May 11, 2016

RNU Launches New Toolkit to Help Registered Nurses Protect Care

St. John’s, NL – The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) marked National Nursing Week 2016 by launching a new Professional Practices Toolkit for registered nurses earlier today.

RNU President Debbie Forward was joined by RNU members and representatives to showcase the new toolkit and explain how it will help registered nurses identify and report concerns with patient care in workplaces across Newfoundland and Labrador.

“This new toolkit has been in the works for some time, but the need for this process to be strong and reliable has never been more important,” said Forward. “RNs are very concerned about the provincial economy impacting the health care system and whether we’ll see further cuts to programs, services and positions in future budgets. Research shows understaffing, increased workload, and making RNs do more with less puts patient safety at-risk. We are making it clear that RNs will be documenting to ensure patients come first.”

The Professional Practices process requires RNs to document issues or concerns with patient care, which can include delayed, incomplete or missed RN care, inadequate equipment or supplies, or inadequate staffing levels, to name a few examples. Documentation is then reviewed at Professional Practices Committees made up of equal RNU and Employer representation.

The new Professional Practices Toolkit provides detailed guidance on what should be reported, how to successfully document, and how to follow-up on reporting. It will be sent to all RNU members in the coming weeks.

“This new toolkit is designed to strengthen the reporting process,” said Forward. “Making sure our members are knowledgeable with the Professional Practices process and adamant that well-run committees are part of their worksites is important. It will improve our ability to get patient care issues recognized and resolved, which will have a positive impact on our health care system. Good Professional Practices benefits everyone.”

The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents more than 5,700 Registered Nurses working in acute care, long-term care, community, education and research.

– 30 –

For more information please contact:
Kristian Styles
Communications Specialist
T: 709-753-9961
C: 709-727-8051
kstyles@rnunl.ca