rnao peel chapter chatter…

RNAO PEEL CHAPTER
CHATTER…
FALL 2015
The members of the RNAO Peel Executives at our Annual General Meeting
in November 2014 at Speranza Banquet Hall in Brampton.
REFLECTIONS FROM
THE PRESIDENT
What an exceptional honour it is to be part of this wonderful
group of RNAO nurses who are so passionate and dedicated to the
nursing profession. Our Chapter has been busy planning away over the
summer for our Fall for Nursing – Career exploration event, President
and CEO Fall Tour with Halton Chapter, MPP breakfast, and our annual
AGM. We invite you to join in these important conversations on key
issues in our communities that affect all our health.
This year’s nursing week theme was Nurses: With you every step
of the way. Nurses are the foundation of our health care system. We
work in many areas, specialities and across a huge spectrum of practice.
I have had the privilege of speaking with nurses about the work you do
on many occasions through my workplace and RNAO events. I often hear
you speak about your work and the impacts you make and your desire
for continuous improvement. Your spirit energizes me and others
Nursing Students’
Experiences at
RNAO’s 90th AGM
.03
Queen’s Park Day
.05
Christine Bintakies
Breakfast with
MPPs
.07
Maria Nelson
Meet the new Peel
Chapter ENOs
.11
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 2 OF 15
Reflections from the President continued
Upcoming Events
AUTUMN HIKE
DATE: Sa turday, September 12, 2015
TIME: 10:00AM-1:00PM
PLACE: Scots dale Farm (see flyer on page 6
for dri vi ng direction)
Come enjoy a n autumn hike with fellow
RNAO Peel Chapter members a nd friends.
See page 6 for more i nformation.
MPP BREAKFAST
DATE: Fri day, October 23, 2015
TIME: 8:30-10:30 AM
PLACE: Ol ympi a Grill
(1 Derry Rd. E., Mi s s issauga, ON L5T 2Z8)
COSTS: $5 (Donated to Food Bank)
Join us for breakfast wi th the MPPs to
dis cuss and raise a wa reness for current
heal th issues. See page 11 for more
i nformation.
RNAO 90TH ANNIVERSARY
PRESIDENT & CEO FALL TOUR
DATE: Wednesday, September 30, 2015
TIME: 5:30-8:00PM
PLACE: South Common Community Centre
(2253 South Mi llway, Mi ssissauga, ON L5L
3H7)
COSTS: FREE (open to everyone)
RNAO Peel & Halton Chapters a re hosting
the RNAO’s 90th Anniversary President &
CEO Fa l l Tour with Dr. Doris Grinspun. See
Pa ge 13 for more i nformation.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
CEREMONIES IN CALEDON
Caledon East/Mono Mills: Nov. 1st a t
1:00PM Ca l eon East Cenotaph (located at
Town Ha ll, 6311 Ol d Church Rd.)
Town of Caledon Employees Service: Nov.
th
11 a t 10:50AM (Town Hall 6311 Ol d
Church Rd.)
around you!
Being part of RNAO has given me the opportunity to be part of the
discussion in moving the profession forward, advancing nursing practice
and advocating for the health of the population.
In light of this year’s nursing week theme, we encourage you to
send us a word or sentence to describe what nursing means to you. We
would really like to share those reflections in our next newsletter. Email
me at atsangsit@rnao.ca.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Anita Tsang-Sit, RN, BA, MPH
RNAO Peel Chapter President
Find out
more about
RNAO
Education
Funding
RNAO has several options to help you improve your nursing
practice for both members and non-members alike.
Membership with the RNAO is the reason that such programs
exist. Through the collaborative work of dedicated, committed
professionals belonging to the organization, we have been able to
successfully lobby for many of the exciting education funding programs
offered.
There are four different education funding. These include
Nursing Education Initiative, RNAO PhD Fellowship, Advanced Clinical
Practice Fellowships, and Permanent Education Fund. For more
information about the programs or to apply for funding, please check
out http://rnao.ca/education-funding.
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 3 OF 15
The Nursing Students’ Experiences at the AGM
This year’s AGM, RNAO celebrated its 90 years of
influence and impact. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated
for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing
practice and influenced decisions that affect nurses and
the public they serve. Through nine decades, RNAO has
established itself as the voice of Ontario’s nurses,
speaking out for nursing and speaking out for health.
Today, more than 41,000 RNs, NPs and nursing students
help make our professional association stronger than
ever.
The 2015 AGM was held at The Hilton Toronto on
April 17-19, 2015. The Peel Chapter RNAO sponsored
four nursing students to attend this year AGM. Let’s hear
what the students have to say about their AGM
experience!
It was a great pleasure to attend the
RNAO’s 90th AGM this year. It was
inspiring to see so many nursing
professionals come together to discuss
varying issues related to professional
practice and nursing advocacy. The
leadership
luncheon
was
truly
inspirational, and included the topics of
poverty and mental health. As a nursing
student aspiring to pursue a profession
in the area of community/mental
nursing, I left the AGM feeling
empowered and excited about the
future of my career as a nurse leader.
-Nadia McFarlane
RNAO Peel Chapter
Member-At-Large
Attending the 2015 RNAO AGM
was a great experience. I was able to
find out about the work that the
professional association has been doing
over the last year and the initiatives that
they are planning to undertake in the
future. My favourite segment of the
event was Members’ Voices. Members’
Voices afforded me the opportunity to
hear about the work that nurses in the
other chapters across Ontario have
completed over the past year and
initiatives that they are working on. I
also attended the Leadership Luncheon,
an event where nurses’ work was
highlighted. Furthermore, awards were
presented to an educator and a student
for their accomplishments. I would
highly recommend student nurses and
nurses attend this event throughout
their careers’ as it is very enlightening.
Attending the event was very inspiring
and reminded me about the great work
nurses do in all aspects of our
community throughout the province.
-Danielle Gray, BScN
RNAO Peel Chapter Student Executive
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
Attending the 2015 RNAO Annual
General Meeting was an incredible
experience. I was able to see Ontario
politicians, the International Council of
Nurses, and the Canadian Nurses
Association applaud the long-lasting
impact of RNAO over the last 90 years.
It was great to witness the passion of
nurses
in action during
the
Consultation Session, where RNAO
resolutions were debated and carried
forward. It was especially exciting to
see RNAO Peel Chapter member
Jacqueline Dover’s Resolution for a
Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease
Strategy carried forward. From the
Members’ Voices to the Leadership
Luncheon to the Recognition Awards,
the vibrancy, diversity, and influence
of the RNAO and the nursing
profession is clearly evident. I look
forward to attending next year’s RNAO
AGM.
-Jessica Zizek
RNAO Peel Chapter- Member-At-Large
PAGE 4 OF 15
TOP 1: The RNAO consultation reps take up their votes
on proposed resolutions at the 2015 AGM.
TOP 2: Peel Chapter President-Elect, Christine
Bintakies, speaking up about the proposed resolutions.
Attending the 2015 RNAO AGM was a wonderful experience. It was
inspirational to see the difference that nurses can make and what we can
accomplish together. This was evident throughout the Members’ Voices
portion, where representatives of RNAO Chapters from across the province
shared their achievements. The Consultation Session where the resolutions
were debated was another part that I really enjoyed. Being able to see the
passion that nurses have is inspiring. This experience was very rewarding and I
would absolutely recommend it to others.
-Alex Cherrington
RNAO Peel Chapter Student Executive
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 5 OF 15
Why Health Matters: A Nurses’
Guide to the 2015 Federal Election
As Canadians, it's our duty to engage in the democratic
process. And as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and
nursing students, it's up to us to make sure important
health issues are on the election agenda.
Even though health is a provincial responsibility, the federal
government has a vital role to play in keeping Canadians
healthy, and RNAO wants each federal political party to put
health first during the campaign.
Why Health Matters is RNAO’s platform containing 17
recommendations that will put health front and centre
leading up to the federal election. The recommendations
covered the five areas of Medicare, access to care, social
determinant of health, the environment, and fiscal ca pacity.
The platform is just one of many ways nurses are speaking
out during the election campaign.
Check out the RNAO Website to GET INFORMED, GET
INVOLVED, GET MORE INFO, and GET VOTING.
NURSE TO KNOW IN PEEL REGION
Christine began her nursing
career in 1995 as a home care nurse
before embarking on a correctional
nursing career with the province in
2003. As a past member of the
College of Nurses of Ontario’s Mental
Health and Corrections Advisory
Committee, Christine has been active
Executive Member of RNAO’s Peel
Chapter, a member of RNAO’s
Mental Health Nurses’ Interest
Group and a Co-Lead for the
Ministry’s Critical Incident Stress
Management Team.
Christine
Bintakies
As a Peel chapter executive
member, Christine started out as
member at large then took on the
Information and Technology officer,
before taking on the President Elect
position last November.
Christine has been a full-time
Mental Health Nurse at Vanier for
the past 12 years. This past year
Christine learned a new skill as she
took training to learn home
hemolysis so that she could care for
her husband at home.
Christine states “I have always
known I wanted to be a nurse, from
the time I was little I would tell
everyone I will be a nurse when I
grow up.” Nursing has always been a
calling for Christine as she is always
there for her patients, family and
friends in their time of need.
Christine is married to her husband
Geoff and is the proud mother to her
son James.
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 6 OF 15
AUTUMN HIKE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015
Come out for a hike with fellow nurses, friends and family
members around the picturesque Scotsdale Farm in Georgetown.
The hike will start at 10AM and will take approximately 3 hours
finishing around 1PM. Bring water and a snack. Sturdy shoes
recommended as some of the trail is rocky.
RSVP Tessa Shelvy by email to
tjshelvey@yahoo.com
For more information, Tessa can be
reached at (905) 850-1507 or
(416) 320-8555 on the day of hike.
Directions: Take 401 west to
Trafalgar Road (exit 328). Follow
Trafalgar Road north to Hwy #7,
turn left (west) on Hwy 7 about 4km
to Trafalgar Rd. Follow Trafalgar Rd.
North about 2km to Scotsdale Farm
on the right side of the road.
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 7 OF 15
Queen’s Park Day
Christine Bintakies, RN
Peel Chapter President-Elect
On February 26th 2015 Peel chapter nurses Maria
Harrison and Christine Bintakies attended Queens Park
day at the Ontario Legislature. We were joined by RN’s
and NP’s from across the province to meet with MPP’s
to address our concerns that affect the health of
Ontarians. During the morning Maria and Christine met
with Brampton Springdale MPP Harinder Malhi during
breakfast. During this meeting we discussed our
concerns of the need for a higher minimum wage to
decrease poverty in peel region, the need to ban
medical tourism and to allow RN’s to prescribe
medication.
In the afternoon we met with Premier Kathleen
Wynne and Health Minister Dr. Eric Hopkins whom
announced that they will move forward to allow R.N’s
to prescribe medication. During the afternoon session
many nurses were allowed to address the MPPs their
concerns with medical tourism, increase minimum
wage to decrease the social determinants of health and
Nurse Practioners wage discrepancies. The afternoon
also allowed for political leaders from the Conservative
and NDP parties to speak with the nurses and answer
our concerns addressed with MPP’s.
Peel Nurses Join Fundraising Bowling
Peel nurses, Sue F., Tessa S., Anita T. and Maria T.
attended a fundraising social event at Bowling at
Brunswick Bramalea Lane on Saturday, November
8, 2014. The event helped support special cause
for Olympic athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Over the past 40 years Special Olympics has grown
from a modest program serving local athletes to
become the world’s largest movement dedicated
to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and
human dignity for people with intellectual
disabilities through sports. The event was fun and
inspiring!
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
SNAP SHOTS
PAGE 8 OF 15
SMILE!
2014 RNAO PEEL CHAPTER AGM
Nov ember 6, 2014 (Speranza Banquet Hall, Brampton, ON)
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
SNAP SHOTS
PAGE 9 OF 15
SMILE!
2015 RNAO PEEL CHAPTER
NURSING WEEK DINNER CELEBRATION
May 5, 2015 (Braeben Golf Club, Mississauga, ON)
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 10 OF 15
Breakfast with MPPs
Maria Nelson, RN, BScN
RNAO Peel Political Action Officer
On Friday, October 3, 2014 nearly 30 Peel
Registered Nurses and 3 MPPs discussed health and
nursing issues over breakfast. The event was hosted by
our Chapter and was designed to provide Peel nurses
the opportunity to speak out for health and nursing.
The breakfast event also allowed Peel nurses to
connect with the local politicians. Nurses from various
work backgrounds and stages of their career attended.
Such diversity truly enriched the discussions and
created greater impact in our messages. It was truly
inspiring and encouraging to see ambitious, eager
nursing students in addition to nurses post-retirement
who had not lost their zeal for the profession.
In small groups nurses planned and organized
topics to discuss with the MPPs before their arrival.
Upon arrival of the MPPs, breakfast was served and
conversation ignited. With MPP Harinder Malhi, nurses
discussed the need to hire more Registered Nurses and
the need to address unsafe work environments.
Harinder listened attentively as the nurses disclosed
current facts and statistics in addition to personal
experiences. It was liberating to speak as front-line
workers and knowledgeable professionals. In many
settings nurses see patients more than any other
health care provider. We have a unique perspective
and know of needed changes that will benefits patients
and nurses alike.
Harinder agreed with many suggestions the
nurses were making. However, she was frank in the
lack of funds available and encouraged us to provide
input into how the system could be more effective with
our current resources. This provided an excellent segue
into one our awaiting topics to be discussed, utilizing
RNs to their full scope of practice and introducing RN
prescribing. Later, Harinder mentioned long wait times
in the Emergency Department as a pressing issue in
Peel. The conversation shifted and soon we were
brainstorming ways in which nurses could potentially
work with the community in education about
alternative services. A health clinic run by nurses in
collaboration with the community was also discussed.
The nursing students were instrumental in their
innovative ideas and passion.
It is quite apparent that Peel Registered Nurses
are passionate about nursing and about the health of
their community. We are health care professionals
working on a daily basis to provide our patients with
the best care possible. United, we can be a strong and
influential voice in the realm of politics and health
policy. This breakfast proved to be a success in bringing
Peel nurses together to advocate for our profession
and for the people our health care serves.
Nevertheless, we must continue to work together and
collaborate with politicians in the advancement of
nursing and enhancement of patient care.
QUEEN’S PARK ON THE ROAD STEPS ON THE GAS
In 2013, RNAO met with 104 of 107 Ontario MPPs. Starting again in October, we will be working with
nurses to further mobilize; we need you to help us deliver the message that we cherish our not -for-profit
health-care system and we can improve it to provide better access to nursing and health services. The
issues for discussion are: ban medical tourism, health system restructuring, RN scope extension, and
strengthen legislation on toxic substances. These are serious health matters that require focus and
attention. We believe our recommendations will improve the health of people and build an even str onger
province.
Nurses know that together, we can make these changes happen. Learn more, get involved, and enjoy the
experience. Help us reach every one of the province’s policymakers this year.
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 11 OF 15
RNAO Peel Chapter invites you to the
MPP BREAKFAST
October 23, 2015
This is an exciting opportunity for registered nurses to
discuss important health issues with the current local
MPPs over breakfast. Come join in the discussion and
raise awareness for nursing and healthcare!
Speaking out for nursing. Speaking out for health.
Location: Olympia Grill
(1 Derry Rd. E, Mississauga, ON L5T 2Z8)
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Costs: $5 at the door
(donated to Food Bank)
Please RSVP rnaopeel@gmail.com by October 16th
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 12 OF 15
Peel Chapter Resolution Dinner
On March 25, 2015 Peel Chapter members
met together at Ruby’s Grill in Mississauga for the
Resolution Dinner. This is an annual event where
RNAO members and Consultation Reps come
together to discuss the current proposed
resolutions being submitted at the RNAO’s
Annual General Meeting.
RNAO is a membership-driven association
and rely on the members’ inputs to shape our
agenda. Through the members’ resolutions,
RNAO were able to carry out important
initiatives.
This year there were nine resolutions being
proposed. These include: dental care, financial
support for older Canadians, human trafficking,
funding sources for novice nurse researchers,
climate change, school based public health
nursing, nurses liability protection, oral
mouthwash, and sickle cell disease strategy. To
learn more about these resolutions, check out
http://rnao.ca/events/annual-general-meetingagm-1.
Peel Chapter members celebrated Nursing Week!
Thanks to the City of Brampton for proclaiming
Nursing Week for the RNAO Peel Chapter. Peel
Chapter exec members Sandrina, Sinead, and Ioana
picked up the proclamation document from
Brampton City Hall on May 15, 2015.
Peel Chapter also held a nursing week celebration
dinner on May 5, 2015. See page 9 for photos of the
event.
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 13 OF 15
On September 30, 2015
Peel and Halton Chapters are pleased to
present
RNAO’s 90th Anniversary
President and CEO Fall Tour
With
RNAO Chief Executive Officer
September 30th 6pm to 8pm
Dr. Doris Grinspun
Agenda
Achievements from the past 90 years to lay the
groundwork for the years ahead
5:30pm Registration, Mix and Mingle
6:15pm Guest Speaker, Dr. Doris Grinspun
7:15pm Member’s Voices
South Common Community Centre
2233 South Millway
Mississauga, Ontario L5L3H7
Arbour Green Room
This is a free event open to
members and non-members
RSVP: rnaopeel@gmail.com
Register by Sept 23, 2015
Light refreshments will be served
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 14 OF 15
Welcome to the New Executive Network
Officers (ENOs) of Our Peel Chapter
Ioanna Gheorghiu, RNTeam
Communication ENO
While currently working in acute care as a new graduate RN, I am also passionate about global
health and the impact of the social determinants of health on well-being. I am a strong support
of social justice, appreciate good literature and believe in the potential of individuals to create
change while daring greatly.
Sandrina Ntamwemezi, RN
Workplace Liaison ENO
My name is Sandrina Ntamwemezi and I am a recent nursing graduate. I completed a
Baccalaurate in Nursing Science at York University in October 2014. Prior to nursing, I
completed an Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga. My
passion for nursing was born out of passion for Public Health and Health Promotion. As an
undergrad at UTM, I volunteered and worked for programs geared towards student health and
wellness education. This is something I maintain, to this day, when I interact with patients, and
provide them with care. I currently work as a Public Health Nurse for the Region of Peel.
Kylene Hua, RN, BScN, MN
IT/Social Media ENO
My name is Kylene and I currently work as a Registered Nurse in the areas of Endoscopy and
Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. I recently completed my graduate degree from the
university of Toronto majoring in Nursing Administration, and have found the experience very
rewarding. I am passioante about nursing and believe that we as nurses have the power to
advocate for healthy public policy, promote excellence in practice, and shape our health care
system. I am honoured to be a part of RNAO Peel Chapter and look forward to many exciting
things ahead!
Do you know a recent
nursing grad?
New nursing grads now have the chance
to become part of a 41,500 memberstrong association FREE OF CHARGE!
(Sponsored by HUB International)
To join, select “New Graduate” at
www.myrnao.ca/join. Hurry! Limited
numbers of free memberships available!
PEEL CHATTER FALL 2015
PAGE 15 OF 15
WHY JOIN RNAO?
Why join? Let a member tell you!
I know that my membership with RNAO adds to the
strong voice to keep the government accountable for
their commitments and to keep more nurses in the
health-care system:
 Strengthen Medicare; reduce poverty and
build healthy, green communities;
 70% full-time employment for all RNs;
 Expand the Late Career Nurse (80/20)
Initiative for all nurses who are 55 and older;
 Improve work environments; prevent cuts in
nursing services; expand roles for RNs and
NPs;
 9,000 additional nurses
 Equalize remuneration across sectors;
 Fund 25 new NP-Led Clinics… and more"
Membership Benefits
Since 1925, we have advocated for healthy public
policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice,
increased nurses' contribution to shaping the healthcare system, and influenced decisions that affect
nurses and the public they serve.
RNAO boasts more than 33,000 members in Ontario
and abroad. RNAO members benefit from
membership in a variety of ways.
Advocacy: Through our advocacy work, ongoing
consultations with the Ontario government, we are
vigilant in our mission to enhance the nursing
profession. Members are often among the first to
learn of proposed changes to public policy and
members often provide input in policy-making
decisions.
Professional Community: Through conferences,
institutes, interest groups, online communities and
chapter activities, we provide knowledge-rich,
exclusive networking opportunities for members to
cultivate rewarding personal and professional
relationships.
Learning and Career Advancement: With events
happening not only across the province, but also
across the world, members have access to
unparalleled nursing learning events. Through the
RNCareers, a niche network of Workopolis, we have
created a central point for nursing recruitment.
Knowledge Leadership: RNAO’s Best Practice
Guidelines department offers opportunities in areas
such as research, surveys, guideline development and
professional
development.
Our
bi-monthly
publication, the Registered Nurse Journal, ensures
members are at the front of the line when it comes to
access to nursing thought leadership.
Free Services: RNAO members enjoy a number of free
services, including subscriptions to the Registered
Nurse Journal magazine, media assistance, career
consultation, webinars, attendance and at the Annual
General Meeting.
Discounts: Liability protection is built in to
membership for all RNs. Members can save money by
taking advantage of discounts on education, personal
insurance and business insurance products and
services exclusive to members.
To join online please go to www.joinrnao.org/App/
or give us a call at (416) 599-1925 or toll free 1-800268-7199