As one of RNAO’s annual signature political action events, this year’s iteration looked a bit different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Participants joined our President Morgan Hoffarth and our CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun for a four-hours afternoon event that included remarks from the premier, minister of health and leaders of the NDP, Liberal and Green parties, as well as NDP and Liberal party health critics. As a non-partisan association, RNAO has built solid partnerships with all parties to ensure nurses’ perspectives are shared around the decision-making tables of government, and that the issues and challenges of nurses, and the solutions we offer are always considered a priority.

On Feb. 25, RNAO’s NP Task Force released the groundbreaking report, Vision for Tomorrow, which brings to life not only the evidence on why NPs are crucial in our health-care system, but also the lived experiences of those NPs who are already making a difference to patient outcomes in their day-to-day practice. It is a comprehensive blueprint that calls for the NP role to be expanded and to fully utilize NPs to advance the health of Ontarians and strengthen the health system.

Close to 200 registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students, politicians and members of the public joined RNAO on Feb. 25. for the 21st Queen’s Park Day. As one of RNAO’s annual signature political action events, this year’s iteration looked a bit different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

February marks Black History Month – a month dedicated to honouring our Black sisters and brothers, their past and the steps toward allyship. RNAO recognizes the continued importance of sharing Black stories and perspectives, encouraged by and eager to contribute to the invigorated movement to end anti-Black racism and discrimination.

RNAO remains extremely concerned about the premature lifting of public health restrictions in large parts of the province as a third wave of COVID driven by enormously dangerous new variants is almost certain to emerge. Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health said, “As a public health physician I have never been as concerned about the threat of COVID-19 to your health as I am now... The numbers don’t look so bad…But today’s variant count is the tip of an iceberg.” Dr. Lawrence Loh, the medical officer of health in Peel, added “The numbers are a mirage. You either pay now, or you pay more later.”

RNAO’s bi-weekly open forums serve as a heart-to-heart dialogue for nurses looking to share their experiences and challenges during this pandemic. I thank Victoria Alarcon, Communications Specialist at RNAO, for writing the following synopsis of our webinar series.

RNAO remains extremely concerned about the premature lifting of public health restrictions in large parts of the province as a third wave of COVID driven by enormously dangerous new variants is almost certain to emerge.

The COVID-19 vaccine will change the course of this pandemic. As millions of people are getting immunized, how can we as health-care workers become champions for this vaccine, and feel empowered to communicate about it with our patients, colleagues, family and friends? To this end we organized on Feb. 8, a webinar on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and effective communication.

Webinar: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2:30-4:00 pm ET

RNAO is aware nurses across this province – especially those working on the frontlines of COVID-19 – are experiencing tremendous levels of physical and emotional stress and burnout. We know this can affect your mental health and well-being at this challenging time and that you may have less time to devote to your own self-care.