When the calendar flipped from the 1990s to a new millennium, many people held their breath in preparation for the famous roll-over to digits that some believed would wreak havoc in the computer world (also known as Y2K). RNAO’s communications team shared some of those widespread concerns, and prepared accordingly, but also stayed focused on planning a facelift for the magazine, hiring new designers and a full complement of communications staff to tell stories relevant to members and to nursing and health care more broadly.

The look and feel for the Journal has only been tweaked and adjusted slightly in the years since its reveal in January 2002. And although some communications staff have come and gone, contributing their voices only briefly to the pages of the magazine, the stories have maintained their same appeal to readers for their in-depth look at the issues that impact the profession and the patients it serves. 

Perhaps one of the biggest stories in the early part of this century was the March 2003 outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). It was a time of tremendous strain on the profession, but one that seemed to bring out the best in nursing. 

The pages of the Journal were packed with stories of sadness, survival and inspiration. And in keeping with public concern about the spread of the illness and public safety, the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) was cancelled for the first time in RNAO history. 

We take a condensed look at how the news played out on the pages of the magazine...