Latest news with #NationalNursingWeek
CTV News
17-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
University of Lethbridge highlights the high-tech to mark National Nursing Week
For National Nursing Week, The University of Lethbridge is showcasing the high-tech equipment its nursing students learn with.
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
RNAO unveils ECCO 4.0 report: A roadmap to transform Ontario's health system through community care
TORONTO, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is proud to announce the release of ECCO 4.0: Enhancing Community Care for Ontarians. The report is a blueprint for an equitable health system anchored in primary care and integrated community care. It calls for a faster shift from hospital-centric services to prevention-focused, people-centred care that meets the needs of Ontarians. Released on the first day of National Nursing Week (May 12-18, 2025) at Queen's Park, ECCO 4.0 updates ECCO 3.0, published during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. RNAO President NP Lhamo Dolkar says that "COVID-19 exposed the fragility of Ontario's health system and how ill-equipped it was to meet community needs, and in the grip of a relentless health human resources shortage – especially nurses. Ontario's hospital-centred response sidelined primary and home care, turned long-term care (LTC) into a site of tragedy, and left hospitals overwhelmed." Dolkar adds: "The pandemic exposed deep structural inequities affecting seniors, racialized communities, Indigenous Peoples and those living in poverty. This is why equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) must be front and centre in every step of health system transformation, and as nurses we insist that it be." "Since then, the province has worked with RNAO and many others to make progress towards health system transformation," says Dr. Claudette Holloway, RNAO's immediate past president. This includes the establishment of 58 Ontario Health Teams (OHT) and advancing the integration of home care. The government is also investing in team-based primary care to ensure every Ontarian is attached to a nurse practitioner (NP) or physician, with strong leadership from Dr. Jane Philpott at the Ministry of Health. In LTC, there is a commitment to meeting new direct care hour standards and enabling NPs to serve as clinical directors – championed by RNAO and fulfilled by Minister of LTC Natalia Kusendova-Bashta. Holloway adds: "Under the leadership of Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, the government has also expanded the scope of practice for registered nurses (RN) and NPs, is increasing nursing education seats, and accelerating registration for internationally educated nurses residing in Canada – all critical steps to strengthen Ontario's health workforce." "Much more needs to be done," cautions Dolkar. In preparing ECCO 4.0, RNAO found concerning indicators across the province's health system. Hospitals remain overwhelmed, with one in five beds occupied by patients waiting for alternate levels of care and average emergency department wait times exceeding 20 hours. In primary care, 2.5 million Ontarians currently lack a regular provider – a number projected to reach 4.4 million by 2026 if we fail to act fast. Home care is underfunded and fragmented, resulting in extended hospital stays, high readmission rates, and frequent returns to the emergency department. LTC remains stretched beyond capacity, with more than 45,000 people on waitlists, rising acuity and inadequate staffing. In Dolkar's view, "This is the result of an unsustainable, hospital-first model. Our report's first lesson is clear: we must urgently rebalance investments – to strengthen primary care, home care and LTC, and to address the social and environmental determinants that help keep people healthy in the first place." Dr. Doris Grinspun, RNAO CEO, says "while RNAO supports the vision behind Ontario's health system transformation, it remains deeply concerned that chronic underfunding continues to derail progress. Despite the positive steps the government has taken, the transformation remains incomplete. Key components such as transparent funding models and primary care networks remain insufficient. Moreover," emphasizes Grinspun, "Bill 60's expansion of for-profit care risks undermining core transformation goals by placing investor interests above public need – a direction that must be reversed. Let me reiterate – for-profit private investors have no role in how we transform our system and pose a risk to patient safety." "The challenges we confront today are compounded by the government's broader neglect of social and environmental determinants of health," warns Grinspun. Ontario spends less per capita on both health care and public programs than almost any other province, contributing to a housing crisis that is getting worse, deepening food insecurity, and severe poverty. Grinspun says, "more people will die in the streets from a toxic drug supply because of the closure of supervised consumption services sites. Added to this are the mounting health threats posed by climate change – an emergency driven by policy inaction and fossil fuel dependence in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada." RNAO calls for urgent course corrections to Ontario's health reform efforts and a recommitment to public investment in health, social supports and climate action – all within an across-the-board commitment to EDI. ECCO 4.0 offers a clear, evidence-informed roadmap to achieve this vision and build a healthier, more equitable future for all Ontarians. Divided into five subcategories, the report's recommendations for government and health system partners to improve Ontario's health system include: Sectoral align public health and primary care expand the reach of and access to primary care, and ensure attachment for all Ontarians provide primary care through an interprofessional team-based model increase access to integrated home and community care services integrate long-term care homes into enhanced community care plans and funding Cross-sectoral establish person-centred approaches to care ensure comprehensive and effective care coordination commit to evidence-based care across the health system optimize digital health technologies enable full scope of practice of RNs, NPs and other regulated health professionals Nursing careers in Ontario implement retention and recruitment initiatives ensure fair compensation for nurses, harmonizing wages upwards Health system transformation strengthen primary care leadership, coordination and social service integration in OHTs engage mental health and addiction networks in OHT planning and decision making fund OHTs in ways that advance the Quintuple Aim (improve patient experience, improve staff experience, improve population health, lower the cost of care, and advance health equity) Determinants of health increase the fiscal effort of government to address the social determinants of health mitigate climate-related impacts and strengthen climate resilience and health equity ECCO 4.0 is available online for free download. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public we serve. For more information about RNAO, visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
From Breaking Point to Turning Point, Five Years of Data Signal Signs of Positive Change in Ontario's Nursing Crisis
WeRPN urges swift government action for deeper, faster reforms that can sustain recovery, and halt the silent exodus of senior, experienced practical nurses from frontline care. TORONTO, May 12, 2025 May 12, 2025 – As Canada kicks off National Nursing Week (May 12-18), the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) has just released a report with longitudinal data from 2020 to 2025, that has found long-awaited signs of healing and hope on the horizon, amid Ontario's nursing crisis. "Our findings show that efforts to address staff shortages in nursing are working, nurses' mental health indicators are improving, and overall, we have good reason to bring hope back into our profession," says Dianne Martin, Chief Executive Officer, WeRPN. "These measurable improvements can be credited back to the collective efforts of healthcare leaders, government policymakers and direct voices from our profession, who have all come together and committed to sustainable, long-term solutions." WeRPN's annual State of Nursing in Ontario report, based on a survey of over 1,000 practical nurses, bears witness to a profession that is building back from the brink of collapse. A cross-comparison of data over half-a-decade has found for example, that in 2020–2021, 99 per cent of nurses reported being directly affected by nursing shortages and unmanageable workloads. In 2025, that number has declined to 69 per cent. At the peak of strain in 2022, 79 per cent of nurses said they had reached a breaking point due to their work; today, that figure stands at 60 per cent. Likewise, the percentage of nurses experiencing moral distress has dropped from 78 per cent in 2022 to 59 per cent this year. "Now this fragile trajectory must be safeguarded and accelerated as these current figures are still far too high to accept," adds Martin. "Significant work lies ahead to meet the standard of care that Ontarians expect and deserve and we know we can all get there together." Specifically, WeRPN's report highlights some key concerns that require urgent attention: Escalating stress is shortening nursing careers from decades to mere years; a silent exodus of experienced nurses is thinning frontline care; and unsustainable workloads are harming both nurses and patients. Nearly 48 per cent of nurses are considering leaving the profession, while 65 per cent report seeing experienced nurses leave. Eighty-one percent feel their workload is compounding year-over-year, and 70 per cent believe Ontario is coping via an over-reliance on costly private, for-profit agency nurses. Based on these findings, WeRPN is calling on the government to act urgently in five key areas to deepen and fast-track change: Legislate safe staffing and workload standards: Set standardized, safe workloads to protect nurses, ensure patient safety and reverse the decline in patient care standards. Where possible establish legislated nurse-to-patient ratios. Ensure wage parity: Harmonize and competitively align wages across all nursing sectors to improve retention. Establish accountability for care: Monitor staffing levels and hold organizations accountable for patient outcomes when safe staffing standards are not met. Streamline educational opportunities: Support career growth by providing financial assistance and accessible learning opportunities to retain experienced nurses. Regulate nursing agencies: Establish standards for profit-margins, and reduce dependence on for-profit nursing agencies by investing in more well-planned, full-time nursing positions. This year's National Nursing Week theme is "The Power of Nurses to Transform Health." In this spirit, within the survey, WeRPN asked nurses: If they could change one thing about their jobs, what would it be? Their overwhelming response was: To spend more time with patients. They wanted more time to listen to patients, to know them, to understand their needs, to problem-solve and personalize care, to be present, to reassure them, and to simply not have to keep rushing onto the next patient. "This is indeed how our nurses transform health every day – by giving their all – their time, their care, their wisdom and their compassion, to make sure every Ontarian can heal and thrive," explains Martin. "Systemic change is complex, but WeRPN remains optimistic that proven solutions are within reach, and that the onus is on all of us as leaders, to give nurses this time that they are asking for so selflessly." Martin says, Ontario shouldn't set its goals to just meet baseline standards. Rather, the province's commitment should be to strive towards the profession's highest aspirations. Meaningful change isn't just possible, it is within attainable reach. About the survey: In 2025, WeRPN conducted a comprehensive survey to document and benchmark the current state of nursing in Ontario, and the challenges and opportunities facing this profession. This annual survey follows previous research conducted in 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2020. The survey methodology is as follows. From March 25 to April 10, 2025, an online survey was conducted among 1,025 Registered Practical Nurses across Ontario, by WeRPN. For comparison purposes only, the sample plan would carry a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. About WeRPN: WeRPN is the professional voice of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) across the province. There are 60,000+ RPNs in Ontario. WeRPN builds the profile and professional capacity of RPNs so they can better care for patients and better support their fellow healthcare workers. The association works closely with its members and the healthcare community to support and advocate for the concerns of Ontario's RPNs. Follow WeRPN on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.
Business Wire
10-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Sixth Annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards Celebrate Outstanding Nurses
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Three exceptional nurses, celebrated for their unwavering dedication to improving peoples' lives and advancing Ontario's health-care system, will be honoured at the sixth annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards (NNOA). These prestigious awards recognize excellence in nursing across three categories: nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurse (RN), and registered practical nurse (RPN). Join us in celebrating Ontario's nurses at the 2025 Nursing Now Ontario Awards (NNOA) on May 16 from 2 PM to 3 PM! Share Aligned with National Nursing Week (May 12-18, 2025), the awards spotlight the critical role Ontario's nurses play in delivering exceptional care while supporting the global goals of the Nursing Now campaign—a movement aimed at enhancing health worldwide through the power of nursing. Presented by two leading professional nursing organizations—the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) and the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)—the NNOA highlight outstanding contributions to the profession. This year's winners were selected from more than 100 nominations by a distinguished panel of nurses. Each honouree exemplifies excellence in professional standards, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. While countless nurses across Ontario have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to health care, these three individuals were chosen for their remarkable leadership, dedication and commitment to advancing nursing practice and the wellbeing of Ontarians. Join us in celebrating the winners of the 2025 NNOA at a virtual ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET. What: Sixth annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards ceremony Who: Award recipients Amy Horton, nurse practitioner (NP) Rodolfo Lastimosa Jr., registered nurse (RN) Quinn (Luzenia) Uy, registered practical nurse (RPN) Presenters Angela Corneil, president, WeRPN Board of Directors NP Lhamo Dolkar, president, RNAO Where/How: Virtual ceremony held via Zoom. Please register online. Reporters are welcome to attend and are encouraged to reach out to one of the contacts below to interview award recipients. About the Nursing Now Ontario Awards The Nursing Now Ontario Awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of nurses across the province. These awards honour the extraordinary work of NPs, RNs, and RPNs who go beyond expectations to improve the lives of Ontarians and shape health care in Ontario. Quotes "Each year, the Nursing Now Ontario Awards give us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding impact of RPNs, RNs, and NPs who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care," says Dianne Martin, CEO of WeRPN. "The 2025 winners exemplify the highest standards of dedication, skill, and leadership, making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and communities. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and to champion the invaluable contributions of all nurses across Ontario." 'RNAO congratulates this year's Nursing Now Ontario Awards' recipients, whose actions and commitment to the profession and Ontario's health system is exceptional,' says RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun. 'The NP, RN and RPN winners have all gone above and beyond to provide expert and compassionate care, foster collaborative working environments and expand their nursing knowledge. We stand tall with them for their superb contributions and look forward to celebrating their achievements – as well as the collective impact of all nurses – during the awards ceremony and Nursing Week.' About us WeRPN is the professional voice of Ontario's 60,000+ Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). WeRPN builds the profile and professional capacity of RPNs so they can better care for patients and better support their fellow health-care workers. For more information about WeRPN, visit and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public we serve. For more information about RNAO, visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sixth Annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards Celebrate Outstanding Nurses
TORONTO, May 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Three exceptional nurses, celebrated for their unwavering dedication to improving peoples' lives and advancing Ontario's health-care system, will be honoured at the sixth annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards (NNOA). These prestigious awards recognize excellence in nursing across three categories: nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurse (RN), and registered practical nurse (RPN). Aligned with National Nursing Week (May 12-18, 2025), the awards spotlight the critical role Ontario's nurses play in delivering exceptional care while supporting the global goals of the Nursing Now campaign—a movement aimed at enhancing health worldwide through the power of nursing. Presented by two leading professional nursing organizations—the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) and the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)—the NNOA highlight outstanding contributions to the profession. This year's winners were selected from more than 100 nominations by a distinguished panel of nurses. Each honouree exemplifies excellence in professional standards, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. While countless nurses across Ontario have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to health care, these three individuals were chosen for their remarkable leadership, dedication and commitment to advancing nursing practice and the wellbeing of Ontarians. Join us in celebrating the winners of the 2025 NNOA at a virtual ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET. What: Sixth annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards ceremony When: Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET Who: Award recipients Amy Horton, nurse practitioner (NP) Rodolfo Lastimosa Jr., registered nurse (RN) Quinn (Luzenia) Uy, registered practical nurse (RPN) Presenters Angela Corneil, president, WeRPN Board of Directors NP Lhamo Dolkar, president, RNAO Where/How: Virtual ceremony held via Zoom. Please register online. Reporters are welcome to attend and are encouraged to reach out to one of the contacts below to interview award recipients. About the Nursing Now Ontario Awards The Nursing Now Ontario Awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of nurses across the province. These awards honour the extraordinary work of NPs, RNs, and RPNs who go beyond expectations to improve the lives of Ontarians and shape health care in Ontario. Quotes "Each year, the Nursing Now Ontario Awards give us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding impact of RPNs, RNs, and NPs who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care," says Dianne Martin, CEO of WeRPN. "The 2025 winners exemplify the highest standards of dedication, skill, and leadership, making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and communities. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and to champion the invaluable contributions of all nurses across Ontario." "RNAO congratulates this year's Nursing Now Ontario Awards' recipients, whose actions and commitment to the profession and Ontario's health system is exceptional," says RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun. "The NP, RN and RPN winners have all gone above and beyond to provide expert and compassionate care, foster collaborative working environments and expand their nursing knowledge. We stand tall with them for their superb contributions and look forward to celebrating their achievements – as well as the collective impact of all nurses – during the awards ceremony and Nursing Week." About us WeRPN is the professional voice of Ontario's 60,000+ Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). WeRPN builds the profile and professional capacity of RPNs so they can better care for patients and better support their fellow health-care workers. For more information about WeRPN, visit and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public we serve. For more information about RNAO, visit or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Carrie StephensCommunications SpecialistRegistered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)437-231-6930cstephens@ Madison HietkampCommunications Officer/WriterRegistered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)1-800-268-7199 ext. 274416-408-5645mhietkamp@
