As National Nursing Week 2025 begins, the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNUNL) proudly joins the celebration under the theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.” This week, RNUNL is highlighting the profound impact of nurses who, through their dedication and expertise, change lives every day.

“Nurses are at the heart of public healthcare. Their ability to transform lives through compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication is truly remarkable,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNUNL. “This week, we honour their tireless efforts and the powerful difference they make in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Transformative Power of Nurses: Real Stories

One such story belongs to Julie Clements, a dedicated nurse working at the Janeway Psychiatry Unit. Julie’s commitment to providing holistic care and improving the therapeutic environment has brought light to an often-challenging setting. “Expert care isn’t just about clinical tasks,” said Julie. “It’s about human connection, giving patients back their dignity, and making them feel safe.” Her leadership in transforming the unit’s atmosphere with art and advocating for better working conditions has left a lasting impact.

Another exemplary nurse is Sherri Murray, who serves as an important member of the Emergency Department at the Labrador Health Centre. Known for her calm presence and expert clinical judgment, Sherri’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating high-pressure situations. “Being a nurse means taking charge when it counts, staying grounded in chaos, and always prioritizing patient safety,” Sherri said. “It’s about making sure people feel seen and supported, even in the toughest moments.”

A Call for Investment in Nurses

Nurses like Julie and Sherri exemplify the transformative power inherent in the profession. However, to fully harness this potential, investment in nurse retention is essential. RNUNL calls on the provincial government to prioritize the well-being and support of nurses, ensuring that they remain empowered to continue their life-changing work.

“We must invest in retaining experienced, compassionate nurses who are vital to our healthcare system,” added Coffey. “Supporting nurses means ensuring sustainable workloads, fair compensation, safe hours, and safe workspaces.”

RNUNL continues to call on the provincial government to establish an independent health sector safety council to address the persistent safety challenges facing healthcare professionals. Additionally, we urge the government to implement the solutions RNUNL has been advocating for, including expanding the nurse travel locum pilot to a province-wide program and empowering Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to provide access to primary healthcare through NP-led clinics and a dedicated NP funding model.

Join the Celebration

National Nursing Week is a time to recognize the incredible contributions of nurses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. RNUNL has planned a series of events to celebrate our members, with many locals and branches hosting their own activities. While most events are designed for members, we invite the public to follow along with updates on social media @RNUNL or by searching for Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador.

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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) represents more than 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education, and research. RNU is dedicated to advocating for quality public healthcare and ensuring that RNs and NPs are recognized and supported in delivering expert, evidence-based care to the people of this province.

For more information, please contact:

Jonathan Hamel Director of Communications Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador Phone: (709) 691-6890 Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca