NEWS

#FabFeb extended: Free membership for undergraduate nursing students

Do you know a nursing student who is not an RNAO member? During #FabFeb, undergraduate nursing students (including RPNs who are in bridging programs to become an RN) can join RNAO for free, including most interest groups as well.

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.

RNAO’s 2022 provincial election platform released at 22nd annual Queen’s Park Day

On Feb. 24, RNAO released its 2022 provincial election platform during its annual Queen’s Park Day event. The platform, titled Ontario’s nursing crisis: Your health, your health system, outlines recommendations in five priority areas: environmental and social determinants of health, nursing, care delivery, and fiscal capacity. RNAO wants all political parties to adopt our evidence-based solutions.

RNAO’s Black Nurses Task Force release groundbreaking report

Marking Black History Month, RNAO’s Black Nurses Task Force (BNTF) released its report titled Acknowledging, Addressing and Tackling Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination Within the Nursing Profession during a media conference on Feb. 8.

Explore the new In Focus pages on RNAO.ca: Long-Term Care Best Practices Program, RNs and NPs

RNAO’s In Focus is your one-stop shop for information on key issues affecting nurses and Ontario’s health-care system. It provides you with a roadmap to RNAO’s systemic work, evidence-based resources and publications across three core areas: health equity, health system transformation and leading change.

Read the latest RNJ issue

A best practice guideline on 2SLGBTQI+ health equity, a profile on a nursing student who overcame homelessness, two new interest groups, the pandemic’s impact on nursing students and more – the winter 2022 issue of RNJ is here, exclusively for RNAO members to enjoy.

RNAO’s response to the Ontario government’s reopening announcement

On Feb. 14, the Ontario government announced it was easing more public health measures, with most being lifted by March 1, including the vaccine certificate system. In response, RNAO issued a media release to urge the government to maintain key public health measures to address the catastrophic surgical backlog.

Share the news: Free membership for new nursing graduates

Do you know a recent new grad? RNAO is offering new graduates of undergraduate nursing programs (includes those enrolled in bridging and accelerated bachelor’s degree programs) complimentary membership thanks to the generosity of HUB International, RNAO’s home and auto insurance partner.

Tell them to sign up today at join.RNAO.ca.

For peace of mind: Add LAP to your RNAO membership

Did you know that, for only $64.57, RNAO offers an additional Legal Assistance Program (LAP) that is complementary to your professional liability protection (PLP)?

Get an RNAO uniform, today

Have you taken advantage of RNAO's most stylish membership benefit yet? RNAO uniforms allow you to display your RNAO pride while maximizing comfort.

With an array of colours and styles, you'll even have the opportunity to customize your uniforms with your name and credentials. A 15 per cent off discount has already been applied. All you have to do is select "add to cart."

Be featured on RNAO’s website and more: submit your nursing photos via MyRNAO

RNAO wants to share your best nursing photos and invites you to submit photos that highlight the role of nurses and nursing students across all health-care sectors. Photos can include you on the job, in class or out in the community, with your N95 or KN95 mask on, as well as ones without it.

Are RNAO fees tax deductible?

Every year, a number of members ask RNAO’s membership team: “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.

Find or post nursing opportunities 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, and caters to both job seekers and employers. You can find NP, RN, RPN and PSW positions in clinical and non-clinical roles on RNCareers.

Award-winning blog: Stay updated with Doris’ COVID-19 blog

Keeping with RNAO’s mandate of speaking out for nursing and health, CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun continues to keep nurses and other health-care professionals, stakeholders and members of the general public informed on all COVID-19-related issues through weekly blog posts.

On Feb. 10, Grinspun’s blog captured silver in the Canadian Online Publishing Awards in the best blog category.

The Nurses' Health Program is here for you

Are you or someone you know struggling with substance use and/or mental illness? The Nurses' Health Program (NHP) is a free, voluntary program to help Ontario nurses seeking treatment.

Supported by RNAO, the College of Nurses of Ontario, Ontario Nurses’ Association and Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN), the NHP is a recognized best-in-class support program for nurses that focuses on early identification and referral for treatment.

What do you think of In the Loop? Share your feedback

Are you enjoying this month’s edition of In the Loop? Do you have ideas for future editions? RNAO wants to hear from you.

Share your feedback via MyRNAO’s brief online form.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Submission on changes to Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 regulations

On Feb. 17, RNAO submitted feedback to the Ministry of Long-Term Care (LTC) on the proposed phase one regulations for the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 (FLTCA). In this submission, RNAO provided 14 recommendations for significant regulatory amendments, beyond what has been proposed in the draft regulations.

RNAO’s 2022 provincial and federal pre-budget submissions

In February, RNAO submitted its provincial and federal pre-budget recommendations.

Media release: RNAO calls out extremist and hateful actions driven by far-right on display in Ottawa

RNAO condemns the racist and extremist behaviour that unfolded in Ottawa. “Our association deeply believes in people’s rights to demonstrate peacefully and to express themselves in a democratic society. However, what we and Canadians right across this country are witnessing does not fall into that category,” RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun said in Jan. 31 media release.

Last call: Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) renewal applications due March 25, 2022

The PCFA program allows eligible NPs to independently prescribe high-strength, long-acting opioids for those receiving palliative care services. RNAO is happy to process members’ and non-members’ applications to the PCFA program.

Please submit your renewal application to RNAO by March 25, 2022 to allow time for processing.

Sign and share RNAO’s Action Alerts – February 2022

Take action on important nursing and health-related issues by signing RNAO’s Action Alerts – a key political advocacy tool. Show your support and make your voice heard – it only takes a few moments.

BPG Clinical Pathways for Long-Term Care

BPG Clinical Pathways were developed in partnership with PointClickCare specifically for the long-term care (LTC) sector. These new evidence-based tools, derived from RNAO’s BPGs, were showcased during a webinar held on Jan. 21, 2022.

COVID-19 Webinar Series: March 14, 2022

You’re invited to join RNAO’s next COVID-19 Webinar Series event happening March 14 at 2 p.m. ET. Hosted by RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun, this free, two-hour webinar will provide updates on COVID-19 and timely issues, as well as provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.

Register for the NP Institute happening April 21

Calling all NPs, NP students and RNs aspiring to be NPs: Join RNAO on Thursday, April 21 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET for the NP Virtual Institute.

Members’ tweets – February 2022

RNAO members continue to raise the profile on important nursing and health-care issues using social media, specifically Twitter. If you aren’t yet active, RNAO encourages you to sign up for Twitter and start tweeting to ignite change and mobilize action.

Members speak out – February 2022

Your voice as a nurse matters. RNAO encourages you to speak out about nursing and health care in the media to raise awareness and advocate for necessary changes.

In February, RNAO members were featured in many news stories to discuss prominent issues that impact the nursing profession.

Small Talk episodes – February 2022

RNAO continues to ignite important conversations among nurses and other health-care professionals, with many captured in Small Talk video segments. Small Talk is one of the many ways RNAO is facilitating discussions about ongoing and emerging health-care issues with its members, board of directors, assembly of leaders and staff.

Join RNAO’s team: March 2022 job openings

RNAO is a growing organization with potential opportunities for you to join its collaborative, professional and friendly team.

There are many benefits to working at RNAO, including health and dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, vacation and sick time coverage, top-up for mat leave, professional development, and being a member of Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).