National Nursing Week

2022

Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1466958

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 1 of 11

2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 NATIONAL NURSING WEEK MAY 9-15, 2022 #WeAnsWerTheCAll C M Y K BY JENNIFER MCFEE T he pandemic has brought waves of challenges to the health- care realm, yet through it all, nurses continue to rise up and answer the call of duty. During a patient's health-care journey, nurses play pivotal roles at all stages of life — and their courage and commitment deserve to be celebrated. Across the country and around the world, nurses are honoured annually during the week of May 12, coinciding with nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale's birthday. This year, National Nursing Week runs from Monday, May 9 to Sunday, May 15. The Canadian Nurses Association developed this year's theme, #WeAnswerTheCall, to showcase the multitude of roles that nurses play. At the same time, National Nursing Week aims to increase awareness about important nursing contributions while also highlighting accomplishments in the profession. To mark the moment, one impactful idea would be to write a personalized thank-you note to show appreciation to nursing staff. These small gestures can make a big difference. Also, if you choose to post a story on social media about an exceptional nurse, use the hashtag #IKnowANurse to acknowledge the positive experience. It's worth taking the time to thank our nurses for continuing to answer the call! COLLEGE OF REGISTERED NURSES OF MANITOBA Registered nurses (RNs) make a monumental difference as highly qualified, regulated health- care professionals who provide nursing care to individuals, families, communities and groups — at all stages of life and health. "They assess, diagnose, plan nursing care and evaluate that care, and work in inter-professional teams with other nurses and health-care professionals," explains Katherine Stansfield, CEO and registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. "They practise in a wide array of areas from acute care in hospitals to community care in clinics and to public health on the street. You can find RNs working in schools, people's homes, remote nursing stations, long-term care, as well as in many leadership positions in administration, education and research. Registered nurses are involved in literally every aspect and domain of health care." Canadian-educated nursing students seeking to become an RN must complete a baccalaureate- level program approved by the regulatory body in their province. "They must meet certain requirements defined in law that assure safe nursing practice," Stansfield says. "These include demonstrating fitness to practice, an appropriate level of English language proficiency and passing the national licensure exam." Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education at the master's level, which provides them with knowledge and skill to manage patient care — including diagnosing, prescribing and evaluating care. "Nurse practitioners work in diverse settings from rural and remote to urban, in places like community clinics, long-term care homes, hospitals and sole practice. No matter the setting, nurse practitioners are part of an inter- professional team and are an invaluable part of the health-care system," Stansfield adds. "Someone looking to become a nurse practitioner must first meet all the qualifications as a registered nurse and achieve registration as an RN. They must then complete a master's degree in nursing and pass a national licensure exam." Registered nurses and nurse practitioners already working in Manitoba must renew their registration annually and complete ongoing quality assurance reviews to maintain competence. That assures the Manitoba public that every registered nurse and nurse practitioner has met the requirements for safe, competent and ethical practice — and continues to demonstrate that competence throughout their careers. As of Dec. 31, 2021, there were 13,373 RNs and 306 nurse practitioners in Manitoba. And for those considering a career in the profession, Stansfield offers some words of encouragement. "A career as a registered nurse or a nurse practitioner is fulfilling, diverse and challenging. It is a career that opens many doors and offers many opportunities for ongoing learning. It involves working with people in all walks and stages of life, and is always dynamic and meaningful," she says. "The future for the registered nursing profession is promising as many opportunities for RNs and nurse practitioners to utilize their full knowledge and skill become more evident." Registered nurses' authorized prescriber role is a great example of the profession's knowledge and skill being applied in new ways to improve Manitobans' access to care, she adds. In addition, the pandemic has provided ample opportunities for RNs and nurse practitioners to fully apply their knowledge and skills in many different areas. These areas include contact tracing, providing information and counselling about vaccinations, and assessing the impact of COVID-19 on communities and groups. At the same time, RNs and nurse practitioners have been called to step up and fill many additional needs by working with inter- professional teams in new ways. "Nurses of all professions have made significant personal contributions to keeping Manitobans safe during the pandemic," Stansfield says. "I would like to acknowledge their skill, knowledge and compassion for the health and well-being of our province — and thank them for their critical and unfailing support of our health- care system." COLLEGE OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES OF MANITOBA Manitoba's licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for clients across their lifespan and within a wide range of practice environments. They practise both autonomously and collaboratively with other members of the health- care team, working with clients whose care needs vary in complexity, predictability and stability. "LPNs are nurses who graduate from a two- year diploma program. LPNs are educated from the same body of knowledge as other nurses," says Jennifer Breton, executive director of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. "LPNs also apply the same framework in their practice as other nursing professionals — assessment, diagnosis/determination, planning implementation, evaluation." In Manitoba, this two-year college program is offered at Assiniboine Community College, Université de Saint-Boniface and University College of the North. "Assiniboine Community College also delivers the Practical Nurse Qualification Recognition program for internationally educated nurses who are referred by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba," Breton adds. "This bridging program is highly successful in supporting internationally educated nurses to gain registration and practise nursing in Manitoba." LPNs can also be graduates from a program in another jurisdiction that provides equivalent competencies. In that case, the applicant must meet criteria for registration as an LPN, which is set out in the LPN Act and Regulation. After graduating from their nursing program, LPNs bolster their nursing knowledge, skills and judgments throughout their careers through formal and informal education, as well as through practical experience. Currently, 3,700 LPNs are practising in Manitoba, making them the second largest group of regulated health professionals in the province. And for those who decide to answer the call, Breton says nursing offers a challenging yet rewarding career. "Like other health-care professionals, LPNs have persevered, through protracted challenging circumstances, to deliver high-quality nursing care to Manitobans across the province," she says. "LPNs have once again shown leadership, courage and commitment every day." COLLEGE OF REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES OF MANITOBA Registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) practise in collaboration with other health professionals in the realms of health, education, social services, justice, and mental health and addictions systems. "There are workforce needs in all of these systems, and RPNs are an important part of that. The needs of the population are such that we will expect that the demands for RPNs will continue to grow," says Laura Panteluk, executive director and registrar of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. "There are a lot of opportunities in psychiatric nursing with roles in direct practice, administration, education and research. Registered psychiatric nurses are passionate about mental health, helping people and making a difference." Continued on page 3 >> NURSES CONTINUE TO ANSWER THE CALL Katherine Stansfield CEO and registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Nurses of all professions have made significant personal contributions to keeping Manitobans safe during the pandemic." "

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of National Nursing Week - 2022