National Nursing Week

Thanks to the generosity of Manitobans, we are proud to support oncology nurses at CancerCare Manitoba. From the front lines and throughout the cancer treatment and recovery spectrum, these health-care professionals provide outstanding care to patients across our province. Our heartfelt gratitude for your commitment and passion, today and everyday. PHOTO: CancerCare Manitoba Nurse Navigators Thanks to the generosity of Manitobans, we are proud to support oncology nurses at CancerCare Manitoba. From the front lines and throughout the cancer treatment and recovery spectrum, these health-care professionals provide outstanding care to patients across our province. Our heartfelt gratitude for your commitment and passion, today and everyday. Commitment & passion... everyday THE FREE PRESS ● 3 NATIONAL NURSING WEEK MAY 8-14, 2023 OUR NURSES. OUR FUTURE. SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 Mental health includes emotional, psychological, social and spiritual well-being. "It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood," Thiele said. "RPNs are committed to the prevention of illness, to the promotion and maintenance of optimal physical and mental health, and to evidence-informed, person-centred and recovery- oriented care." Laura Panteluk, registrar and CEO of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba, said this year's Nursing Week theme highlights diverse roles nurses play in the health- care system and their contributions to health and well-being of Manitobans. "The theme for Nursing Week opens a conversation about nursing and nurses working to their full scope of practice, but it also allows us to think bigger," she said. "It is also an opportunity to talk about the needs of the population and how we build inter-professional teams to meet those needs. Let's ensure all health-care professionals are recognized for the contributions they make." The profession's scope-of-practice statement is broad by design to ensure it fully applies to the wide range of client populations, roles and settings an RPN may serve or work in, Panteluk said. However, the actual scope of practice of an individual RPN can be more focused. "It is shaped by experience, professional development and opportunities to develop specific competencies. This means that in actual practice, the type of care that RPNs provide in our community can vary a great deal," she said. "This variety is one of the strengths of our profession. The flexibility of the RPN scope of practice allows us to serve specific needs in a wide range of settings — in the private and public sector, in health care and industry and beyond." ASSOCIATION OF REGULATED NURSES OF MANITOBA The Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba represents RNs, LPNs, RPNs and nurse practitioners, as well as graduate nurses, nursing students and former registered nurses in Manitoba. The professional association promotes nursing across all settings, including practice, education, research, leadership and policy. Currently, the association supports about 9,000 members across the province. This year, a group of nursing associations across Canada, including ARNM, came together to launch the #HeyNurse social media campaign. This campaign invites the public to share appreciation for a nurse or group of nurses by posting a message, photo or video on social media with the hashtag #HeyNurse. "We believe in doing what's best for our members and the health of people living in Manitoba," said executive director Joyce Kristjansson. "We further believe it is our responsibility to engage and inspire nurses to take pride in their profession and assume leadership in our community. We are champions of diversity, inclusivity, equity, social justice and democracy so we can all work together to create something better." Association president Loreley Fehr said nursing is a highly skilled and highly rewarding profession. "We care for people when they are most vulnerable as well as provide preventative care to the population in areas such as cancer screening, public health and primary care. There are so many opportunities for nurses in Manitoba and in a variety of areas," she said. "ARNM wants nurses and the public to understand that our focus is on the profession and supporting our members through ongoing professional development as well as opportunities to connect with other nurses. We need nurses to educate and mentor new nurses, provide leadership within our health-care system and be included when government is discussing and planning health care in Manitoba." For president-elect Ken Borce, this year's Nursing Week theme recognizes the vital role nurses play in shaping the future of health care. "It highlights the need to invest in and support nurses so they can continue to provide high- quality, evidence-based care and be leaders in health-care innovation and policy-making," he said. "ARNM advocates for the nursing profession in Manitoba. We know the sustainability of our health-care system depends on the strength, skills and steadfastness of nurses." He noted that ARNM offers various types of support to nurses, including access to educational resources, professional development opportunities, networking events and advocacy for nursing issues at provincial and national levels. "Nurses play a critical role in the health-care system, working alongside other health-care professionals to provide compassionate and competent care to patients and clients. As a nurse, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives every day," Borce said. "You'll be helping patients to feel better, providing support, educating and advocating for their needs. Nurses never stop learning. As a nurse, you'll constantly and continuously expand your knowledge and skills." On behalf of ARNM, Borce thanks nurses for their compassion and commitment to the health of all Manitobans. "Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to be part of this remarkable profession. To all the nurses in Manitoba, we want you to know that your work does not go unnoticed," he said. "You are valued and appreciated, and we stand with you in celebrating your achievements and recognizing your essential role in the health-care system." >> Continued from page 2

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