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Overdose Deaths in B.C. - Time to Scale up Supervised Consumption Services, by Dr. Bernie Pauly, RN

In the first six months of this year, 371 British Columbians died due to an overdose. This is a 74.2% increase from the previous year. Almost one quarter of these deaths are people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opiod was detected alone or in combination with other drugs in up to 60% of overdose deaths. Frequently, people consume Fentanyl unknowingly. Overdose deaths are now the… Read More »Overdose Deaths in B.C. - Time to Scale up Supervised Consumption Services, by Dr. Bernie Pauly, RN

The role of street nurses in increasing access to health care for marginalized populations

Please note, this post originally appeared on the ARNBC Blog in June 2016. It is shared with permission.  The role of street nurses in increasing access to health care for marginalized populations By Meaghan Thumath, RN, BScN, MSc PH The downtown eastside is a fascinating place to practice nursing with a rich history, diverse population and artistic flair. It is also a place where many people struggle daily without adequate… Read More »The role of street nurses in increasing access to health care for marginalized populations

The Challenges of Working in Rural Health, by Michael Sandler, RN

Approximately eighty five percent of British Columbians live and work in a city or within a short distance of a town that has a population of at least 1,000 residents. This has an important impact on healthcare as certain services can only be found in cities and towns with a large population base. If you live in a large or even moderate sized city, and you need to navigate through… Read More »The Challenges of Working in Rural Health, by Michael Sandler, RN

After 10 Years, What's Next for Nurse Practitioners? by Mark Schultz, NP

The introduction of Nurse Practitioners in B.C has just recently passed the 10 year mark. Throughout this past decade, we have had some notable successes in NP integration - some large, some small. We're finally starting to see general acknowledgment by the Ministry of Health, the health authorities, and even some of our medical colleagues, that nurses with advanced practice education and the appropriate resources to support them can be… Read More »After 10 Years, What's Next for Nurse Practitioners? by Mark Schultz, NP

Nursing Stepping up to Support New Syrian-Canadians, by Maylene Fong, RN

The last report from the United Nation Refugee Agency estimates that 4.3 million Syrians have been externally displaced as a result of civil war in their homeland. That is roughly the population of B.C. Media coverage of the refugee crisis gives us the tiniest glimpse into the desperation faced by Syrian families who have been forced to leave their homes, families and friends in search of safety. For many Canadians,… Read More »Nursing Stepping up to Support New Syrian-Canadians, by Maylene Fong, RN

President's Message: Looking Forward, by Zak Matieschyn, BSN, MN, RN, NP(Family)

I am honoured to write my first President’s Message to the registered nurses and nurse practitioners of British Columbia who have entrusted me to lead the Association over the next two years. I look forward to the challenge ahead with excitement at the potential that exists for the Association and nursing to make transformative changes in the healthcare system, the nursing profession and the lives of individual RNs and NPs. The… Read More »President's Message: Looking Forward, by Zak Matieschyn, BSN, MN, RN, NP(Family)

Seniors Advocate Takes a Strong Stance on Housing for Seniors, by Kathryn Seely

Seniors Housing in B.C.: Affordable, Appropriate, Available is a new report launched May 21, 2015 by the Office of the Seniors Advocate. This document makes progressive and bold recommendations that will enable better care for seniors and should be reviewed, discussed and acted upon by all B.C. nurses. I was pleased to join Julie Fraser, President of ARNBC, and Patrick Chiu, RN/MPH Student and ARNBC Intern, at the release of… Read More »Seniors Advocate Takes a Strong Stance on Housing for Seniors, by Kathryn Seely

Current Lawsuits of BCNU, by Jessie Mantle, Retired RN

This blog is a copy of a letter addressed to union representatives in the south island area and which was copied to the Executive Director of ARNBC as well as the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia. It is reproduced here with the permission of the author. --------------------------- I write as a retired nurse in Victoria and a former member of the BC Nurses Union, although the name has changed… Read More »Current Lawsuits of BCNU, by Jessie Mantle, Retired RN

My Journey with ARNBC, by Linda Axen, RN

Congratulations on finding your way to the ARNBC webpage! By cruising through the website and reading blogs you have already taken your curiosity from thought to action. I also took that step exploring ARNBC online a few years ago and now I find myself privileged to sit on the Board of Directors representing the diverse voices of nurses working in northern B.C. This blog is my story of taking action… Read More »My Journey with ARNBC, by Linda Axen, RN

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