TORONTO, May 8, 2007 – As nurses across Canada celebrate Nursing Week (May 7-13), they are not only marking the profession’s achievements, they’re also looking to head off possible nursing shortages by accessing resources to ensure they find the profession rewarding at every stage of their careers. 

On Wednesday, those resources will be available during the annual Health-Care Exposition and Nursing Career Fair hosted by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO). The event will feature a panel presentation on why nurses should work in Ontario, resume-writing and interview workshops, as well as information on ways to create healthy work environments. 

“Nurses are the cornerstone of our health-care system,” says Anitta Robertson, event organizer and RNAO’s Director of Special Projects. “They need to have the tools that will keep them excited about their work and give them the knowledge and skills to provide the best care for patients.” 

Nurses attending this year’s career fair will have the opportunity to meet with close to 100 career planning experts and employers from all over Ontario representing the hospital, community, mental health, and long-term care sectors. The Toronto Star’s Nightingale Award will also be presented at noon. The Nightingale Award is presented every year to a nurse who has touched the lives of patients in a remarkable way; Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman will be attending the presentation. 

WHAT:

• RNAO and RPNAO Health-Care Exposition and Nursing Career Fair and presentation of the Toronto Star’s Nightingale Award. 

WHO:

• RNAO President Mary Ferguson-Paré
• Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman will attend at 12:00 p.m.
  

WHERE:

• 89 Chestnut Residence, 89 Chestnut St., Toronto

WHEN:

• Wednesday, May 9, 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Nightingale Award will be presented at 12:00 p.m.

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses wherever they practise in Ontario.  Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.

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