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. CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Client: CCMF/ Insertion: Winnipeg Free Press Insertion Date: May1 CCMF 10986_2023 Nursing Week WFP Ad / CMYK / 11.5625 in x 3 Problems or questions email msellar2@cancercare.mb.ca 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 2 MAY 6-12, 2024 SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 NATIONAL NURSING WEEK Changing lives. SHAPING TOMORROW. SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 NURSES CHANGE LIVES AND SHAPE TOMORROW BY JENNIFER MCFEE N urses help to foster positive change, both in the lives of their patients and for future of the profession. Across the world, nurses are honoured each year during the week of May 12, coinciding with the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. This year, National Nursing Week runs from Monday, May 6 to Sunday, May 12. To recognize nurses' tremendous contributions, the Canadian Nurses Association developed this year's theme "Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow." This theme focuses on how nurses can create change through their direct impact on patients' lives and through further advocacy work. At the same time, this theme considers how nurses shape the future of health care through innovations and advancements. As educators, nurses also share their knowledge, which shapes the next generation of health-care professionals. It's an ideal opportunity to express gratitude to nurses for the significant impact they have on individuals and communities — as well as on the future of health care. COLLEGE OF REGISTERED NURSES OF MANITOBA As regulated health-care professionals, registered nurses (RNs) 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, all while working in inter- professional teams. "You can find RNs practising in schools, people's homes, long- term care settings, as well as in many leadership positions in administration, education and research," says Deb Elias, CEO and registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. "Registered nurses are involved in literally every aspect and domain of health care." Nurse practitioners (NPs) engage in advanced nursing practice built on experience and training as registered nurses. "Equipped with advanced education at the master's level, NPs have the knowledge and skill to manage patient care, including diagnosing, prescribing and evaluating care for individuals, families and communities," Elias says. Nursing students educated in Canada need to successfully complete an approved baccalaureate-level program. They also need to pass the national licensure exam and meet other requirements designed to assure safe nursing practice. NPs must first meet all qualifications and achieve registration as an RN. Then they complete a master's degree in the nurse practitioner stream and must pass a national licensure exam for NPs. As of Dec. 31, 2023, there were 13,891 RNs and 338 NPs in Manitoba. "RNs and NPs interact with clients and patients during some of the most stressful and happiest times of their lives. These interactions can make a significant difference to the people they are involved with and can potentially change their lives," Elias says. "RNs and NPs apply a high level of knowledge and expertise. They're compassionate and empathetic, and all of these traits translate to the relationships they build with clients and patients." The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba understands the significant workforce challenges affecting the health system in Manitoba and the RNs and NPs who work within it, Elias adds. "We have been hard at work to understand these challenges and how the college can contribute to finding solutions together with government and stakeholders. Our data show there has been a steadily increasing number of RNs and NPs in Manitoba over the past five years, with 2023 numbers at their highest point in the past 10 years," she says. "While this information helps paint a picture of the overall number of RNs and NPs eligible to work in the province, we recognize this only tells part of the story. This number needs to be alongside other factors like how many are actively practising, how much they are working and how they are distributed across the health system." At the same time, Elias encourages anyone interested to consider a career as an RN or NP. "Nursing is a fulfilling, diverse and challenging career that opens many doors and offers many opportunities for ongoing learning and advancement," she says. "It involves working with people in all walks and stages of life and is always dynamic and meaningful." She also acknowledges the significant personal contributions of nurses and thanks them for sharing expertise, knowledge and compassion for the health and well-being of Manitobans. COLLEGE OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES OF MANITOBA Since the 1940s, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have practised in Manitoba. Today, nearly 4,000 LPNs across the province practise both independently and collaboratively with other members of the health-care team. In all practice contexts, LPNs are responsible and accountable for their own practice and decisions. LPNs are educated from the same body of nursing knowledge as other nurses. To enter the practice, Manitoba LPNs complete a two-year college-level diploma program that includes the study of physical, biological and nursing sciences. "The focus of the program is on assessment, application, analysis, planning and evaluation," says Jennifer Breton, executive director of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses. "Practicum experiences are threaded throughout the program, always building on previous knowledge and expanding to include a broader variety of patient populations and nursing practice areas." Over the course of their careers, LPNs further develop their competence through practice, experience, additional education and training. "Many practical nursing education programs are — and have for some time been — delivered in communities outside of Winnipeg," Breton says. "Because of this, the LPN profession plays an important role in maintaining health-care service provision in many rural, remote and northern communities." When reflecting on this year's theme for National Nursing Week, Breton notes that nurses are dedicated professionals who are the backbone of the health system. "Nurses encounter and care for people at every stage of life, many times at their most vulnerable moment," she says. "As trusted, competent and compassionate experts, nurses have the unique opportunity to affect change in the lives of patients, families and communities. In that way, as nurses change lives today, they are helping to shape society tomorrow." Manitoba needs more nurses of every kind, she adds. "If you appreciate having a range of diverse opportunities in nursing, you may enjoy being an LPN," she says. "LPNs provide nursing care in all parts of the province in a variety of settings including intensive care units, labour and delivery units, acute care units, community settings and long-term care settings." For those considering entering the profession, Breton notes that LPNs can work as managers, supervisors, educators, resource nurses and bedside nurses, among other roles. "LPNs are a critical part of the health-care system, wherever they may work. For those individuals who may want a relatively quick route to become a nurse, the two-year LPN diploma program may suit their needs," Breton says. "With ongoing education — including specialized training, certifications and bridging opportunities — LPNs can further their career after graduation while continuing to work as a nurse." And for current LPNs, Breton offers words of gratitude and encouragement. Continued on page 3 >> Joyce Kristjansson (Photo by Darcy Finley) Deb Elias (Photo submitted) Wanda Brine (Photo submitted)

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