National Nursing Week

2021

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2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 cna-aiic.ca Your leadership makes a difference every day. Share your story @ canadanurses #VoiceToLead #IND2019 & #NationalNursingWeek NATIONAL NURSING WEEK MAY 6-12, 2019 NATIONAL NURSING WEEK cna-aiic.ca MAY 10-16, 2021 A Vision For Future Healthcare #WeAnsWerTheCAll BY JENNIFER MCFEE I t's been a year like no other, and nurses have risen far above the call of duty to meet the challenges of the pandemic. Even in less challenging times, nurses are there when we need them. They're by our side at every stage of life, from first breath to last, during our most exhilarating moments and our most heart- wrenching. Nurses leave an indelible mark on the people in their care, and on patients' families, through their crucial health-care roles. All around the world, nurses are honoured each year during the week of May 12, which coincides with nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale's birthday. 2021 also marks the 50th anniversary of the International Council of Nurses' designation of May 12 as International Nurses Day. The theme for this year's National Nursing Week — Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16 — is #WeAnswerTheCall, developed by the Canadian Nurses Association to highlight the multitude of roles nurses play in health care. Over the past year, the pandemic has highlighted the deep commitment and courage nurses demonstrate in essential roles. Many have even returned from retirement to offer their skills on the frontlines and behind the scenes. To show appreciation, it's worth taking the time to write a personal thank-you note to a nurse, or share stories of those who have made an impact. If you post a story on social media, be sure to tag it #IKnowANurse. National Nursing Week offers the ideal opportunity to show gratitude for nurses' contributions and to strive to ensure they are protected in their profession. COLLEGE OF REGISTERED NURSES OF MANITOBA Registered nurses (RNs) are highly visible on the frontlines of the pandemic, but their reach extends into every area of the health-care system. Katherine Stansfield, CEO and registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, describes a registered nurse as a highly educated, self-regulated health professional who works autonomously and collaboratively in a number of roles. "A registered nurse's practice includes assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care of individuals, families, communities and populations in all stages of health and wellness, and at all levels of growth and development, to assist them to achieve their health goals," she says. "Registered nurses work in inter-professional teams, applying their unique knowledge, skill and judgment in all clinical settings, as well as in education, research and administration." A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who works autonomously with individuals and families, while also contributing to the inter- professional team of health-care providers. "A nurse practitioner's practice includes assessing and diagnosing the health status of individuals, ordering diagnostic tests and interventions, planning treatment including prescribing medications and appliances, evaluating care and consulting as required with other members of the health-care team," Stansfield says. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Manitoba had a total of 12,538 registered nurses, with 263 nurse practitioners. In Manitoba, RNs complete a baccalaureate nursing program. Nurse practitioners continue their studies to complete a master's program as well, and both RNs and nurse practitioners must pass a licensing exam and meet additional requirements to maintain their licence. In Stansfield's view, registered nursing is a fulfilling career choice because it offers breadth and depth of opportunities to make a meaningful impact on peoples' lives. "RNs meet people where they are — in their homes, places of work, community — and help them meet their health goals, whatever they are. They often interact with people at the most vulnerable times of their lives and, for that, they have earned universal trust and respect," she says. "They are highly skilled, adept at critical thinking to solve problems that may seem insurmountable. The skills and judgment of RNs, combined with compassion and empathy, have made them a cornerstone of the health-care system." RNs are dedicated, resourceful and resilient health-care practitioners., she adds. "They have been showcased during this pandemic as heroes and sometimes as angels, a depiction that often feels uncomfortable," she says. "I believe the pandemic has highlighted that as a profession, RNs are accountable, safe, ethical and compassionate practitioners — a very high standard that the public can count on." COLLEGE OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES OF MANITOBA Manitoba's licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have the broadest scope of practice across Canada, which enables them to work in diverse settings, including medical or surgical units; emergency departments; and labour, delivery and post-partum units. You'll also find LPNs working in community health, personal care homes, pediatric units, rehabilitation units and dialysis units. Their practice also extends to home care, occupational health, private care, schools and child-care centres, as well as self-employed roles such as nursing foot care or private duty nursing. "Manitoba LPNs care for clients across the lifespan whose care needs may vary in complexity, predictability and stability, and within a range of practice environments," says Jennifer Breton, executive director of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. "Members of the practical nursing profession practise both autonomously and collaboratively with other members of the health-care team. In all practice contexts, LPNs are responsible and accountable for their own practice." LPNs are nurses who have typically graduated from a two-year college-based diploma program in Manitoba or from a program in another jurisdiction that provides equivalent competencies. Applicants must also meet criteria for registration as an LPN. In Manitoba, three educational institutions offer the approved two-year diploma program: Assiniboine Community College, Université de Saint-Boniface and University College of the North. STILL ANSWERING THE CALL DURING NATIONAL NURSING WEEK, TAKE TIME TO SHOW RESPECT AND GRATITUDE Continued on page 3 >> Thanking all Manitoba nurses for their hard work and dedica on. Manitobans are forever grateful for your service! Celebrating National Nursing Week

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