Saskatoon Nursing Week 2016

national nursing week

National Nursing Week May 9-15

J O NAT H A N H A M E L I N POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

Many Saskatchewan residents are confident that their registered nurses (RNs) and RN nurse practitioners RN(NP)s can help them navigate through Saskatchewan’s complex and always changing health care system. This is based on information obtained from the 2016 Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association’s (SRNA) biennial survey - RNs: Practice and Perception Research Report, conducted by Strategian.

Residents strongly agreed with the statements “I have confidence in the professional ability of registered nurses” (4.25 out of 5 mean) and “registered nurses and RN(NP)s support me to make informed decisions about my health” (4.12 mean).

“RNs and RN(NP)s have a deep knowledge and skillset that they bring to delivering patient care with a team approach. In the end, we hear from the public, and definitely from our employers and other stakeholders in the province, that RNs and RN(NP)s are delivering safe, competent, ethical and culturally appropriate care to patients and families,” says Carolyn Hoffman, RN, Executive Director of the SRNA.

RNs and other members of the team have to invest in their own competencies and skills to keep up with all of the latest developments to deliver safe quality care.

Carolyn H o ffman, RN, Executive D irector of the SR NA

“There are 11,285 practicing RNs and RN(NP)s in the province. This number has been increasing each year over the past 13 years. It’s one very important reflection of the valuable role they’re playing in the system in terms of the need for their expertise.”

RNs and RN(NP)s work in many practice settings: point of care, research, education, administration and policy. To become licensed as an RN, one must complete a number of requirements including successful completion of a baccalaureate nursing program approved or recognized by the SRNA. There are two baccalaureate nursing education programs in Saskatchewan:

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REGISTERED NURSES NAVIGATE THROUGH A COMPLEX HEALTH CARE SYSTEM the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (offered in partnership by the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing and the University of Regina Faculty of Nursing), or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. An RN(NP) is an advanced practice RN who has completed additional education at an advanced level.

As Hoffman explains, a key factor that helps RNs and RN(NP)s stay on top of their profession and adapt to a changing health care system is pursuing “continued education.”

“Every year, we see changes to health care technology and an increase in the complexity of health conditions that patients experience. RNs and other members of the team have to invest in their own competencies and skills to keep up with all of the latest developments to deliver safe quality care,” she says.

“Patients and families benefit from new advancements in the industry. RNs need to understand these new developments and use them safely and competently when dealing with patients. One of our key priorities is RNs providing evidence-based care. We have the expectation that our RNs seek and incorporate the latest evidence in the care they deliver.”

The SRNA, established in 1917, is the profession-led regulatory body for the province’s RNs and RN(NP) s. With its primary mandate being regulation, Hoffman notes that the SRNA reviews and approves entrylevel nursing education programs in the province whose graduates go on to seek licensure as an RN or RN(NP). The SRNA also has a continuing competence requirement for all RNs and RN(NP)s and works closely with them to ensure they are promoting the concept of “continued education.”

“We want to ensure that these programs are laying the foundation of ongoing learning. When you look to these programs, it’s clear that they’re doing a great job of helping nurses become lifelong learners,” Hoffman says.

“As an association, we also provide information and resources that help RNs meet these challenges. We partner with employers, educators, local and national organizations to deliver education to RNs. In 2015, we partnered with the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS), and employers in the north to deliver two workshops. It’s all about giving RNs the confidence that they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver care that’s safe and competent.”

As the health care system continues to change in Saskatchewan, Hoffman stresses the need for more RNs and RN(NPs) to help meet the increased demands. It’s a point the public agrees upon, as well. Overall, the level of agreement to the survey question, “Currently, more RNs are needed in the province’s health care system,” was rated high (mean of 4.26), while

There are 11,285 practicing Registered Nurses and RN Nurse Practitioners in Saskatchewan. Above and below, nurses work to deliver quality care to their patients. p hot os: SR NA

74.9 per cent of respondents agreed that the province should have more RN(NP)s.

“We would definitely like to see a coordinated, collaborative health human resource plan for nursing in the province over the next ten years and beyond,” Hoffman says.

“This will ensure that as our population ages and the system focuses more on prevention of disease and injury, we have the RNs to deliver the services required. We believe there’s an opportunity for expanding the RN’s role in delivering competent, quality nursing services in primary care and the community.

More RNs will be needed to accomplish this.”

National Nursing Week runs from May 9 to 15 in Canada, and Hoffman feels that it’s “a great opportunity to recognize all nurses in the province and say ‘thank you’ for all that they do.”

Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA) was established in 1917 and is the profession-led regulatory body for the province’s RNs and RN(NP)s. ABOVE (left to right): SRNA President Linda Wasko-Lacey, Executive Director Carolyn Hoffman, and Public Representative on SRNA Council Jyotsna (Jo) Custead.

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National Nursing Week

May 9-11 2016 Nurses: With you every step of the way.

Join us in celebrating Nursing Week.

Take time to reflect on the contribution nursing makes in helping the people of Saskatchewan maintain, and enhance their health and quality of life.

SASKATCHEWAN

ASSOCIATION

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Occupational Health Nurses focus on zero workplace injuries Health and safety in the workplace is key TOBIE HAINSTOCK POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

Workplace safety has been a concern to labourers, tradespeople and professionals since the industrial revolution, but a Worker’s Compensation Board report released a few years ago served to be eye opening. In 2012, Saskatchewan’s workplace death toll was the highest it had been on over 30 years.

With a shocking 60 fatalities, the province held a ranking of second worst province in Canada for workplace safety.

Striving for Change

Since then, a determination to change things has resulted in improvements to the ranking.

Over the next two years the numbers of incidents dropped. Although still almost twice the national average for time loss claims, Saskatchewan’s numbers had decreased to 2.41 per cent. Workplace injuries were also down from 7.80 per cent in 2013 to 6.99 per cent in 2014.

Awareness campaigns such as

Mission: Zero have brought the need for a safe and healthy work environment to the forefront. Although conditions for many have gotten better, there is always room for improvement, no matter what the occupation. By offering preventative services in the workplace, many times the demands for emergency and other medical services can be kept to a minimum.

Professionals who Make a Difference

This renewed awareness has resulted in a demand for Occupational Health Nurses (OHN) in the workplace to assist in creating a safer and healthier work environment.

According to the Canadian Occupational Health Nurses Association, an OHN is a registered nurse who is practicing in the specialty of Occupational Health and Safety.

The OHN delivers integrated services to individual workers and worker populations. Occupational health nursing encompasses the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and the preven-

Occupational Health Nurses can offer education to employers, safety training and support to employees, onsite treatment when needed, bring attention to any workplace hazards and much more.

An awareness of the need to create a safe and healthy work environment has resulted in a demand for Occupational Health Nurses in the workplace. Occupational health nursing encompasses the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and the prevention of illness and injury. p hot o: f ot olia

tion of illness and injury.

The role of the OHN can be a very broad one. They can offer education to employers, safety training and support to employees, onsite treatment when needed, bring attention to any workplace hazards and much more.

The Occupational Health Nursing Program

As a result of the increased demand for OHN professionals, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Nursing has introduced the Occupational Health Nurse Program to help meet this demand.

Laureen Larson, Continuing Education Consultant for the School of Nursing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, states that the OHN program is a post-graduate certificate program.

“As an adult learning program, students can enter the program and leave at their own pace,” she explains. This program is particularly appealing to registered nurses who are already working in a workplace setting or are looking to ex-

The fast track to success POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

The first participants in a new option to complete the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program are moving into the final lap as they work to complete their final year of education. The University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic offer, in partnership, the SCBScN – a four year nursing degree program available in Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current.

Graduates of the SCBScN program go on to seek licensure as a RN. The LPN to RN (LPN2RN) Option facilitates a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to fast track their education through the SCBScN program by providing credit for their previous LPN education. LPNs who complete the LPN2RN Option earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and go on to write the national licensing exam to become an RN. Through this option, graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Practical Nursing diploma program (since 2008) are able to complete the program in 24 months (six terms) rather than the usual 48 months (8 terms).

“This is a great solution for those LPNs who wish to pursue their degree while working in the healthcare environment,” says Christa

MacLean, SCBScN program head, Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Dr. Robin Evans, associate dean, Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina says the LPN2RN Option is in response to requests by LPNs to receive credit for classes they’ve already taken and to decrease the length of time it takes to complete a nursing degree program.

“LPNs entering the nursing degree program were asking about transfer credits in recognition of prior learning. Given that we now teach courses year-round, including the summer months, we were able to create an education pathway that enabled the LPNs to accelerate through the SCBScN program,” says Evans.

Research to determine the need for the program and bring a student-oriented approach began two years ago. A team of faculty from both institutions worked together to examine applicable transfer credits from Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Practical Nursing program (for those graduates 2008 or later) and found that students could be credited for almost the entire first year of the SCBScN program, as well as two second year courses.

“We carefully examined curriculum to make sure elements of the Practical Nursing program clinical

experience were considered and established provisions for priority entrance into the upper years of the SCBScN program,” MacLean says.

The first 20 students, 11 in Regina and nine in Saskatoon, began their studies last fall and are poised to move into the second year of study, which will be the final year needed to obtain their nursing degree.

“The nice thing about the LPN2RN option is they get to go straight though the program.

That’s what they’re really excited about because they can accelerate.

They go to school over two summers so they’re done earlier,” says Evans.

The program is available to both newly-graduated LPNs and those already working in health care.

MacLean says LPNs bring valuable backgrounds and experience to the program and to the health care system.

While faculty will continue work with students to evaluate the program, it’s already apparent it’s going to continue, with Evans saying reaction to the program has been very positive.

“We’ve had a record number of LPNs applying. It’s very popular,” says Evans. With the first set of students moving into their final year, the fast track to success is wide open to Saskatchewan LPNs.

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pand their career options.

The first intake for students of the program takes place in May, 2016. After this, intake periods will take place every year in January, May and September.

The program offers eight courses, a simulated lab and a workplace practicum where participants are mentored by professionals who are working in an occupational health environment. The practicum is a valuable tool which provides students with hands-on field experience.

Larson adds that Saskatchewan Polytechnic is pleased to offer a strong faculty that is professional and experienced in the occupational health industry.

Health and wellness in the workplace is the key theme throughout the studies focusing on the overall well-being of employees within a number of circumstances. Professionals who are taking part in the OHN program will acquire a great deal of knowledge and skills that will equip them for a variety of situations, such as assessing the physical and mental health and well-being of workers, inspecting work areas for potential accidents,

conducting investigations when accidents happen, being aware of safety hazards and communicating about them to the appropriate people on the job site.

Once completed, students are then prepared to write the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety exam for even further credibility in their chosen profession.

Focusing on Achieving the Goal

With a province-wide goal of attaining zero work injuries, more and more employers are looking at having OHNs in the workplace.

These dedicated professionals provide their expertise and guidance to assist in achieving this goal through preventative methods first. Regardless of what type of workplace it is, for the OHN, the motivation is always to make certain that everyone goes home to their families safe and sound at the end of the day.

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Caring for you Saskatchewan Cancer Agency registered nurses — with you on your cancer care journey.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency operates prevention and early detection programs, provides safe, quality cancer treatment and conducts innovative research. www.saskcancer.ca @saskcancer

BACHELOROFSCIENCEINNURSINGPOST-DEGREEBACHELOROFSCIENCEINNURSINGMASTEROFNURSINGPRIMARY HEALTH CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER POST-GRADUATE NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING POST-DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING MASTER OF NURSING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER POST-GRADUATE NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING POST-DEGREE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSINGMASTEROFNURSINGPRIMARYHEALTHCARENURSEPRACTITIONERPOST-GRADUATENURSEPRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING POST-DEGREE BACHELOR

U of S Nursing Offering undergraduate and graduate programming, the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing teaches interprofessional education, research and practice. We expand our reach beyond our borders to make a difference in the world.

Learn Where YOU Live Saskatoon • Regina • Prince Albert • Northern SK • Yorkton

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A story of Hope:

HOPE’S HOME NOW IN THREE SASKATCHEWAN COMMUNITIES

Hope’s Home offers daycare, daytime and extended respite, supportive living, and transition care for children with complex medical needs and their families, and for typically developing children. p ho tos suppl ied

A S H L E I G H M AT T E R N

When we started, honestly, I didn’t know we were the first medical day care in the province and in Canada. I was just trying to help some families.

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Jacqueline Tisher speaks for the children who have no voice.

As a Registered Nurse working in pediatric intensive care, she saw children with complex medical needs who never went home. She saw children living in hospitals, nursing homes, and Alzheimer’s wings. She saw parents who remained involved, and others who did not.

Then she met Hope Dawn Marie, an infant with spina bifida who would end up changing the lives of hundreds of families. The Tishers fostered Hope, who had a tracheostomy, an opening in the trachea that allowed her to breathe. She needed a nurse with her all the time.

“She only came home for two home visits then passed away at 10 months of age,” Tisher says. “When Hope passed away, it woke me up to a different reality that we had never experienced before as a family....

The community wasn’t ready for these children.”

A new way forward

Hope’s Home offers daycare, daytime and extended respite, supportive living, and transition care for children with complex medical

Jacqueline Tisher, Founder of Hope’s Home.

needs and their families, and for typically developing children.

The concept started at Tisher’s house as a licenced day care for five kids with medical needs along with her own children. The wait list grew, so they moved to a bigger home. Soon they had 12 children.

And it kept growing.

“When we started, honestly, I didn’t know we were the first medical day care in the province and in Canada,” Tisher says. “I was just trying to help some families.”

In 2008, they purchased their first building in Regina, with four staff and 12 children, but soon

jacq uel ine tisher, foun der , hope’s home

had to open a second centre. In 2013, they expanded to Prince Albert. In Saskatoon, they have supportive living for children who are wards of the province, and are looking for a day care location.

One of the most unique aspects of Hope’s Home is that typically developing kids can attend as well.

Tisher says about 30 per cent of the kids at their day cares require nursing care, while the other 70 per cent are siblings or children from the community.

“They come in with an attitude of, I can’t, I won’t, I shouldn’t, and then they do because they’re

around their peers.... Even if a child is not able to eat, they participate in lunch time; they play with, touch, smell the food, to be part of that experience because it’s social.”

Staff includes early childhood educators to make sure the kids are meeting their growth and development milestones, and they organize large and small group activities that everyone participates in. Tisher says the typically developing kids get just as much out of the set-up as the kids with medical needs.

“We’re raising a bunch of caregivers, social workers, nurses, and teachers,” she says.

Nurses essential to success

Tisher says the RNs and licensed practical nurses who work at Hope’s Home are essential to their organization – that their scope of practice is what allows them to create what they have. Unfortunately, that high level of training is one of the reasons why Tisher thinks more care centres like these don’t exist. But her long-term vision is to change that.

In 2014, they had 30 staff; today, they have 130. They’re expanding their services in Saskatchewan, and she envisions a future where Hope’s Home can be found across the country. First, though, she

wants to see all of their standards clearly in place so that every location can deliver the same high level of care.

“We’re making sure we’re stable, looking at who we are as an organization, making sure all our systems and processes are documented, so when it is time to go to another province, it doesn’t feel like the first time again.”

These services are in high demand. Tisher says they’ve had calls from all over the country, from both families in need, and officials. One family even moved to Saskatchewan so they could bring their child to Hope’s Home.

Since they first opened their doors, the organization has helped over 300 families. For Tisher, helping these families is what nursing is all about.

“Nursing is a challenging career, and it’s important to care for other people, to care for humanity, and to have the training to do that.” She apologizes as her voice chokes up with emotion. “It’s important to be able to give back to our world, and to take our ideas and our dreams as nurses to change the world.

We have the power to do that. We have a choice of what to do with our time and our days, and I’m going to choose to make the world a better place.”

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When the unexpected occurs, my knowledge helps you on the road to recovery.

A new journey is beginning.

I’m here to help make it safer.”

My education and knowledge are key to recovery, no matter how long it takes.

Saskatchewan’s registered nurses make a difference.

celebrating nurses week

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Sask Polytech Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program opens doors and improves patient care Part-time, online program is flexible and accommodating to busy schedules One of Amanda Rowley’s favourite quotes is, “A year from now, you’ll wish you had started today.”

It’s a quote she seems to live by, and it’s served her well.

Rowley is a community mental health nurse working in Unity, Saskatchewan. She also teaches nursing students at the University of Saskatchewan. The teaching position wouldn’t have been possible had she not earned her bachelor’s degree in psychiatric nursing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The part-time, online program was developed for registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) and is geared towards those who are working full time. The online program is flexible and accommodating to busy schedules.

Dr. Netha Dyck, dean of the School of Nursing at Sask Polytech, says the online format makes the program convenient and appealing, and accommodates the busy schedules of working nurses.

“That’s a real advantage for the way we’re delivering the program.

Not only do students not have to leave the province, but they don’t even have to leave their community. They can take the program right from their own home, right now,” says Dyck. “We offer the only bachelor of psychiatric nursing program in Saskatchewan.”

By taking two courses a semester, students can graduate in as little as two years. Often, students find they are eligible to transfer credit from other colleg-

es and universities. If life gets too busy, students can opt to take one course per semester, instead of two. In addition, they have some flexibility in determining the exam dates.

Rowley was one of the program’s first graduates when she completed her degree last year. Her husband, Johann Engelke, is also an RPN set to graduate with his bachelor’s degree this spring.

“We felt that the future of psychiatric nursing was changing and that the positions you can attain with just your diploma now may not be attainable in the future,” says Rowley. “But we also really wanted to continue opening doors for ourselves, so that we’d be able to move around more, but also just to continue developing ourselves professionally.”

For Engelke, a significant professional development opportunity still awaits him. He’s about to pack his bags for Africa for the four-week final clinical placement required for his degree.

“I’m going to be working in a 450-bed psychiatric hospital in Kampala, Uganda,” he says. “That opportunity is unbelievable. I was flabbergasted when they offered it to me.”

Sask Polytech is eager to expand the program’s international education opportunities. A partnership with Ukraine is currently being explored for the near future.

Not only do students not have to leave the province, but they don’t even have to leave their community.

They can take the program right from their own home, right now.

Dr . Ne t ha Dy c k, De an o f t he S c ho o l o f Nursi ng at Saskatchewan Polytechni c

s e e R P N pr o g r a m o n n e x t p a g e

National

Nursing Week May 9 to 16, 2016 Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are knowledgeable, compassionate care providers who are dedicated to the well-being of the people in their care.

Whether it’s your community nursing home, hospital or home care services, the SEIU-West family of nursing is there to ensure you receive quality hands-on care to meet your medical and health care needs.

Nursing week is a time to recognize and value the full range of professional skills offered by the CCA and LPN members of your nursing team.

Join us in celebrating the entire Nursing family – visit:

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has developed a part-time, online program for registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) that is geared towards those who are working full time. ph oto: f otol i a

PurpleWorks.ca

SCHOOL OF NURSING 50th Anniversary 1967-2017

We salute all nurses in the province for your ongoing dedication and commitment to the profession of nursing and the people you care for.

Your significant efforts contribute to the quality of life and health care within our province and impact the education of our nursing students.

You are invited to attend the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2017. You will not want to miss these once in a lifetime activities.

• April 21, 2017 Prince Albert Campus • April 28 and 29, 2017 Regina Campus • May 12 and 13, 2017 Saskatoon Campus We need your help reconnecting with students from each graduating year.

Help us by staying in touch with your fellow classmates.

Please email us at nursing.50th@ saskpolytech.ca or call 306-775-7822. saskpolytech

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The future of psychiatric nursing is changing Want to have your say on the news? Send us a letter at letters@ thestarphoenix. com.

Saskatchewan Collaborative Programs in Nursing

Advancing excellence in nursing.

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According to Dr. Dyck, as mental health issues increase, more wellprepared professionals and practitioners will be required.

“With the degree program, you gain a greater depth and breadth of knowledge because the program is focused on advanced psychiatric nursing practices. It has a greater focus on research and evidencebased practice, and applying that in practice,” says Dyck. “It also has a greater focus on management and leadership.”

Because of their advanced education and applied experience, graduates like Rowley are in a better position to advocate for patients living with mental illness.

“One of my philosophies in life is that we need to create the future that we want to see,” says Rowley. “Being able to teach, I can get down on the student level and help form the nurses who are going to be working with our psychiatric patients in the future, so there’s less stigma and a better understanding.”

With the degree program, you gain a greater depth and breadth of knowledge because the program is focused on advanced psychiatric nursing practices.

D r . N e t h a Dy c k , Dean of the School o f N u r s i ng at S a s k at c h e wa n P o ly t e c h n i c

Students in the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program and the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP) are working hard every day to meet the standard of health care set by the nursing professionals who came before them.

We thank the nurses of Saskatchewan for their ongoing support and wisdom.

With your guidance and mentoring, we will ensure that the next generation of nursing professionals continue Saskatchewan’s tradition of health care excellence.

For more information about the Sask Polytech Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program, visit: saskpolytech.ca/nursing.

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