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Jeff Benn on Innovation, Policy, and the Power of RPNs
When Jeff Benn, RPN graduated from Northern College in Timmins in 2018, he didn’t lock himself into one path. Instead, he took temporary roles across surgical post-op, the emergency department, and medicine, including COVID medicine. It was a deliberate strategy. “I’m not afraid to take temporary roles,” says Benn, who is now working as a […]
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A Head Start for Practical Nursing Students
Practical nursing programs are packed with coursework, clinical placements, and registration exam preparation. All that may make the idea of joining a professional association seem like something to deal with later, after graduation. But WeRPN’s st
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4 min read
From Bedside to Research: Marissa Bradley’s Journey to the WeRPN Research Fellowship
When Marissa Bradley’s mother first encouraged her to pursue nursing, she steadfastly refused. Years later, after working as a PSW in long-term care and completing her practical nursing program, she found her way to the profession anyway — drawn
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Queen’s Park Dispatches: Fall 2026
Making our voices heard at Queen’s Park In May 2026, WeRPN returned to Queen’s Park for our annual Advocacy Day, bringing the lived experiences and priorities of our members directly to Ontario’s decision-makers. Advocacy days provide a key pla
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Welcomed, Known, Included: Creating a Culture of Belonging in Healthcare
Belonging in healthcare can feel like an abstract concept. But as Marilyn Oliver explains, WeRPN’s new cultural competence workbook offers practical steps nurses can take to make their workplaces more inclusive for both patients and colleagues. Mar
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Ontario’s RPNs Under Strain
2026 State of Nursing Report Offers a Snapshot of Progress and Persistent Challenges. This spring, the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) released its 2026 State of Nursing in Ontario: The RPN Experience in Focus report, off
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4 min read
A Full-Circle Moment
As I step into the role of CEO of WeRPN, I do so first and foremost as a proud Registered Practical Nurse—and as a longtime member of this association. My connection to WeRPN began when I was an RPN student at George Brown College. I joined because
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5 min read
Recognizing the Distinct Role of RPNs in Healthcare
Nurses’ roles continue to evolve with the changing healthcare, and health system needs to ensure safe, holistic, ethical, and respectful nursing care. All Ontario Nurses use knowledge, critical thinking, critical inquiry and research to build and m
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President’s Address
As President of our Board of Directors, it is always a privilege to connect with so many RPNs across Ontario. I want to start by thanking each of you for the work you do every day in every corner of this province. You are the reason I remain so hopef
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5 min read
Finding Resilience on the Front Lines of Harm Reduction: An RPN’s Story
When Davis first encountered an overdose, he wasn’t a nurse yet. He was working at a bank when he came across a person who had stopped breathing. He used his First Aid training to keep them in the recovery position while monitoring their vitals unt
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4 min read
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 Determination to Registration
Becoming a nurse isn’t easy, but with determination and support from WeRPN, Kisha Yansen navigated the challenges of registration and was able to launch her nursing career. Registered Practical Nurses’ (RPNs’) career paths rarely follow a strai
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