Membership news
#FabFeb: Undergraduate nursing students can join RNAO for free
Do you know a nursing student who is not a member of RNAO? Right now, undergraduate nursing students (including RPNs who are in bridging programs to become an RN) can join RNAO for free. Spread the word and let them know about the various opportunities to get involved in their professional association, gain leadership experience and network with like-minded colleagues.
Help us promote our “Are you the missing piece?” offer. Our free student membership drive has been extended until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, March 5, 2021
New grads join for free
Do you work alongside a nursing new grad? 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.
Are RNAO fees tax deductible?
Taxes are due at the end of next month. Every year, a number of members ask us, “Are RNAO fees tax deductible?”
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requires all of its members who are registered to practise to have professional liability protection (PLP). Because PLP is automatically included in your RNAO membership, it may be tax deductible.
News
RNAO leaders welcome politicians and highlight critical issues related to COVID-19 during Queen’s Park Day
Almost 200 registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students, politicians and others, including RNAO staff took part in a lively and engaging virtual session of its annual Queen’s Park Day on Feb. 25.
RNAO’s NP Task Force releases its Vision for Tomorrow report
Queen’s Park Day marked the release of RNAO’s Vision for Tomorrow report. A ground-breaking report from RNAO’s NP Task Force that examines the significant contributions NPs have made over the decades. The report looks at the role through the lens of health system transformation and concludes it will not be complete without recognition of this critical role in Ontario’s health system.
RNAO responds to government’s announcement on Feb. 20
RNAO remains extremely concerned about the premature lifting of public health restrictions in large parts of the province as a third wave of COVID-19 driven by enormously dangerous new variants is almost certain to emerge.
Hamilton hospitals and surrounding areas providing self-isolation pay
Thanks to RNAO’s advocacy, hospitals in Hamilton, Niagara, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties are providing staff with temporary self-isolation pay.
Are you struggling with substance use and/or mental illness?
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.
We want to hear from you
Do you enjoy reading our monthly newsletter In the Loop? Do you have ideas or stories you would like to see in the next issue? Tell us what you think in our In the Loop survey.
Membership perks
Annual General Meeting is June 24-26: Registration to open soon
Celebrate RNAO’s 96th Annual General Meeting with your nursing colleagues.
This year, RNAO’s AGM will be held virtually on June 24-26, 2021.
Join us for an exciting program of events and to celebrate the incredible efforts of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students during this most unprecedented past year.
Are you interested in speaking to the media?
Would you like to be interviewed for radio, TV or podcasts?
RNAO often receives media requests for nurses working in different sectors and areas of the province. Recent requests have included public health nurses working in schools, RNs working in hospital ICUs and frontline nurses experiencing burnout or stress.
In response, RNAO has created a media directory for members to consider submitting their name. You will be given opportunities to speak to the media about your sector/specialty or your experiences as a nurse.
Have your photo published on RNAO.ca
Would you like to see your photo in RNAO’s communications materials? 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.
Policy
Sign Action Alert: What’s the plan, premier?
With vaccinations rolling out in jurisdictions around the world, we entered 2021 with a glimmer of hope. But our vaccination rollout here in Ontario has had a slow start out of the gate. Sign our Action Alert to the premier to ask, “What’s the plan, premier?”
Sign Action Alert: Sound the alarm on surging opioid overdose deaths
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on Ontario’s opioid overdose crisis. Pandemic-related public health measures have limited access to needed services and supports and left more people using alone. Call on Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott to urgently fund Urgent Public Health Needs Sites in communities across this province and save lives.
Queen’s Park on the Road continues until the end of March
Queen’s Park Day may be over for another year; however, there is still time for members who want to engage with their local representative. Queen’s Park on the Road (QPOR) gives members the opportunity to meet virtually with Ontario MPPs to discuss important issues such as the changes needed in long-term care and ways to combat the opioid crisis.
RNAO’s 2021 Ontario pre-budget submission
Like all Ontarians, nurses are anxious to defeat COVID-19 so the province can fully turn its attention and efforts to a just recovery for all. However, COVID-19 and economic recovery are linked and nurses say recovery is not possible until the virus is suffocated. In our pre-budget submission, RNAO outlines recommendations that focus on the urgent pandemic-related challenges facing Ontario and how to address them
RNAO’s 2021 federal pre-budget submission
There is no question Canada’s economy has suffered due to COVID-19. The economic devastation brought on by the pandemic and its health impacts have been felt most especially by low-income, under- and un-housed and racialized groups.
RNAO drafted a set of recommendations in a federal budget submission to Ottawa. The focus of the response is on taming the pandemic and on planning for a recovery that will make the country healthier for all – particularly those most vulnerable.
Webinars
Understanding Wellness in Indigenous Wisdom Traditions for Caregivers: Register by March 2
In partnership with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Chiefs of Ontario (COO), the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Shkaabe Makwa and the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA), RNAO is hosting a webinar that will focus on nurses and health-care providers supporting First Nations communities.
Continuing the Conversation: An Open Forum for Nurses: Register by March 3
RNAO continues to be a source of support for nurses across Ontario – especially those working on the frontlines of COVID-19 – by hosting a bi-weekly open forum for nurses to talk openly about how they are coping during the pandemic.
COVID-19 Webinar Series: Register by March 8
RNAO’s work and well-being survey asked RNs, NPs and nursing students in Ontario how they’ve been impacted by COVID-19 and the best way RNAO can continue to support Ontario’s nursing community. The survey closed on Feb. 22, and the more than 2,100 responses have been analyzed. Join our webinar on March 8 to hear and discuss how the pandemic has changed nurses’ work, their attitudes toward work and their future in nursing.
Let’s Talk about Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Nursing: Register by March 15
To explore the value, benefits and outcomes of mentorship opportunities for Black nursing students, RNAO hosted a webinar on Feb. 16 dedicated to learning about the power of mentorship in nursing education.
Careers in Nursing webinar on March 26
Join us on March 26, 2021 from 12-1 p.m. (ET) as Connie Foster shares her journey on becoming a nurse practitioner in a rural Indigenous community.
You will gain insight on rural practice within Indigenous communities through a focus on an NP working in a nurse practitioner led-clinic.
NP Virtual Institute on April 21
Nurse practitioners from all sectors and settings across the province are welcome to RNAO’s NP Virtual Institute on April 21.
The one-day virtual event provides NPs with an opportunity to network, engage and explore topics related to policy, clinical practice, quality improvement and patient safety, leadership and research.