Gander, NL – Over 200 registered nurses and nursing students from across the province gather in Gander today to kick off the Registered Nurses’ Union (RNU) 25th Biennial Convention. The four-day event is being held at Hotel Gander.

“Our convention theme this year is ‘Registered Nurses: Vital to Your Health,’” said RNU President Debbie Forward. “Every day, registered nurses in our province complete thorough assessments and use advanced judgement to make vital health care decisions. RNs are confident, resourceful health care providers and are an incredible asset to patients, clients, residents and communities.”

Convention delegates will take part in education sessions on the Professional Practices process, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in nursing. Guest speakers include Barbara Fry, a registered nurse and expert on workplace relationships, Meg Soper, a registered nurse and comedienne, and Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.

“This week, RNU will go beyond discussing the impact of RNs in health care delivery by exploring the impact health care delivery has on RNs,” said Forward. “It’s rewarding work, but can pose challenges that affects RNs psychically, mentally and emotionally. Our goal is to empower our members and secure the tools and supports they need to succeed in their important role.”

Delegates will also partake in a business day that includes constitutional amendments and resolutions, including one for the pursuit of “presumptive” PTSD legislation for registered nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Registered Nurses’ Union represents more than 5,500 registered nurses working in acute care, long-term care, community, education and research.

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For more information please contact:
Kristian Styles
Communications Specialist
709-699-3676
kstyles@rnunl.ca