National Nursing Week

umanitoba.ca/nursing RFHS | College of Nursing THANK YOU! We applaud our UM nurse educators who are instrumental in teaching and mentoring Manitoba's future nurses and nurse practitioners. With our recently expanded bachelor of nursing program to a third cohort of 120 students and our growing nurse practitioner program, the College of Nursing acknowledges our nurse educators' dedication to preparing competent and caring health professionals. We thank them for their invaluable contributions to health care, patients and shaping the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners! Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow. THE COLLEGE OF NURSING IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL NURSING WEEK, MAY 6 – 12, 2024 3 NATIONAL NURSING WEEK MAY 6-12, 2024 SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 Changing lives. SHAPING TOMORROW. SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 "We understand that it is challenging for nurses today," she says. "The CLPNM values and recognizes the important role our LPNs play in assuring the wellness of Manitobans today, but we also want LPNs to remember the importance of their own health and wellness so that they can continue to shape tomorrow." COLLEGE OF REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES OF MANITOBA Registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) are one of Manitoba's regulated nursing professions. These nursing professionals provide care with a focus on mental and developmental health, mental illness and addictions. Other major focuses include therapeutic relationship, emotion, behaviour and cognition, along with a holistic approach to care. RPNs have been educated in Canada as a distinct profession for more than 100 years. Today, the approved psychiatric nursing education program is offered at sites in both Brandon and Winnipeg by Brandon University, which is a leader in psychiatric nursing education in Canada. This four-year program leads to a bachelor of science in psychiatric nursing. The program combines psychiatric nursing education with studies in arts and science. Program graduates are eligible to write qualifying exams for licensure as an RPN with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM). Psychiatric nursing education prepares RPNs to understand the complex relationship between emotional, developmental, physical and mental health, as well as the role that social factors, culture and spirituality play in illness and recovery. Currently, there are more than 1,100 RPNs in Manitoba. Wanda Brine, CRPNM council chair, says the heart of registered psychiatric nursing practice stems from engaging clients and establishing therapeutic relationships. "With empathetic understanding, we assess every individual's unique circumstance from their point of view. It's the psychosocial position of learning about the individual from all aspects. It's not just their medical health, social health or mental health, but from all angles," Brine says. "Many of our clients are seeking mental health services for the first time. We know that stigma still exists, and this may have prevented them from accessing supports at the onset of their mental health concerns. We strive to make access to the health-care system and care a comfortable and inviting process. We want everyone to know that it's OK to seek help and that they're not alone." Registrar and CEO Laura Panteluk says mental health promotion and illness prevention are important parts of psychiatric nursing practice. "RPNs work alongside individuals, families, groups and communities to leverage strengths, advocate and give voice to those who are most vulnerable, but they also play an integral role in advancing conversations about mental health, stigma and recovery," Panteluk says. "With roles in education, advocacy and leadership, RPNs are shaping mental health and addictions care and the next generation of registered psychiatric nurses." Registered psychiatric nursing is a rewarding career with a broad scope of practice, Panteluk adds. This flexibility allows RPNs to serve specific needs in a range of settings. National Nursing Week is an opportunity to acknowledge nurses' roles in the health-care system, as well as their contributions to the health and well-being of Manitobans. "It is an opportunity to learn about the knowledge, skills and competencies that each of the nursing professions bring — and how we complement one another and work collaboratively to support patient care and our communities," Brine says, "but also to contribute to building a sustainable, equitable and a culturally safe health-care system." ASSOCIATION OF REGULATED NURSES OF MANITOBA The Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) represents and supports a wide range of nursing professionals in the province, including NPs, RNs, LPNs, RPNs, graduate nurses, nursing students and former nurses. As the professional association for nurses in Manitoba, ARNM serves as the voice of the nursing community, advocating for their empowerment as health leaders in various health-care settings. Currently, ARNM has about 5,000 members. Executive director Joyce Kristjansson says their mission is to advance the nursing field and champion the public's interests through promoting and recognizing excellence in nursing practice. "Nurses fill so many roles in supporting the health of Manitobans," she says. "Much of what we do is changing the lives of individuals one at a time and, by doing that, shaping the future of our province." There's a need for more nurses in Manitoba, Canada and around the world, she adds. "There are currently over 2,500 vacant nursing jobs in Manitoba. Nursing is a people-centred profession and a great mix of science and caring. Nurses need to know and understand how to relate to people, provide support and caring, while staying competent with multiple scientific and technical changes in health care," Kristjansson says. "It is a learning profession, one in which you can do many different things while still being a nurse. Over my career, I have provided care in small rural hospitals and large urban ones. I have worked in acute care, rehabilitation and long-term care. I have been at the bedside, been a teacher, manager and researcher." As knowledgeable professionals, nurses work independently and within teams to help provide health care. "We know that health is provided in many more ways than through the health system," she adds, "and we support the need to work on issues of poverty, homelessness and other social issues to improve the health of Manitobans." ARNM is hosting an upcoming conference called "Change Starts Here: The Power of Nurses" on June 14. This comprehensive day of learning, empowerment and networking is designed specifically for nurses in Manitoba. Kristjansson invites all nurses to join the drive for positive change and harness the influential role of nurses in health care. For more information, visit arnm.ca or call the office at 204-992-1520. >> Continued from page 2 "Nurses encounter and care for people at every stage of life, many times at their most vulnerable moment." Jennifer Breton, executive director of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses

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