Morgan Hoffarth
A new membership year has begun at RNAO and I thought it would be fitting to share a little bit about my membership journey.
I first heard about RNAO when I was an undergraduate nursing student. My introduction to the association was the best practice guidelines (BPG) program. BPGs were featured in many group projects as an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.
I became a member while I was in nursing school, prompted by my professors and my aunt, an RN and proud member.
I got actively involved when I attended a student board of directors placement for Queen’s Park Day in 2010. I was in my fourth year and had no idea what I was getting myself into. I headed to RNAO home office in Toronto, observed the board meeting, and then went to the Queen’s Park prep meeting. I was blown away by the information presented by RNAO staff during that meeting. The focus on issues that affect not only nursing, but the health of Ontarians, and the way RNAO positioned these to influence and drive policy changes had me hooked right then and there. That experience made me realize the powerful collective that is RNAO. I saw RNAO’s force and how politicians stood up and noticed. It was something I wanted to be a part of.
That sense of belonging to something special extends to the association’s network of chapters, regions and interest groups. Being involved locally allows you to get so much more out of your membership. And getting involved is as easy as participating in community events. These open the door, allowing you to learn more about RNAO, the work of the association, and the specific areas of focus. Attending events is also a great networking opportunity. You can meet up with colleagues where you live and work, or nurses with whom you share a similar interest at an interest group event.
Being involved at the local level was engaging, energizing and it helped me feel a greater sense of purpose beyond my nursing job.
Membership has so many benefits. Whether you sign up for personal liability protection, networking or career development, there is something for everyone at RNAO. And, who knows, networking could lead to your next career opportunity.
If you want to develop your leadership skills as a nurse, being a part of your chapter, region or interest group executive is a great opportunity. As an executive network officer (ENO), you are a part of RNAO’s assembly, a group of nurses from across the province who hold leadership positions with their chapter, region or interest group. ENOs are accountable at a local level to ensure the goals of the association (known as ENDs) are being met.
In my chapter, I have had the opportunity to hold many ENO positions. As the membership ENO, I helped to stimulate membership by holding recruitment drives and sharing the benefits of RNAO membership with RNs, NPs and nursing students. As the policy and political action ENO, I met with local MPPs to talk about RNAO’s provincial election platform and shared real-life experiences about my practice to help influence public policy changes. As president of my chapter, I was responsible for providing leadership to ensure the ENDs were being met and that we were fulfilling all of the requirements expected of us.
Being involved at the local level was engaging, energizing and it helped me feel a greater sense of purpose beyond my nursing job. I had the privilege of being mentored by other ENOs, chapter presidents and board members, which has been invaluable in helping me understand my leadership role within RNAO, and encouraging me to continue to develop those skills within our professional association.
RNAO is an amazing association to belong to. We have tremendous power to influence change. And our power grows with each member. That power is even more formidable when members get actively involved. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure we have healthy public policies in place that consider the health and well-being of all Ontarians.
Our strong, collective voice consists of the individual voices of members – almost 46,000 RNs, NPs and nursing students – who are speaking out together for nursing and for health. There has never been a better time to make sure that collective voice is heard loud and clear. This year has tested us and tested members of the public. But I have never been prouder to wear my RN pin and let people know I am a proud nurse.
Continue adding your voice. And be sure to tell a colleague or nursing student why they should join. Together, we can make a tremendous difference.