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Practical Nursing
Leading Without the Title
When we talk about leadership in nursing, the conversation often turns to titles: manager, supervisor, director. But leadership doesn’t always require an office or a formal designation. For Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), leadership often happens at the bedside, in projects and initiatives, and through the everyday choices they make to support their colleagues and patients. […]
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Bridging Two Worlds
When Leonard Benoit introduces himself, he begins by sharing his name in the Mi’kmaq language which translates to Circling Wolf. “I come from Miawpukek First Nation, on the territory of Newfoundland and Labrador.” For 25 years, Leonard has been
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From the WeResearch Desk: Fall 2025
Research evidence about Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), and from RPNs is gaining traction in the literature. Why is this important for RPNs? Literature sources are a vital tool so that nurses are able to access current research used to guid
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From Practical to Powerful
For nearly 25 years, Laura Strachan, RPN, has been a steady presence in the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)’s Inpatient Medicine unit. Her path to nursing was nontraditional, her impact significantly demonstrated how RPNs can lead m
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Today’s RPN Redefined: Practical Meets Incredible
As I reflect on my journey as an RPN and my role as your President, I am reminded every day of the incredible impact that RPNs have across Ontario. It is an honour to serve such a dedicated group of professionals whose care, compassion, and expertise
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Caring for Residents with Post-Stroke Spasticity: Insights from RPN-Led Research
Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) is a condition that affects up to one in four stroke survivors. Spasticity can cause painful stiffness, contractures, and loss of mobility. In long-term care (LTC), where more than 20% of residents have a history of strok
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2025 Board of Directors
Region 1: Blanche Durocher, RPNDirector of Personal Support Care Blanche Durocher is SE Health’s organizational Director of Personal Support Care, and she is a proud member of the Professional Practice Leadership Team. While studying Psychology and
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Queen’s Park Dispatches: Fall 2025
Nursing Week 2025: Advocacy in action For Nursing Week 2025 (May 12–18), we proudly supported the introduction of Bill 19, the Patient-to-Nurse Ratios for Hospitals Act, at Queen’s Park, with our CEO Dianne Martin joining MPP France Gélina
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The Power and Future of Practical Nursing
As we step into the fall season, I find myself reflecting on the incredible practice of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) across Ontario. At WeRPN, we have been using the phrase “practical meets incredible” — because time and again, we see RPN
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The Power of Mentorship
From transitioning from the classroom to clinical settings to exploring specialized practice areas, the career trajectory of an RPN is rarely a straight line. One powerful resource that can make all the difference? Mentorship. What Makes Mentorship M
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Study Smarter
Nursing students know the feeling all too well – trying to drink from the educational firehose while mastering complex procedures, memorizing medications, and surviving clinical rotations. In fact, one could wonder if the brain can actually absorb
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The Road to Retirement
Retirement is a major milestone, but for many RPNs, it raises questions about financial security, emotional readiness, and life after nursing. While some eagerly anticipate their next chapter, others feel uncertain about when and how to retire. Bet
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