Conversations with Members

Recently, I found myself reflecting on a conversation with a nursing student. She spoke with clarity and conviction about witnessing families navigating poverty, elders isolated from care, and communities facing environmental risks that rarely make headlines.

I write this column filled with pride and gratitude following the incredible energy and inspiration of our recent Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) and BPSO Ontario Health Team (OHT) Summits in September (read more in this issue’s feature about the even

For a century, RNAO has been a values-driven and evidence-based organization. From our earliest days, our mission has been clear: to advance nursing in the service of health for all.

When I joined RNAO almost 30 years ago, I made a commitment to draw on evidence in everything we do as a professional association. Whether it’s excellence in clinical practice, healthy workplaces, healthy public policy, educational resources, or media engagement – every aspect of our work is built on strong and compelling evidence. 

On May 28, we marched to Queen’s Park with a large and vocal group of care providers, families and concerned Ontarians to demand funding for supervised consumption services (SCS) sites across Ontario. Many of those involved were driven by first-hand personal and/or professional experiences that prove SCS saves lives.

Over the years, I have heard many funny anecdotes from members about the curious places they have found their RNAO pin. In the fridge. In the garden. Inside a potted plant. At the bottom of a purse used previously. And, of course, in the washing machine pinned to scrubs.  

Many years ago, I learned that when people are successful in the Chinese culture, they often contribute back through services that benefit the whole community.

The positive energy and enthusiasm at this year’s five-day International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress – hosted in partnership with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) in early July – was palpable. More people gathered and chatted in the venue hallways than I’ve seen ever before.

Since I last wrote to you, dear members, a lot has changed in the health-care landscape. In January, the Ontario government announced a plan that will undermine our public health system – directing public funds and surgeries to for-profit clinics in our province. 

Since RNAO’s last Annual General Meeting in June, we have received emails from a handful of members expressing concern that Premier Doug Ford had been invited. Although few among the many emails RNAO gets every year complimenting our work and efforts, they flagged an apparent need for clarity.