President's View

It’s hard to believe that this is my last President’s View column. While we have all experienced the concept of time differently during the pandemic, the past two years have flown by for me.

I’m currently sitting on my couch, writing this column with my son Greyson next to me, and a children’s movie on the TV in the background. I want to share a bit about my life, as a mom, a nurse and a director of care.

The past 18 months have been a time of great challenge for all health-care workers. There is virtually no sector within the health system that has been untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In my first RNJ column, I spoke about how much I was looking forward to connecting with some of the over 46,000 members that make RNAO such a powerful collective. One of the joys about being part of an association is the ability to meet, network and learn from each other.

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.