Nurses: With You Every Step of the Way

Today special guests, Dianne Martin, Executive Director of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) and Tim Lenartowych, Director of Nursing and Health Policy at Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) joined nursing professionals at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in honour of National Nursing Week.

Martin was also on hand to deliver the keynote address later in the day, “Making Diversity Work: Role, Clarity, and Collaborative Teams.”

National Nursing Week annually falls during the second week of May, coinciding with May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, in recognition of the dedication and achievements of nursing professionals.

Since 2004, TBRHSC has evolved into a world-class, leading healthcare facility, which could not have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of our nursing staff. Nurses make up the largest group of employees at TBRHSC and National Nursing Week provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding compassionate and safe care nurses provide to patients all year long.

“The contribution of our nursing staff to embrace best practice changes at the bedside positively impacts patient care outcomes,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, Executive Vice-President, Patient Services and CNE. “Especially during times of overcapacity, nurses’ commitment to support best care is to be commended. Please help us to celebrate our nurses week.”

National Nursing Week opened on Monday, May 11 with an opening ceremony with special guest, Mayor Keith Hobbs, breakfast, and a short presentation on the evolution of TBRHSC Nursing since the hospital opened in 2004. On Wednesday, nurses were invited to a reception and book signing with nurse and best-selling author, Tilda Shalof.

The week closes with the Nursing Awards of Excellence Celebration, TBRHSC’s annual tribute to individual nurses and teams of nurses who exemplify the highest standards of quality nursing practice and patient and family centered care.

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