SNIG Spring Newsletter, May 6, 2026
Dear SNIG Members,
Happy Nurses Week!
Thank you for your ongoing support of SNIG. As of April 15, our membership includes 156 RN and NP professionals and 456 students. Over the past months, we have hosted several informative webinars. If you have not yet attended, these sessions are available for viewing on the SNIG website (https://chapters-igs.RNAO.ca/interestgroup/9/about) and are highly recommended.
Hello SNIG members,
Have you been thinking about how to make a meaningful impact within your nursing community?
One of the most powerful ways to do so is by stepping into a leadership role with the SNIG.
We are currently seeking nominations for Executive Network Officer (ENO) positions. These roles offer a rewarding opportunity to contribute to RNAO’s work while also growing your own professional skills and expanding your network.
Why get involved?
As an interest group leader, you will have the opportunity to:
Dear member,
We would like to thank you for being members of our Interest Groups. You have received an email promoting our Webinar April 13 with speaker Paula Manuel, "Work Life Balance - How is youSOUL?". We hope many of you will attend as it is sure to be interesting and helpful.
We have decided to have a short AGM/Report at the beginning of the webinar for both Interest Groups. I just wanted to inform you of this addition.
Nursing today can be incredibly stressful, and balancing the demands of work with home life is often challenging. Many nurses experience fatigue, burnout, and at times, moral distress. So how do you not only navigate these feelings, but truly thrive? How do you remain a strong, dependable team member? And how do you build the resilience to rely on yourself so you can better care for others?
Join the Staff Nurse Interest Group and the Retired Nurses' Interest Group in welcoming:
Paula Manuel, RN (ret.) for Work Life Balance - How is Your Soul?
Greetings Nurses,
Thank you for being a member of RNAO and the Staff Nurse Interest Group. Thank you for the important and often difficult work that you do, caring for Ontarians.
As I write this newsletter, there are demonstrations and protests in United States against the illegal and brutal treatment of its peoples. This month in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti who were on the streets observing ICE activities, have been murdered by federal agents. Good and Pretti have been called domestic terrorists by the US government.
This event is a live jeopardy-style competition followed by themed breakout rooms. The Jeopardy game will have questions in three categories: RNAO Basics, Clinical Scenarios, and Nurse Life and Pop Culture. Teams will compete by answering questions, earning points and engaging in friendly competition and fun.
Following the game, participants may choose a breakout room: Nurses Wellness and Movement or Creative Expression Workshop.
Join Tegan Vermey, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, for an informative discussion on pelvic floor challenges that are common—but not normal—across life stages including pregnancy, menopause, and prostate cancer. In this presentation, Tegan will raise awareness, break down stigma, and provide evidence-based insight into pelvic floor conditions such as incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain, affecting both women and men.
Date: February 9, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Dear SNIG & RetNIG members,
Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with authors Tilda Shalof and Lisa Mochrie. Discover insights from their latest book, The Handover: A Nurse’s Last Shift, and engage in meaningful conversation
Don’t miss this unique opportunity - register today!
REGISTER HERE: https://rnao.ca/events/chapters-igs-events-297
SNIG & RetNIG Executives
Hello SNIG members,
We are organizing an RN prescribing subgroup within SNIG to better connect members who prescribe, share resources, and receive targeted updates.
If you are an RN prescriber, please take 20 seconds to confirm using this form https://myrnao.ca/rn_prescribing_2025
What you will receive:
Parkinson’s disease affects millions worldwide, yet its complexities remain misunderstood by many. This event offers a compelling journey into the science, symptoms, and stories behind Parkinson’s—revealing how it impacts movement, cognition, and daily life. Whether you're a caregiver, a curious mind, or someone seeking hope through research, join us to explore the latest breakthroughs, and the future of treatment. Discover how knowledge can empower action—and why understanding Parkinson’s is a step toward compassion and change.
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s easy to get caught up in the celebrations – family gatherings, delicious food and festive drinks. But for those living with diabetes, it can also be a challenging time to keep blood sugar levels in check. The good news? You can still enjoy the festivities without putting your health at risk. With a little planning and mindful choices, it’s possible to savour the season while staying well. Remember: the goal isn’t to miss out – it’s to celebrate smart!
Dear SNIG Members,
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the Staff Nurse Interest Group (SNIG). This issue highlights some of the exciting developments and events from the past few months.
Ever feel lost or frustrated as a new RN. Maybe not able to get the job you wanted or find that there aren't any jobs to go to. Feeling overwhelmed? Placements didn't go as planned. We would love to hear from you and what your experiences are as a new grad! Maybe, you have your dream job and would love to share your positivity but, have witnessed classmates who are struggling. The nursing voice is powerful, and we can be great comfort to each other. We need to listen and collaborate solutions in a safe environment.
Dear member,
Do You Have a Passion for Advocating for Nurses and Health Care?
The Staff Nurse Interest Group (SNIG) is looking for dedicated members to join our executive team!
We are currently seeking nominations for the following positions:
Dear member,
Do You Have a Passion for Advocating for Nurses and Health Care?
The Staff Nurse Interest Group (SNIG) is looking for dedicated members to join our executive team!
We are currently seeking nominations for the following positions:
Click here for more details on the role descriptions.
Hello Fellow RNs, NPs and nursing students:
Ethics in nursing is the foundation of professional practice, guiding nurses in making moral and ethical decisions while providing patient care. It encompasses principles such as respect, dignity, confidentiality, and advocacy, ensuring that patients receive safe and compassionate treatment. Nurses must continuously educate themselves on ethical principles and apply them to their daily practice to provide compassionate, fair, and ethical care.
Join the Staff Nurse Interest Group in welcoming:
Have you ever thought of nursing in a different country? or going on a short trip to another country with other Nurses to help out?
Join Adrienne Kappes, RN, as she shares her adventures as part of a team bound for Guatemala this past February. She will fill you in on the pros and cons of her experience. Adrienne is an experienced travel nurse and retired military nurse.
Ethics in nursing is the foundation of professional practice, guiding nurses in making moral and ethical decisions while providing patient care. It encompasses principles such as respect, dignity, confidentiality, and advocacy, ensuring that patients receive safe and compassionate treatment. Nurses must continuously educate themselves on ethical principles and apply them to their daily practice to provide compassionate, fair, and ethical care.
Join the Staff Nurse Interest Group in welcoming:
Greetings SNIG members!
Hoping that you are all doing well.
*I am inviting you to our AGM, taking place via Zoom on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. ET We will have a short reporting of SNIG activities and then Lhamo Dolkar, RNAO president will speak about RNAO priorities and answer questions. We are close to Lhamo as she is the past chair of SNIG. I expect she will speak about the upcoming provincial election. You will receive the registration email soon.