Greetings from the Chair
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.
In May, I had the honour of attending the RNAO Annual General Meeting, which celebrated RNAO’s 100th anniversary. SNIG was proud to serve as the Host Interest Group for this milestone event. Alongside past Chair and current Communications ENO Una Ferguson, we had the privilege of giving the opening address – a memorable moment for all of us.
Annual Think Tank in Muskoka
After a summer break, our team gathered for SNIG’s annual Think Tank in beautiful Muskoka. Because our executive members live across the province, this yearly in-person meeting is a special opportunity to connect, collaborate, and plan for the year ahead. Our mandate continues to be: The Health and Wellbeing of the Nurse
Our 2025 theme is:
“Innovate, Advocate, Elevate: The Future is Here.”
We’re thrilled to share that our executive team is now complete for the first time in years!
SNIG Executive Officers:
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Chair: Brenda Hutton
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Chairs-Elect: Merit Sadek & Damali Austin
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Chief Scribe & Blogger: Paula Manuel
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Communications: Una Ferguson
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Membership: Laura Uribe
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Policy & Political Action: Chahat Sharma
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Finance: McKenna Hill
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Student ENOs: Aveen Abdoli & Kimberly Nabukenya
Webinars
Membership in SNIG gives you access to our monthly webinars on Teams or Zoom, or recorded via Facebook, Instagram, and on our website.
We kicked off the season on Sept. 29 with “Thriving, Not Just Surviving as a New Graduate”, co-hosted with the New RN Interest Group. Panelists Tania Lafleur, Merit Sadek, and Paula Manuel shared inspiring experiences and advice for new grads entering the profession.
Upcoming Webinars:
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“Understanding Parkinson’s: A guide to the Road Ahead” – Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. ET via Teams
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“Celebrate Smart: Diabetic tips for the Season” (featuring a registered dietitian) – Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. ET via Zoom
Watch your inbox for invitations in the coming weeks!
Connect with SNIG Online
Stay in touch through our social channels and blog:
Social Media: linktr.ee/staffnurseinterestgroup
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Find us on Facebook (RNAO SNIG) and Instagram for photos, updates, and webinar recordings.
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A big thank-you to Merit Sadek and student ENOs Aveen Abdoli and Kimberly Nabukenya for their excellent work managing our platforms.
Blog: lifeofanurse.com
Our award-winning blog features regular posts by Paula Manuel, read by nurses around the world.
Meet Our New Executive!
Damali Austin, APN, MScN, BScN — Chair-Elect
Damali is a passionate Advanced Practice Nurse with over 15 years of experience across acute care, long-term care, and both public and private sectors. With a Master of Science in Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, she brings a strong blend of clinical expertise and strategic vision. Damali is deeply dedicated to empowering nurses, fostering engagement, and advancing leadership in our profession.
Kimberly Nabukenya — Student ENO
Hello everyone! I’m Kimberly, a second-year nursing student with a background in Health Sciences. I’m thrilled to serve as a Student and Social Media Executive with SNIG. My interests include how social factors—like employment, race, and social support—impact health. I’m passionate about providing holistic, culturally safe care and look forward to supporting nurse wellness through creative workshops and videos.
SNIG Wellness Tip — Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
One of the best ways to nurture your wellbeing is by spending time in nature. “Forest Bathing,” or Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is the mindful practice of immersing yourself in a forest environment. Walk slowly, use all your senses—smell the earth and trees, listen to birdsong, feel the breeze—and take time to simply be present.
Benefits include:
Boosted immunity • Lower stress • Improved mood • Enhanced energy • Better heart health • Pain reduction • Longevity
Even if you live in the city, parks, riversides, and green spaces offer similar benefits. Park Prescriptions Canada recommends at least two hours per week, with sessions of 20 minutes or more. Nurses can even become prescribers through PaRx, Canada’s evidence-based nature prescription program.
Learn more:
SNIG & Political Action — Code Red: Ontario Health Coalition
Ontario’s public healthcare system is at risk. The government’s move toward privatization means more patients are being asked to pay out of pocket for procedures that should be covered by OHIP.
For example, patients undergoing cataract surgery at private clinics have reported out-of-pocket costs exceeding $10,000, despite initial promises of full OHIP coverage. The proposed expansion to orthopedic surgeries—like hip and knee replacements—threatens to further erode our public system.
It’s alarming that private clinics are being paid more than public hospitals for the same procedures (sources: CBC, CUPE). As healthcare professionals, we must speak out to protect equitable access for all Ontarians.
In September, the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) organized province-wide protests to oppose privatization. I personally support OHC through small monthly donations and past demonstrations—and encourage you to do the same. Talk to your patients, contact your MPP, and help safeguard public healthcare.
References:
Closing Thoughts
Wishing you all the best in the months ahead – and we hope to see many of you at our upcoming webinars! If you have any suggestions for webinars please contact us at [email protected]
Warm regards,
Brenda Hutton
Chair, Staff Nurse Interest Group (SNIG), RNAO
Edited by Una Ferguson