Dear NPIG member,
I hope that you and your families are healthy. I hope that you have the spiritual fortitude to remain a pillar for your loved ones, your patients and yourselves. This time of COVID-19 is a difficult time for everyone, and you are the heroes in my eyes. Yes, I am biased by saying so!
RNAO is the professional voice for RNs and NPs and at the same time supports the Health of Ontarians as paramount ~ this is why I have chosen to remain with RNAO as an NP.
I hope that as a profession, we can be strong and show the public and government that we as NPs have much to offer. If you are a student or RN wondering if you want to be an NP ... this is the spot for you as well.
To date, I have already submitted two letters to our CEO Doris Grinspun, and RNAO has responded by escalating the concerns. This is a time for NPs to shine. I like to think of it as being an opportunist time for our role and scope, yet always with the patient in mind. Our asks need to speak to patient access to care, or should I say the lack of access.
I am hoping that the RNAO- Nurse Practitioner Interest Group (NPIG) private FB group will provide us with a safe and private place to vocalize our concerns as well as allow us to share our knowledge, and passion. This venue will provide us the opportunity to bring forward issues in patient access to care, and issues regarding the development of our profession. We will be brought together regardless of the location in Ontario that we live Or the type of NP specialty we practice in.
Let's take advantage of this forum and become a strong voice. My wish is that all 3000+ NPs, including NP students, in the province will connect here. As an NPIG member, you are invited to join this private group on a voluntary basis by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2780178575406255/
I will monitor and attempt to answer as many questions posted as possible. As well, NP colleague Hoodo Ibrahim is the moderator of this group so I will post relevant issues ~ please comment and post as well. NP Policy Coordinator with the RNAO, Beth Sweeney will be assisting in this new venture as well and post the relevant NP events happening with the RNAO.
Let’s see where this can take us! Thank you for joining us... simply hit the link!
Sally Baerg, NP-PHC MSc MScN CHPCN(C)
Chair, NPIG