News
Nurses must be fully vaccinated immediately
As Nursing Week approaches (May 10-16), RNAO has a message for Premier Ford and his government: There is an immediate need for nurses to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
RNAO statement on the passing of RN Lorraine Gouveia
RNAO is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of registered nurse (RN) Lorraine Gouveia who died after contracting COVID-19. Lorraine worked in Peel Region and was described by her union SEIU as a “fierce activist, loving mother, admired friend and dedicated to making the lives of everyone she came in contact with better.” Lorraine has left us far too soon and we honour her commitment to her role as an RN and for her kind spirit.
Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission report receives thumbs up from RNAO: Will the government act?
The Ontario government owes an apology to the families of the 3,758 long-term care (LTC) residents lost to COVID-19 and to the staff that valiantly cared for them under deplorable conditions – including 11 who lost their own lives in the line of duty.
In a report released on April 30 by the LTC COVID-19 Commission, the commission outlines systemic failings in long-term care that RNAO has raised for over two decades including since 2018 with the Ford government.
RNAO statement on the auditor general’s special report
RNAO thanks the auditor general of Ontario for issuing the special report on pandemic readiness and response in long-term care (LTC). In particular, RNAO appreciates the auditor general’s efforts to fashion a report that will aid in the implementation of a number of long-standing, fundamental recommendations for improving health outcomes in Ontario’s LTC sector.
Regrettably, the report has been put before a government that has proven itself incapable of managing our health system and addressing the report's important findings and recommendations.
Nursing Week is right around the corner
Nursing Week is the annual celebration of our profession that always coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, on May 12.
This year, it will be held May 10-16 and RNAO will be celebrating with the theme Protecting Ontarians and Leading Change: Nurses and RNAO during COVID-19. RNAO is proud to recognize all nurses for the quality of care they provide to patients, clients and long-term care residents. From the bedside to the classroom and the boardroom, nurses make Ontario, our country and the world a healthier place.
Ensure global vaccine access
Join us and dozens of MPs from across party lines. Call on Prime Minister Trudeau to stay true to his word and ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are made available to all people around the world.
VIANurse open to critical care nurses
With high daily COVID-19 cases and a high number of ICU admissions, RNAO activated VIANurse on April 14 to augment nursing human resource needs in critical care.
VIANurse calls on RNAO’s registered nurses and nurse practitioners with experience and competencies in critical care who are not currently working in these settings or who can increase their hours to please fill out our survey to indicate when they are available to work during the pandemic.
Learn about the Nurses’ Health Program
Are you struggling with substance use and/or mental illness? Do you know a colleague who is seeking help?
The Nurses’ Health Program is a voluntary program for Ontario nurses to seek treatment for substance use and/or mental health disorders that may affect their ability to practise nursing safely.
COVID-19 has made it a more challenging time for people with addiction and mental health disorders. That’s why it’s important to reach out and learn more about this program.
Membership news
Invite your colleagues to join RNAO for only $100
Ensure your colleagues are not missing out on RNAO’s latest membership offer.
For only $100 (all taxes included), registered nurses and nurse practitioners can join and enjoy all the benefits of being a member. For colleagues who work 15 hours or less per week, their membership fee is only $87.83.
NurseInsure for internationally educated nurses' safe practice experience
RNAO is very happy to provide the professional liability insurance through its NurseInsure program for internationally educated nurses (IEN) to participate in the Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses’s Safe Practice Experience Pilot. The pilot allows IENs to meet their outstanding safe practice requirement and complete their College of Nurses of Ontario registration.
New grads join for free
RNAO is offering new graduates of undergraduate nursing programs (includes bridging and accelerated bachelor’s degree programs) complimentary membership thanks to the generosity of HUB International, RNAO’s home and auto insurance partner.
Find your next opportunity on RNCareers.ca
Are you on the hunt for a nursing position? Visit RNCareers.ca, the official career site of RNAO.
RNCareers.ca specializes in all levels of nursing and health care including executive, administrative and management positions. You can find nurse practitioner, registered nurse, registered practical nurse and personal support worker positions in clinical and non-clinical roles on RNCareers.ca.
Membership perks
Have your photo published on RNAO.ca
Are you a natural born photographer? Do you have a talent for capturing nursing through photographs?
RNAO is inviting you to share photos that highlight the work and role of nurses in clinical settings. This may be a photo of you at your work station, working with colleagues or a photo with your nursing equipment. It’s up to you to provide an inside look of being a nurse.
Are you interested in speaking to the media?
Now, more than ever, speaking out and sharing your experience and stories to the media is important to shedding a light on what nurses and nursing students are going through during this pandemic. Speaking to the media helps raise the profile of issues you are advocating for and improve health for all. It’s also shines an important light on the work of nurses and the nursing profession.
Policy
Action Alert: Do what must be done, premier!
In the midst of a brutal third wave, the Ontario government has approved new legislation that will give employees three days of paid sick leave. However, RNAO says the program is insufficient and does not go far enough to help and protect workers.
New emergency regulation regarding scope of practice
On April 21, the Ontario government issued an emergency order addressing regulated health professions in hospitals. The College of Nurses (CNO) also provided a message and update. The changes enacted by CNO means that a registered practical nurse, registered nurse, nurse practitioner or other health professional in a hospital can be asked to perform tasks outside their scope of practice
RNAO responds to the federal budget
The federal government's budget contains progressive measures that address social determinants of health, however, it does not move fast enough on national standards for long-term care and offers no progress for a national pharmacare program.
Webinars
Take Your MPP To Work LIVE
RNAO’s Take Your MPP To Work (TYMTW) LIVE provides members with the opportunity to meet virtually with their local MPP.
Launching during Nursing Week, this event will give you an opportunity to share your experience with your MPP so they can better understand the depth of nursing practice challenges while caring for patients and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Webinar Series: Register for next webinar on May 10
Health providers from across Ontario, Canada and anywhere in the world are welcome to join RNAO for its COVID-19 Webinar series every second Monday of the month.
Participants will receive updates on COVID-19 and the health systems, the latest news and pressing issues and have their questions answered.
Nursing Now Ontario Awards Ceremony on May 12
The Nursing Now Ontario Awards celebrate the contribution of nurses who improve the health outcomes of Ontarians and who contribute to nursing practice.
Taking place during Nursing Week on May 12 at 2 p.m., the awards ceremony will honour one registered practical nurse, registered nurse and nurse practitioner who are doing outstanding work in improving people’s health every day.
Continuing the Conversation: An Open Forum for Nurses: Register by May 12
Join us on Wednesday, May 12 at 3 p.m. for a webinar dedicated to initiatives undertaken to retain registered nurses and nurse practitioners in the profession. We are inviting politicians to join the conversation and hear directly from nurses about what they need to thrive in the profession.
Let’s Talk about Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Nursing: Register for webinar on May 17
To provide a deeper awareness of anti-Black racism’s impact in the 21st century, RNAO will be hosting its 11th webinar in its series entitled Let’s Talk about Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Nursing.
On May 17 at 2:30 p.m., participants are invited to attend a webinar dedicated to bridging the generational gap within nursing through social justice as well as identifying practical action steps for measurable and transformational outcomes using a millennial lens.
NP Institute a success
Nurse practitioners (NP) are playing an important role in our health system during this pandemic and are shaping the health system for the future. That’s why on April 21, RNAO hosted its NP Institute to discuss and debate learnings from COVID-19 for NP practice and health system performance.