Nursing
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
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
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 happe
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
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
Queen’s Park Dispatches: Spring 2025
RPNs on the frontlines of advocacy at Queen’s Park Our delegation spent much of the day reiterating the priorities detailed in our Budget submission, which is structured around three key areas. Recognizing the critical need to retain our current nu
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
Taking a Pause to Talk Menopause
Menopause is a natural stage of life that affects half the population, yet it remains a topic often overlooked in workplaces – including healthcare. For RPNs, menopause presents a dual challenge: providing care to patients experiencing menopausal s
From the WeResearch Desk: Spring 2025
Advancing RPN Knowledge: The Power of Research in Strengthening Our Profession Some of the most used evidence sources in nursing include scholarly research, nursing texts and information resources from reputable institutions such as national health a
Mid-Career Moves: A Guide for RPNs
For many Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Ontario, career paths are not always linear. While some remain in the same role for decades, others find themselves seeking new challenges, exploring different specialties, or even pivoting to entirely n
Starting Out Strong
Beginning a career as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Ontario is both exciting and challenging. With nursing shortages and a complex healthcare landscape, new nurses enter environments shaped by the lingering effects of COVID-19 and systemic ch
President’s Address: Spring 2025
As I settle into the role of President, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has led me here. It is a true honour to serve the dedicated and committed RPNs of Ontario who continue to shape the future of healthcare in so many ways.