President's View

A new membership year has begun at RNAO and I thought it would be fitting to share a little bit about my membership journey.

The passing of the gavel at RNAO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June was certainly different than in previous years, with the AGM taking place virtually as opposed to in-person given COVID-19.

RNAO’s Fall Tour is always inspiring for me and our CEO Doris Grinspun. We get the opportunity to visit with many of you, where you practise and in the communities you call home across Ontario.

If you think about it, RNAO membership is one of the best ways nursing students can launch their professional careers. It literally prepares today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

This issue of the Journal includes coverage of RNAO’s 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) (page 19). The event was a resounding success and also marked my first full year as president.

Queen’s Park Day in February included 160 members, 60 per cent of whom were first-time attendees. They met with 60 MPPs. RNAO members have a powerful collective voice. We are able to achieve great things for nursing, the health-care system and the health of Ontarians when advocating for healthy public policy.

Our world is always changing. According to a character in the 1980 novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior, the secret of change is to focus all your energy on building the new, not on fighting the old. 

One of the privileges of being  RNAO president is the chance to connect with members where they work or live. I met enthusiastic groups of RNs, NPs and nursing students during the fall tour, which the CEO and president take part in each year. 

Each year at this time, the energy at RNAO home office is at its peak intensity as staff work hard helping you to renew your membership and introducing new members to the numerous benefits the association offers.

Membership in RNAO is something I have valued ever since I joined 30 years ago. 

On or before June 7, we go to the polls to elect a new provincial government. I consider my right to vote an immense privilege and a serious responsibility.