoting wound and a member of the Community Don Wildfong is a third- Development, is presented to ostomy care to colleagues, Health Nurses Initiative Group year student at Queen’s the RN who practices excel- mentoring three individuals (CHNIG) executive, she University who actively lence as a nursing educator in a who received an RNAO arranged for students to be part recruits new members by orga- health-care organization and Clinical Practice Fellowship. of the CHNIG executive. nizing recruitment campaigns, enhances the image of nursing Several individuals who Russell Ward-Griffin obtained her making in-class presentations by encouraging critical think- mentored appreciate her open- PhD in community health from and promoting RNAO in the ing, innovation and debate.The ness and ability to give them the University of Toronto in Frosh handbook for first-year winner also acts as a role model the confidence to practice 1994, and has published exten- students.As a result of his and mentor. wound care. sively on topics including elder 2004 recruitment campaign, Susan Russell, clinical care, family health and nursing 63 students joined RNAO. nurse specialist in wound, osto- RNAO Leadership education. She is the 2004 Wildfong is the RNAO my and continence care at Award In Nursing winner of the CHNIG representative on the Queen’s Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Education, Academic Research Award and the Nursing Science Society, and Marsh Scholarship. is the student executive mem- The RNAO Leadership Award ber in the Kingston Chapter in Nursing Education, President’s Award For of the Gerontological Nursing Academic, is presented to the Leadership In Clinical Association. He actively pro- RNAO member who demon- Nursing Practice motes RNAO events to fellow strates excellence in nursing students, and in 2004 he helped education at the college or uni- The RNAO President’s Award nearly 20 students secure versity level.The winner for Leadership in Clinical sponsorships to attend the encourages critical thinking, Nursing Practice is granted to a chapter dinner. innovation and debate about staff nurse who demonstrates Wildfong is passionate about nursing issues, and acts as role expertise and evidence-based making Ontario a better place demonstrates the best possible model and mentor. practice.The winner receives a for nursing graduates. He has nursing practice by developing Catherine Ward-Griffin is $2,000 scholarship or $2,000 written letters to local MPs, educational programs for nurs- this year’s winner.An associate towards attendance at the next MPPs, the premier, the prime es. She designed an online pro- professor of nursing at the Canadian Nurses Association or minister and organized a letter- gram to help nurses learn at University of Western Ontario, International Council of Nurses
20 May/June 2005 RN-revised.final 7/7/05 4:29 PM Page 21
conference. Funding for this shadow executive director McMaster’s nursing and rehabil- award is generously provided by Doris Grinspun for one week. itation certificate program. HUB International Ontario The successful candidate Limited, RNAO’s Group Home demonstrates leadership poten- Award of Merit and Auto Insurance provider. tial and commitment to the Judith Dempsey is a com- nursing profession. RNAO’s award of merit is pre- munity nurse for Saint Elizabeth Patricia Mlekuz began her sented to RNs who have made Health Care. Prior to her 26- career in 1976 as a registered outstanding contributions to year stint providing home care practical nurse at St. Peter’s RNAO and nursing in in Ontario, Dempsey worked in Hospital in Hamilton. She Ontario.Winners have demon- hospitals in Canada and the Canadian Association of Parish returned to school to complete strated responsibility for profes- United States and in occupa- Nursing Ministry (CAPNM). her BScN in 2000, and is cur- sional devel- tional health. She has been a role She created a policy hand- rently enrolled in the Master of opment and model to hundreds of nurses book for parish nurses through Science in Nursing Program are exemplary throughout her 44-year career. the Interchurch Health (MScN) at McMaster University. role models She always meets patients’ Ministry, and participated in the Her MScN thesis focuses on and mentors needs and has been exceptional- development of Canada-wide quality of work life, with partic- to peers. ly creative in devising ways to standards of practice for nurses ular emphasis on absenteeism, Susan Munro is well-known deliver safer and better care. with the CAPNM. Brimbecom retention and recruitment. by her nursing colleagues for chal- Dempsey is the only nurse on staff at the Mlekuz is a rehabilitation lenging the status quo.She was a inspires others Westminster United Church nurse clinician for Hamilton nurse manager and mentor to Sue to learn and (Whitby) where she promotes Health Sciences. Before taking Matthews, Ontario’s Provincial has demon- the integration of faith with the on that role four years ago, she Chief Nursing Officer.Matthews strated a com- health of body, mind and spirit. was an associate professor in the describes Munro not only as the mitment to An active RNAO member, nursing program at the Institute person who set a high standard of life-long learning by keeping up Brimbecom is a tenacious advo- of Applied Health Sciences. Her practice to which she adheres with technological advance- cate for health care, encouraging volunteer work is primarily today,but also the person who ments.According to her col- others to voice their concerns with abused inspired her to take on leadership leagues, Dempsey represents the for a health-care system that is women and roles as a volunteer, eventually highest standard of professional accessible to all. children, resulting in her leadership within nursing and is a tireless advocate training other the Ministry of Health and Long- for her patients and colleagues. The Hub Group (Ontario) volunteers Term Care. Munro, a member of Inc. Fellowship and helping to the Community Health Nurses Gail Brimbecom is a found- raise awareness and funds. She Initiatives Group (CHNIG) and ing member and member-at- The HUB Fellowship is valued has volunteered with Hamilton’s past president of the Nursing large of RNAO’s Parish at approximately $2,000 and Regional Stroke Committee for Leadership Network (NLN), has Nursing Interest Group and a provides an RNAO member more than 10 years, and has been a board member for the founding member of the with the opportunity to job- acted as preceptor to students in Registered Nurse Foundation
Board of Directors 2005-06
CARMEN JAMES-HENRY JANICE KAFFER RUTH POLLOCK CARMEN RODRIGUE PAUL-ANDRÉ GAUTHIER SUSAN PILATZKE (continued) REGION 7 REGION 8 REGION 9 REGION 10 REGION 11 REGION 12
Registered Nurse Journal 21 +++A + RN-revised.final 7/7/05 4:30 PM Page 22
AGM05
RNs resolve to shape nursing and of Ontario (RNFOO) since the profession. She strongly 1999. For the past four years she supports the membership of Susanne Williams is one of health care has chaired the RNFOO annu- all nurses in the association, two deserving recipients of this al gala, an event that under and served as the association’s year’s RNAO Honourary Life RNAO encourages chapters, her leadership has grown from a member-at-large for Nursing Membership. In over 30 years regions without chapters, interest groups and individual small gathering of nurses to a Administration from 1989 as a registered nurse,Williams members to submit resolutions province-wide celebration to 1991.As a member of has been instrumental in for ratification at each annual that attracts hundreds of partici- the Provincial Nurse advancing nursing as a profes- general meeting. Resolutions pants annually. Administrators Interest Group sion. Her dedication, political are part of RNAO’s democratic Munro achieved her Master (PNAIG), she provided leader- lobbying and work with com- process, giving all members of Health Sciences from ship during PNAIG’s merger munity colleges made her a key the opportunity to propose a McMaster University in 1988 with the Ontario Nurse player behind the drive to course of action for the associ- and her BScN from Ryerson Executives (ONE) to form establish the baccalaureate as ation. In the interest of University in 1983. She is a the Nursing Leadership the minimum requirement for democracy, the Provincial Certified Health Executive Network of Ontario entry to practice.As a past pres- Resolutions Committee does with the Canadian College of (NLN.ON). Skelton-Green ident of RNAO, she was not endorse or censor resolu- Health Service Executives, and also guided her colleagues involved in many RNAO ini- tions. All resolutions that currently sits on the Ryerson through change in her work- tiatives and actively recruited have met the required format University of Nursing Advisory place.As the project director many new members. are distributed to RNAO mem- Committee. at Kitchener-Waterloo Williams also led the Primary bers for consideration in Hospital, she guided her Health Care advance of the AGM. In this RNAO Honourary Life team through a merger with Nurse issue of Registered Nurse Membership Freeport Hospital to become Practitioner Journal, we reveal voting the Grand River Hospital university delegates’ decisions on each The RNAO Honourary Life Corporation, holding meetings consortium proposed resolution. Membership is conferred on and providing written bulletins program as long-standing RNAO mem- throughout the process. immediate past chair of the bers who have made outstand- As one of the co-founders Council of Ontario University RESOLUTION #1 ing contributions to nursing in of the Dorothy M.Wylie Nursing Schools of Nursing (COUPN) – Submitted by Brant- the areas of practice, research, Leadership Institute, Skelton- an effort that would provide Haldimand-Norfolk Chapter education or administration at Green supported many nurses standardized education for nurse THEREFORE BE IT the provincial, national and/or who attend sessions there.As practitioners across Ontario.As RESOLVED that RNAO international level.This president of her own organiza- Dean, Faculty of Community lobby the provincial govern- includes activities that promote tional development consulting Services and professor of nursing ment to continue to provide RNAO to nursing colleagues, firm, she has worked with First at Ryerson University,Williams programs and supports to the government and other Nations groups and challenged encourages students to speak out encourage late career nurses health-care partners. the status quo of Ontario’s publicly and write letters to the to remain in the workplace. Judith Skelton-Green home-care system. editor, and has been a lead BE IT FURTHER believes RNAO membership is Skelton-Green completed teacher on many teaching teams. RESOLVED that a specific one of the key factors in the her PhD in Human and Williams earned her MEd from project to develop model success of individual nurses and Organizational Systems at the Queen’s University in 1981, and programs to encourage older Fielding Institute in 1994, and continues to make research an nurses to remain in the has published more than 20 important component of her workplace be initiated. articles, book chapters and career by publishing extensively. Status: Carried reports. She has taught nurs- She spent her year-long sabbati- ing at the University of cal with the Nursing Health RESOLUTION #2 Minnesota, Ryerson Services Research Unit where Submitted by the Gerontological University and the University she began the Nursing Nursing Association of Toronto, and always took Education Database project that THEREFORE BE IT time to meet individually will provide a comprehensive RESOLVED that RNAO, as with students and provide picture of nursing students and part of its ongoing work in detailed feedback. faculty in Ontario. RN elder health and elder care,
22 May/June 2005 RN-revised.final 7/7/05 4:31 PM Page 23
continue to raise awareness of the in the interest of patient safety. RESOLUTION #3 RESOLUTION #6 ongoing need for an increased Status: Carried UNDER NEW BUSINESS UNDER NEW BUSINESS focus on gerontological nursing Submitted by Huron Chapter Submitted by Judith Murray, content in nursing education. RESOLUTION #2A THEREFORE BE IT Region 6 member, on behalf of Status: Defeated UNDER NEW BUSINESS RESOLVED that RNAO the Ontario Association of Submitted by Margaret Garber and recognize these members who Rehabilitation Nurses RESOLUTION #3 Patricia Patterson on behalf of had more than 25 years and less THEREFORE BE IT Submitted by Judith Murray, Middlesex Elgin Chapter with cred- than 40 years membership in RESOLVED that RNAO Region 6 member, on behalf of the it and gratitude to Jacqueline some tangible form. (This could write a letter of support and Ontario Association of Cushing (Western-Fanshawe be with a special certificate or at encourage members to contact Rehabilitation Nurses Collaborative BScN Program) least a letter recognizing the their MPPs regarding the pas- THEREFORE BE IT THEREFORE BE IT duration of continuous mem- sage into law of Bill 129 RESOLVED that RNAO work RESOLVED that RNAO bership in our association.) which will: with the Ontario Brain Injury develop best practice guidelines Status: Referred to RNAO 1. extend the requirement of Association (OBIA), the for the general registered nurse Board of Directors helmets to cyclists of all ages Provincial Acquired Brain Injury in end-of-life-care. It is suggest- as well as individuals using Advisory Committee (PABI- ed that the best practice guide- RESOLUTION #4 muscular powered vehicles AC), and the Ontario lines be based on the existing UNDER NEW BUSINESS such as scooters, in-line Association of Community Hospice palliative care nursing Submitted by Huron Chapter skates, and skate boards, and Based Boards for Acquired Brain standards of practice, 2002 and THEREFORE BE IT 2. prohibit the towing behind Injury Services (OACBABIS) to that they include the need for RESOLVED that all Honorary motorized vehicles of indi- increase the knowledge of the formal supports for the nurse. Life members receive an appro- viduals on bicycles, scooters, provincial government, commu- Status: Carried priate pin. skate boards, in-line skates, nity health-care providers, and Status: Referred to RNAO Board roller skates, toboggans, the general public on the need RESOLUTION #2B of Directors sleds, toy vehicles, and skis for increased funding for ser- UNDER NEW BUSINESS on Ontario’s roadways. vices for individuals diagnosed Submitted by Margaret Garber and RESOLUTION #5 Status: Defeated with ABI, particularly in the area Patricia Patterson on behalf of UNDER NEW BUSINESS of life long supportive living, in Middlesex Elgin Chapter with Submitted by Shirley Cristo RESOLUTION #7 order to relieve the present credit and gratitude to Jacqueline on behalf of the Parish Nurse UNDER NEW BUSINESS backlog which has eliminated Cushing (Western-Fanshawe Interest Group Submitted by Durham entry into and flow through the Collaborative BScN Program) THEREFORE BE IT Northumberland Chapter ABI treatment system. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that RNAO col- THEREFORE BE IT Status: Carried RESOLVED that RNAO laborate with the Parish Nurse RESOLVED that RNAO advocate to Ontario universities Interest Group (PNIG) to encourage and support the RESOLUTION #1 and colleges to add end-of-life explore strategies to have the exploration of Ontario’s nurs- UNDER NEW BUSINESS care to their existing curricula concept of ‘spiritual well-being’ ing curriculum through Submitted by the Clinical Nurse and that RNAO collaborate included as part of the World research initiatives and focus Specialist Interest Group with the Canadian Association Health Organization (WHO) groups to develop an under- THEREFORE BE IT of Schools of Nursing (CASN) definition of health. standing of the needs/gaps RESOLVED that RNAO taskforce on palliative end-of- BE IT FURTHER within nursing curriculum. lobby the College of Nurses of life care in bringing the topic of RESOLVED that this resolu- Status: Referred to RNAO Ontario for protection of the end-of-life care into nursing tion be forwarded to the Board of Directors title clinical nurse specialist, as practice across Canada. Canadian Nurses Association for per the Canadian Nurses Status: Referred to RNAO Board further consideration. Association (CNA) definition, of Directors Status: Carried
Board of Directors 2005-06
ESTHER GREEN JUDY BRITNELL SYLVIA RODGERS ELSABETH JENSEN MONICA PURDY CONNIE KUC (continued) ADMINISTRATION EDUCATION PRACTICE RESEARCH SOCIO-POLITICAL AFFAIRS INTEREST GROUP REP
Registered Nurse Journal 23 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:41 PM Page 24
Making the cut
Fifty-two out of 213 family health ccording to a public opinion poll communities about how these new services released in June by Health Canada’s might help almost one million Ontarians team (FHT) applicants got the A National Primary Health Care receive health care they cannot now access. green light in April to proceed Awareness Strategy (NPHCAS), less than And underlying the discussion is the half of Canadians (40 per cent) know what understanding that to provide primary health with more refined proposals and primary health care is. care effectively you need an interdisciplinary
plans for their interdisciplinary I
However, once NPHCAS defined it as ‘a team of health-care providers who will pool l l u s t
team of health-care providers working togeth- their expertise to ensure the most appropri- r health-care teams. As they make a t i er to respond to everyday health-care needs,’ ate provider provides care in the most appro- o n :
their way into the next phase, 93 per cent of Canadians said they considered priate setting.This is an approach to care that K a r i n
it “important” to their future well-being. RNAO has been advocating for at least a e
two RNAO members — from D a
Canadians may not know how to describe decade, resulting in the formation of the i s a
Goderich and Sharbot Lake — y /
primary health care, but they know they need Coalition for Primary Health Care in late-1999. M a r
it.And Ontarians are no exception. RN(EC)s Sue Leddy and Mary l
share their excitement at the e n a
Since the provincial government’s April Woodman are witnessing first hand the pub- A
prospect of creating FHTs g announcement of 52 new FHTs across the lic’s need and appetite for improved primary e n c in their communities. province, there has been lots of talk in Ontario health care in their communities as they y
24 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:42 PM Page 25
by Kimberley Kearsey
work their way through the second of a care in Goderich. In fact, they have already the local high school once a week to ensure multi-phase process to launch FHTs. started forming partnerships that will imme- students’ physical, mental and sexual health Woodman believes the application from diately improve access for local residents. needs are addressed in a familiar and confi- her community of Sharbot Lake stood apart “I think we are really poised with the dential environment. “It’s just such a huge from the rest because of its vision to enhance right goods at the right time,” Leddy says. access issue for some of the teens in Sharbot a number of the community’s existing ser- “We just finished a two-year fundraising Lake who are reluctant to come to the clin- vices, including its mental health and addic- project and we’ve built a brand new health- ic because it’s a small community,” she says. tion programs and a number of chronic dis- care clinic across the road from the hospital. “This is probably the only program we ease programs such as respiratory illness, dia- It was a huge community effort with the don’t need space for,” she says of the youth betes and heart disease, musculoskeletal, and hope and prayer that if we built it, they (doc- initiative, noting that Sharbot Lake desper- maternal child and youth programs. tors and nurse practitioners) will come.” ately needs an expanded Medical Centre to “Our community and practice are some- The clinic, which opened its doors June 6 accommodate the FHT.“Space is vital,” she what unique in that we serve a population and is expected to be the site of the new FHT, says, adding that demand from their 2,500 that is truly affected by many of the social was constructed and equipped using funds patients is continuous, especially in the sum- determinants of health,” Woodman says. from government and the community.“We’re mer months when vacationers and cottagers “Stats reflect an older population, less edu- joining under one roof as independent prac- are added to an already full roster. cated, less income – all worse than the titioners and everyone’s very interested in While health-care professionals like provincial averages – which translates into a transitioning into a group through the FHT Leddy,Woodman and Bell continue to meet heavy burden of illness.” structure and funding (later),” Leddy says. the daily challenges of caring for patients, Woodman, in partnership with local That kind of partnership, innovation, they must also find the time to network with physician Peter Bell, submitted the applica- enthusiasm and knowledge exchange is what other health-care professionals to plan for tion on behalf of the Sharbot Lake Medical the government’s FHT Action Group, which merging services and building interdiscipli- Clinic with help from municipal councillor includes RNAO members Theresa Agnew nary partnerships. Fran Smith. “We found there was really and Mary Ann Millson,was looking for when “The biggest challenge is being able to strong interest from other providers to work it provided guidance last year to the Ministry network with other potential partners, and in a collaborative approach,” Bell says. “We of Health as it reviewed 213 applications. having the time to do that while carrying on didn’t have to twist anybody’s arm to think As the only RN(EC) serving Goderich a primary care practice where the demands for this was a good idea.” and its surrounding area, Leddy is a vocal visits and care don’t stop coming in,”Bell says.
“The FHT will set the stage for true interdisciplinary care.”
In Goderich, where Leddy lives and advocate for the role, and ensures the public “We’re not waiting until there’s a build- works, arm twisting won’t be necessary understands and appreciates what another ing here,” he says of Sharbot Lake’s need for either, especially to convince its 5,000 orphan RN(EC) in the community means. more space. “We don’t see (new programs patients without access to even a basic physi- “I’ve spoken at every dog and pony show and initiatives) as being parachuted in when cal exam that having the FHT in the com- from here to…,” Leddy says, trailing off as a new building is opened.We’re prepared to munity will mean better access to care. she tries to recall just how many presenta- bring services on board when we’re ready to Leddy says joining with her Goderich tions she’s given about the extended practice roll with them, and not wait for the final colleagues to create an interdisciplinary team role. “I’ve been to the Rug-Bug’s-Rug (FHT) project.” is what excites her most about the prospect Hooking-Club, I’ve been to this church, that According to the Ministry of Health and of launching a FHT. Comprised of physi- church and the other church, I’ve spoken to Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), a second call cians, family practice nurses, RN(EC)s, a dia- the Rotary Club, the Lion’s Club, and every for applications will go out in November, betes nurse educator, dietician, and eventual- single organization in Goderich.” and another 48 applicants from the first ly a social worker, Leddy believes the new Woodman also reflects on the partner- round will be invited to proceed with busi- team approach will alleviate health-care pro- ships she’s developed along the road to an ness plans in the coming months. fessionals’ feelings of isolation that come with FHT, particularly with community groups, In the meantime, it’s encouraging to working independently in a rural setting. other nurses and even the local schools. know that communities like Goderich and “I was jubilant. I was on cloud nine,” “We’re trying to implement any pieces of it Sharbot Lake are moving forward rather Leddy says about her reaction to the news that we can up front,”she says of the need to than standing still.And it’s heartening to see Goderich was selected as one of 52 sites. She continually build on those partnerships and the efforts of many — including RNAO — adds, however, that the FHT process is far create working relationships despite the fact have helped marshall the political will to from complete, noting that the team must that the FHT is not yet operational. advance the vision of true primary health still apply for funding to develop its detailed She is particularly excited about the part- care across the province. RN FHT business plan and proposal. nerships she’s building with local schools for Leddy believes, however, that the FHT improved services for Sharbot Lake’s youth. KIMBERLEY KEARSEY IS COMMMUNICATIONS will set the stage for true interdisciplinary Starting in September, Woodman will visit OFFICER/WRITER AT RNAO.
Registered Nurse Journal 25 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:42 PM Page 26
by Jill Shaw
and strangulation. Once committee members have crafted those London RN messages, they take them on the road through the media and pre- sentations at health fairs and other public forums. Tomlinson says promotes summer safety drownings can be prevented by educating children and their care- givers, supervising children and adolescents near water, ensuring children under age five and weak swimmers wear life-jackets near Why Nursing? water, securely fencing in backyard swimming pools and lobbying Jan Tomlinson knew she wanted to become a nurse after watching governments for policies that promote safety, such as having life- her grandmother struggle with diabetes.Tomlinson knew her grand- guards at all public swimming locations. mother’s condition could have improved if she had better informa- tion about diabetes, and the support to use it. After completing a Challenges: psychology degree at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) in Tomlinson says the hardest part of her job is getting people to rec- 1994,Tomlinson realized she could apply her social science knowl- ognize and reverse dangerous behaviours. edge to nursing and help people like her grandmother prevent “Our message isn’t always palatable. We’re asking parents to go health problems. that extra mile, and we’re trying to change people’s perceptions and After obtaining her nursing degree from behaviours … Lots of parents say they’ll do UWO in 1998, Tomlinson began nursing at things the same way their parents did.” the Middlesex-London Health Unit, visiting Keeping the message consistent reinforces high risk families as part of the Healthy Babies, the need for safer behaviours, but Tomlinson Healthy Children Program. She also worked on says it can be difficult to ensure committee substance abuse prevention with youths and members are communicating the same mes- young adults before becoming the project sage, especially since they usually don’t work lead for the Early Childhood Injury Prevention in the same location.And it can be difficult to project in 2002. Recently,she has been work- measure the effectiveness of those messages ing on water safety to improve some chilling since decreases in child injuries are likely only statistics: according to the Middlesex-London to be noticed over the long term. Health Unit, every summer in Canada, at least one child drowns every two weeks, and Memories of a job well done: every day a child nearly drowns. Tomlinson says people are getting the message about water safety. She often hears positive Responsibilities: comments from people who have done After any highly publicized drowning, such something to make their lives safer, such as as those in Fergus, Ontario where two broth- checking their life-jackets after hearing ers died, Tomlinson says nurses must try to Tomlinson on the local news or a public ser- educate the public about water safety with- vice announcement on the radio. A woman out appearing to blame the family who expe- who saw Tomlinson in the news recently rienced the tragedy. And when a child stopped her in a restaurant and told her that Name: Jan Tomlinson, RN drowns, doubt creeps into Tomlinson’s mind. thanks to Tomlinson’s tips, the woman’s Occupation: Public Health Nurse, “As a nurse I sometimes wonder,‘did I do grandchild now wears a life-jacket near water. Environmental Health and Chronic enough?’ …. It’s important to sit down and Disease Services, Middlesex- reflect on the whole situation and what could Future plans: London Health Unit be done differently. It’s a good reminder that Tomlinson can foresee being a public health Home Town: Thamesford, Ontario we can always be doing a little bit more.” nurse for years to come, and plans to contin- To go the extra mile, Safe Kids Week in ue working on child safety.The child safety London focused on water safety this year.Tomlinson is a member of committee was recently renamed Child Safety Middlesex London, the Safe Kids Committee of London, which operates under the and is shifting its focus to the message that there’s nothing acciden- umbrella of Safe Kids Canada, which organizes Safe Kids Week cam- tal about accidents. paigns every spring. She and her team work with community part- “We’re going beyond bumps and scrapes. Children are going to ners including fire and police departments, early years centres, hos- get bumps and bruises, but with drowning, it’s not a bump or a pitals, school boards and the Red Cross during Safe Kids Week and scrape, it’s a brain injury that impacts the rest of their life. They’ll year round to ensure the public hears the same safety message about never be the same person again if they survive.” RN the hazards that cause the most injuries among Canadian children under six: drowning; falls; poisoning; burns and scalds; and choking JILL SHAW IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT AT RNAO.
26 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:43 PM Page 27
Policy at Work
MPPs and MPs go on the record in praise of nurses Outside the House, other politicians involved in the annual MPPs who participated in RNAO’s annual Take Your MPP to Work RNAO tradition shared their experiences through media releases, events stood in the Legislative Assembly during Nursing Week to on Web sites, and with local media.Among them: share with their fellow MPPs what they learned while job shad- “It was so amazing to be in a group of such committed professionals who owing nurses.Tony Wong, Laurel Broten and John O’Toole were spend every day just trying to keep Canadians well.” among the 50 politicians who gained access and insight into the Carolyn Bennett, MP,St. Paul’s,and Public Health Minister world of nursing during this year’s events. Here are their testimo- “Nurses are an important part of our health-care system and it is impor- nials, which were read in the House and recorded in Hansard: tant to listen to their concerns and suggestions...” “Last week I had the opportunity to see first-hand just how hard our Kevin Flynn, MPP, Oakville Ontario nurses work every day…Ontario nurses ensure the health and “Nurses are the unsung heroes of our health-care system and deserve our well-being of all Ontarians by providing compassionate and dedicated care. sincere appreciation for their hard work and compassionate care.” I would like to recognize those all too often unsung heroes.The job of a John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener Centre nurse is a difficult one by nature, made all the more difficult by the dras- For a full listing of comments from MPPs, RNAO executive, tic cuts in health care made by the previous government.” members and nursing partners, visit http://www.rnao.org/fea- Tony Wong, MPP, Markham tures/mpp_to_work_testimonials.asp. “Last week, I had the opportunity to attend Trillium Health Centre’s nursing awards and excellence dinner, where we marked the unique con- Caplan’s recommendations for home care tribution of nurses. I also went to work at the Queensway site of Trillium improve nursing conditions, but ignore in Etobicoke. During my visit, I observed nurses in a variety of roles, work- problems with for-profit delivery ing both independently and collaboratively to provide a wide range of ser- After months of consultation and review of the competitive bid- vices to the citizens in our community.” ding process for home-care services, former Health Minister Laurel Broten, MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore Elinor Caplan delivered her report and recommendations to “This morning I met with three very dedicated nurses from my rid- Health Minister George Smitherman on May 30. ing…(and) spoke about the vital role of nurses in the field of mental health While Caplan’s report, Realizing the Potential of Home Care, did services. Because of the stigma attached to mental illness, this is not always not recommend an end to competitive bidding – which RNAO a very high profile area – some would say it’s the silent health issue…The advised – other recommendations, especially an end to ‘elect-to- nurses pointed out that four of five people in Ontario are affected at some work’ and piece-work care, will lead to better working conditions level by mental illness. Our meeting this morning was a reminder of the and benefits for RNs, and improved quality and continuity of care far-reaching impact of the work done by Ontario’s nurses in all aspects of for Ontarians. health and wellness. Citizens of Durham riding are proud of the care and For a copy of the full report, visit www.rnao.org. professionalism shown daily by nurses in our communities...” John O’Toole, MPP, Durham
Housing announcement long overdue: On April 29, the federal and provincial governments announced $602 million to build afford- able housing and to increase access to rent supplements. “Housing is a basic human right and a prerequisite for health,” said RNAO presi- dent Joan Lesmond. Pictured (from left) at the announcement: RNAO executive director Doris Grinspun, Toronto Mayor David Miller, street nurse Cathy Crowe, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen, Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors CEO Donna Rubin, and Ontario Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan. In June, RNAO submitted a resolution to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) annual gener- al meeting calling on CNA “to assist all jurisdictions in lobbying for the 1% solution so that all jurisdictions increase their social housing budgets by 1%.” The resolution was passed unanimously.
Registered Nurse Journal 27 RN.v4 7/5/05 4:06 PM Page 28
Calendar August September October
August 7-12 September 29-30 October 6 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES ELDER CARE 2005 CONFLICT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 2005 4th Annual WORKSHOP Nottawasaga Inn International Conference, Sault Ste. Marie Convention Centre and Hilton Suites Toronto/ Golf Resort Markham Conference October 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 Alliston, Ontario Centre and Spa HOW TO DESIGN EFFECTIVE Markham, Ontario EDUCATION PROGRAMS RNAO/OHA Joint Program RNAO Home Office November Toronto, Ontario
November 3 November 17-18 October 20 PRECEPTORSHIP FOR NURSES HEALTHY WORKPLACES ETHICS FOR NURSES 89 Chestnut Residence, IN ACTION WORKSHOP Toronto 5th Annual International Days Inn and Convention Centre, Kingston November 11-12 Conference Hilton Suites Toronto/ ANNUAL NURSE October 28 Markham Conference PRACTITIONER CONFERENCE PEDIATRIC NURSING (PedNIG) Centre and Spa Toronto/Markham NATIONAL CONFERENCE Markham, Ontario Conference Centre and Spa 89 Chestnut Residence Markham, Ontario Toronto, Ontario
Coming in 2006 … June 11 – 16, the first ever Healthy Work • Workplace health and safety of the nurse Environments Institute. A five-day residential • Collaborative practice in nursing teams summer institute focusing on the Healthy Work • Developing and sustaining nursing leadership Environments Best Practice Guidelines Project • Embracing cultural diversity in health care and implementing the six evidence-based • Professional practice of the nurse healthy work environment guidelines: • Workload and staffing
Unless otherwise noted, please contact Carrie Scott at RNAO’s Centre for Professional Nursing Excellence at [email protected] or 416-599-1925 / 1-800-268-7199, ext. 227 for further information.
28 May/June 2005 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:44 PM Page 29
CLASSIFIEDS
ADVANCING DIABETES PRACTICE – GO FOR IT. Telephone: 416-978-2719/1-888-512-8173, Nursing and Intensive Therapy. Leadership Sinai Centre for Fax: 416-946-7028, e-mail: Diabetes is offering a two-day workshop for [email protected], Health Care health-care providers who wish to increase Web site: www.cme.utoronto.ca their expertise in assisting clients with inten- Leadership/ sive diabetes self-management. Workshops PRIVATE 14-BED SENIOR HOME Management will be November 24 and 25, 2005 at Mount with free-standing building, Etobicoke, Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. Fees are $899,900, vendor take-back $600,000 mort- Distance $250.00 for the two-day workshop or a daily gage, need $300,000 cash or credit-line as rate of $140.00. For more information or down-payment. Alec Leung, 416-505-7328, Education registration, please contact: Julie Cesario at GREA Realty Inc. 416-586-8626 or [email protected]. Program THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY 2ND ANNUAL PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY WOUND CARE COURSE MEDICINE CONFERENCE October 14-17, 2005 & May 5-8, 2006. September 16-17, 2005, Toronto. Nursing and Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Physician tracks. Identify developments in the Sciences Centre, Women’s College site, 76 field of paediatric emergency medicine,
Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario. Course enhance skills in managing the challenging GRANTING UNIVERSITY description: longitudinal course of eight patient, practice skills in hands-on workshops, CREDIT AND CERTIFICATE days and self-study modules. For further use emerging technology efficiently, review Endorsed by the CNA. information: Continuing Education, Faculty common pitfalls and decide if a change in All courses individually facilitated of Medicine, University of Toronto, practice is appropriate and learn ways to by an Educational Consultant 500 University Avenue, Suite 650, enhance patient safety in the ED. www.pem- Courses Offered: Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V7 conference.com or [email protected] Leadership/Management (6 units) • 9 month course completion • both theoretical and practical content important in today’s work environment Program Development Manager NEW Conflict Management (3 units) • 6 month course completion • explores the types and processes of conflict The Registered Nurses’ Association of organizations to develop, manage, deliver in health care organizations and applies theory and research to conflict situations Ontario is seeking an enthusiastic profes- and evaluate programs and services in clin- in the current workplace sional as Program Development Manager ical, educational, administrative, research Leading Effective Teams (3 units) for the RNAO Centre for Professional and policy domains of nursing practice. • 6 month course completion Nursing Excellence. The Centre’s mission is You will promote the Centre and manage • theory and methods of teams by to promote knowledge development, man- Centre projects. Your leadership skills are intergrating professional and agement and dissemination to enhance recognized and you are experienced inter- leadership disciplines professional nursing and enable quality acting with a range of stakeholders in Decentralized Budgeting (1 unit credit) care. Our core principles are to lead change health care. A minimum of eight years • 4 month course completion that is humanistic and evidence-based, experience in program development and in • concepts of financial management and budget preparation maintain high standards of collaboration, leading and facilitating workshops, semi- • important to nurses involved with ensure sensitivity to culture, diversity, and nars and presentations is essential. decentralized management geography, and promote continuous pro- The successful candidate will be an RN Total Quality Management/ fessional development. registered with the College of Nurses of Quality Assurance (1 unit credit) Reporting to the director, you will iden- Ontario, a member of RNAO, and hold a • 4 month course completion tify emerging issues and work with experts master’s degree in nursing or a related • theoretical and practical aspects applicable to develop local, national and internation- field. Position commences Sept. 2005. to developing quality assurance/ improvement programs al educational events. You will work with Application deadline: August 15, 2005. For further information please contact: Leadership/Management Distance Education Program Reply to: Human Resources McMaster University, School of Nursing Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario 1200 Main Street West, 2J1A Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5 438 University Avenue, Suite 1600 Phone (905) 525-9140, Ext 22409 Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2K8 Fax (905) 570-0667 www.rnao.org Email [email protected] Internet www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/nursing/ Fax: 416-599-1926 distance/distance.htm E mail: [email protected] Programs starting every January, April & September RN.v4 7/5/05 3:44 PM Page 30
Can Nurses Be Sued? Yes. The Canadian Nurses Protective Society is here for you!
Visit the new CNPS website
• learn how to manage your legal risks • read informative articles on nursing and the law • download popular legal bulletins and much more ... www.cnps.ca
A website for nurses by nurses, and it’s FREE
CNPS is for You! 1-800-267-3390 RN.v4 7/5/05 3:45 PM Page 31
NURSING EDUCATION INITIATIVE A new funding cycle has been approved by the MOHLTC. For pertinent deadline information or to obtain a copy Toronto Star of the application form please congratulates our 2005 Recipient visit the RNAO Web site at Marietta Sima www.rnao.org N Linda Cully, Susannah Eastman, For the most current Sandra Krieck, Brenda McQuarrie, information about the Marilyn Thoms and Betty Wu-Lawrence Nursing Education Initiative N please contact: All Nominees whose Names came RNAO’s Frequently Asked Questions line forward this year. 1-866-464-4405 You have touched the lives of others OR in a special and meaningful way. e-mail Meagan Wright and Iris McCormack at [email protected]. What Toronto’s Best Nurses Are Wearing
S.R.T Med-Staff is a trusted leader in the healthcare community with a reputation RANKED for excellence in quality of care. In a recent survey of Toronto’s RN’s & RPN’s, S.R.T Med-Staff ranked #1* in every category: The most variety of shifts, the * #1 highest pay rates, the best overall agency to work for and the best quality nurses. That’s why our staff are in such high demand. Hospitals know they can trust IN TORONTO S.R.T Med-Staff personnel to provide an exceptional level of care. If you want to work with the best, make S.R.T Med-Staff your first choice. For a personal interview, please call us at 416 968 0833 or 1 800 650 2297.
SRT.. e-mail: [email protected] MED- STAFF FACILITY STAFFING • VISITING NURSING • PRIVATE DUTY * Summit Strategy Group 2000