News

World Health Day – Tuesday, April 7

World Health Day takes place on April 7 and one of the signature events is the release of the first ever State of the World’s Nursing report.

COVID-19 latest news

It’s been almost three months since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Ontario. The province remains under a state of emergency in response to the outbreak. Non-essential businesses are closed in a bid to stop the spread of infection. And as it has since January, RNAO remains actively engaged with Ontario’s Ministry of Health about developments and planning related to this deadly virus. We continue to send daily updates to keep you fully informed and share important resources.

Our updates are being read by more than 200,000 RNs, NPs, RPNs, other health professionals and BPSOs at home and abroad. We are grateful for the feedback we have received. It demonstrates your trust in us and our resolve to speak out and provide comprehensive and factual information, alongside important evidence-based policy analysis as we deal with the emerging pandemic. We also welcome information you have shared about your challenges on the frontlines. It has helped us advocate on your behalf as we fight this outbreak with courage, determination and resilience. We urge you to read all the news items related to COVID-19 in this issue of In The Loop, including coverage of RNAO’s advocacy through the media.

COVID-19: RNAO statement on personal protective equipment and ventilators

As health organizations, across all sectors, are reporting shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), the evidence of asymptomatic infection of COVID-19 necessitates that all health-care workers facing patients, residents and clients must wear a surgical mask at all times.

RNAO and OMA statement on Personal protective equipment as priority for frontline workers

Frontline health-care workers must have the personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies they need to care for their patients during the COVID-19 outbreak.

RNAO, OMA and OPA statement on the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for COVID-19

As frontline health-care professionals, you may be aware there has been significant mention in both social media and on the Internet on the use of certain anti-malarial antibiotic and antiviral therapies in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. These medications are being prescribed in odd doses and quantities, with an off-label and unsubstantiated indication of “COVID-19 prophylaxis or treatment”.

RNAO response to Ontario economic statement

The province’s economic measures announced on March 25 in response to COVID-19 are being welcomed by RNAO. They represent the first essential steps needed to fully confront the outbreak facing the province and its people.

COVID-19 VIANurse Program: Calling on RNs, NPs and nursing students to help

RNAO is leading the way in harnessing the capacity the health system needs to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 19, RNAO started its VIANurse program to recruit RNs, NPs and nursing students.

Join the #TogetherWeCanDoIt campaign

To show support for health providers and other essential services, RNAO is calling on every member to participate in the #TogetherWeCanDoIt campaign during this critical time in the COVID-19 outbreak.

As part of the campaign, the #Cheer4HealthWorkers initiative calls on everyone – from the doorsteps of their homes, back decks, balconies or windows – to cheer every evening at 7:30 p.m. local time for the millions of health providers, social services and other essential frontline workers in Ontario, Canada and around the world engaged in the fight against this virus.

Keep yourself updated on COVID-19

You are invited to join RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun for a weekly virtual town hall to hear the latest news and pressing issues with COVID-19.

These webinars will take place every Monday between 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. (Toronto time). You will have the chance to listen to presentations by guest speakers on the frontlines (as available), ask questions and have them answered.

Durham College donates essential equipment to hospital

In a move to help out during this pandemic, Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario donated its school’s ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizers and IV pumps to Lakeridge Health Oshawa on March 26.

AGM update

As RNAO continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario, we would like to share that we have a contingency plan in place for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for June 11-13, 2020. To ensure required AGM business is carried out, we are taking the necessary steps to hold the AGM virtually, if necessary.

Learn about the Nurses’ Health Program

Are you struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders? 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 practice nursing safely.

Nominations open for 13th Lois Fairley Nursing Award

Nominations are now open for the 13th annual Lois Fairley Nursing Award.

The award, given out by RNAO’s Windsor-Essex Chapter, recognizes a nurse who has demonstrated commitment to serving the community.

Invite your colleagues to join RNAO for only $100

Ensure your nursing colleagues are not missing out on the association’s latest membership offer.

Now for only $100, RNs and NPs who are not RNAO members 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.

LAP webcast: Legal issues in nursing practice related to COVID-19 - April 7 at 5:30 p.m

Join Legal Assistance Program (LAP) lawyer Jane Letton and LAP administrator Mara Haase on April 7 at 5:30 p.m. (ET) to learn about the legal issues in nursing practice related to COVID-19.

Are RNAO fees tax deductible?

One question we get asked during this time of year is, “Are RNAO fees tax deductible?”

The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requires all of its members who are registered to practice to have professional liability protection (PLP). Because PLP is automatically included in your RNAO membership, it may be tax deductible.

We recommend that you consult a tax professional if you’re unsure about your personal circumstances.

Find your next nursing job on RNCareers.ca

Looking for a nursing job? Need to post a nursing job? Visit RNCareers.ca, the official career site of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO).

Health minister proposes new vaping regulations

In late February, Ontario’s health minister announced new regulations that will only allow flavoured vaping products with the exception of mint, menthol and tobacco flavours, to be sold in specialty vape shops.

End the opioid overdose crisis in 2020

After more than 130 RNs, NPs and nursing students went to Queen’s Park in February to call for action on opioid overdose, RNAO is calling on members to continue putting pressure on MPPs to end this crisis in 2020.

New BPG available

RNAO is proud to release the best practice guideline (BPG) A Palliative Approach to Care in the Last 12 Months of Life. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to nurses and the interprofessional health team who support adults (18 years and older) experiencing the last 12 months of a progressive life-limiting illness.

Fellowships up for grabs

Looking for a new and exciting learning experience? RNAO is now accepting request for proposals for the Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship program.