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Budget Lockup: Insights from ARNBC, by Zak Matieschyn, NP

Recently, I had the privilege of joining Joy Peacock, Executive Director of ARNBC, in the B.C. Budget Lockup. For those who are not aware, this is a secured room wherein around 200 stakeholders have an advanced preview of the details of the budget and service plans. This is also where the media interviews these stakeholders in order to get their stories aired in a timely manner following the budget speech.… Read More »Budget Lockup: Insights from ARNBC, by Zak Matieschyn, NP

Self-Care in Nursing: A Call to Action, by Maren Austen, BSN Student

There is evidence that nurses know that we should take care of ourselves and how we should be doing it, yet there is still a gap between what is known and what is practiced (Malloy, et al.). As a profession centered on caring, nurses spend much of our time providing care for others; unfortunately, we often do not give the same consideration to self-care – those activities we do to… Read More »Self-Care in Nursing: A Call to Action, by Maren Austen, BSN Student

B.C.’s Flu Shot Policy for Healthcare Providers: it just makes sense, by Hannah Varto, NP

This year again the BC Ministry of Health has mandated that all healthcare providers must receive the influenza vaccine and if they choose not to, they must wear a mask for the duration of flu season whilst providing patient care. I applaud this decision and am frustrated by some of my colleagues who argue against science and common sense. Let’s examine some of the arguments. Point 1: Flu kills.  It… Read More »B.C.’s Flu Shot Policy for Healthcare Providers: it just makes sense, by Hannah Varto, NP

Spare Some Change? by Jess Shannon, BSN Student

I run into a consistent portrait every time I head to the bank in Courtenay. A person in borrowed clothing with a head bowed in shame asks, “Can you spare some change?” I wonder, “How can a person like me… a citizen in a democratic society filled with opportunity who eats three meals a day and can afford tuition to start a career, not spare some time to consider what… Read More »Spare Some Change? by Jess Shannon, BSN Student

How nurses can contribute to transforming cancer care systems, by Tracy Truant, RN and Sally Thorne, RN

Recent commentaries by oncology health professionals, patients, journalists and the Minister of Health about the state of cancer care in British Columbia (BC) have revealed significant challenges to delivering timely, high quality cancer care in that province. It is likely that these challenges are actually felt across the country, and are not unique to B.C. Oncology health professionals, including nurses are working to their maximum with the vision to deliver… Read More »How nurses can contribute to transforming cancer care systems, by Tracy Truant, RN and Sally Thorne, RN

Advocacy is the Core of Nursing, by Suki Grewal, RN

Each year the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) presents Awards of Excellence to highlight the achievements of noteworthy Registered Nurses in British Columbia. One of these awards is for excellence in advocacy. According to CRNBC, the advocacy award is given to “registered nurses who have made outstanding efforts in advocating for health benefits to a specific group” (CRNBC, 2013). I was humbled and honoured to receive this award… Read More »Advocacy is the Core of Nursing, by Suki Grewal, RN

Doctors Should not be a Business, by Hannah Varto, MN, NP(F)

I had a patient recently go to the Emergency Department (ED) for a pregnancy test!  It was a very expensive pregnancy test…not for her, but for our health care system.  The cost of this test came out of my pocket and yours.  I reflected about how and why our patients use the ED and the unfortunate state of our health care system. The ED has replaced general primary health care… Read More »Doctors Should not be a Business, by Hannah Varto, MN, NP(F)

Flu Shots, Still the Healthy Choice, by Julie Fraser RN

Earlier today, ARNBC participated in the Ministry of Health’s launch of the Annual Provincial Flu Campaign and hope this event will remind all British Columbians to get an annual flu shot.  It’s certainly a great reminder to health professionals that we too need to protect ourselves from influenza. On October 24, 2013, an arbitrator dismissed the grievance brought by the B.C. Health Sciences Association (HSA) against the B.C. government policy… Read More »Flu Shots, Still the Healthy Choice, by Julie Fraser RN

Nurses Speak Up for Health: Election Tools for B.C. Nurses

After what seems like months of anticipation, B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor, Judith Guichon, has called for a provincial election to be held on May 14, 2013.  From today on, British Columbians will be inundated with TV ads, opportunities to attend candidate events, front-yard campaign signage and canvassers and candidates knocking on doors. Nursing is one of the most respected, valued and strong professions in B.C. with a long history of providing… Read More »Nurses Speak Up for Health: Election Tools for B.C. Nurses

Making a Difference for those with Mental Illness, by Scott Harrison RN

The events of the past week in Newtown, Connecticut are almost beyond comprehension.  Whilst the media attempt to help the public ‘make sense’ of a senseless tragedy, social media sites are alive with debate on who is to blame, how further tragedy can be avoided and questions about what happens next. As a Registered Nurse who has worked with marginalized populations for my (to date) 20 year career in nursing,… Read More »Making a Difference for those with Mental Illness, by Scott Harrison RN