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. I am continually inspired by each of you – the exceptional care you provide in hospitals, long-term care, home care, and beyond. You are making a difference every single day.
I have learned throughout my career as an RPN that leadership opportunities within our profession is demonstrated in many forms, and that’s what makes RPNs so exceptional. Witnessing the innovative ways in which we show up each day to advocate as leaders, highlights that each of our individual leadership journeys are unique but equal in the positive impact toward advancing and upholding our profession. Whether it’s a formal role or informal guidance for a colleague, RPNs are all leaders – each in our own way.
For too long, we have discounted our worth. We’ve all heard someone say, “I’m just an RPN.” But the truth is, each day, we lead in ways both big and small. We face challenges in our work, often without the recognition we deserve, and yet we continue to show up and make a difference. As health care leaders, we must take every opportunity to recognize ourselves, to be strong advocates for our profession, while highlighting the integral care we provide to the people of Ontario.
I want to encourage RPNs to take risks, explore new possibilities, be curious and ask questions.
In my role as President, I want to advocate for every RPN to recognize the leader within. We’ve seen great strides and are gaining momentum, with more RPNs stepping into leadership positions within their organizations, and it’s my mission to ensure that we continue forging ahead. We need to keep seeking out opportunities and advocating for systemic change. I want to encourage RPNs to take risks, explore new possibilities, be curious and ask questions. Be confident in knowing that your contributions matter and you belong at the table. There are so many opportunities for growth – growth we haven’t even begun to tap into – and that’s an exciting prospect.
The Spring Journal focuses on the many phases and stages of the nursing profession and captures the challenges and triumphs that define our journey. We are a group of professionals who are constantly evolving, whether in our daily work, through mentorship and even further education. The articles and resources in this issue provide insights and practical advice to support RPNs at every career stage.
The article Mid-Career Moves: A Guide for RPNs, really resonates with my own experience. I entered nursing as a second career after supporting my mother through her terminal illness and really understanding what an amazing profession nursing is. Caring for my mom during her battle with cancer was very rewarding and opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities. Coming from a family of nurses, I became curious about nursing myself, and that curiosity has fueled my journey ever since. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if I had started my nursing career sooner, but I know that every step of my journey taught me important lessons and has led me to be the leader I am today.
The article Mid-Career Moves: A Guide for RPNs, really resonates with my own experience. I entered nursing as a second career after supporting my mother through her terminal illness and really understanding what an amazing profession nursing is. Caring for my mom during her battle with cancer was very rewarding and opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities. Coming from a family of nurses, I became curious about nursing myself, and that curiosity has fueled my journey ever since. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if I had started my nursing career sooner, but I know that every step of my journey taught me important lessons and has led me to be the leader I am today.
As we move forward, my focus will be on amplifying the contributions of RPNs to the health care system and ensuring that every RPN feels empowered to be the leader they want to be. Together, we are creating a future where RPNs are recognized for the incredible value they bring to healthcare. We must all continue to advocate for a healthcare system that truly supports us by demonstrating a tireless commitment to amplifying the contributions of RPNs. We must ensure that our voices are heard, not just in the halls of healthcare institutions but in the policy decisions that impact our daily work. Let’s continue to forge ahead, take risks, and believe in ourselves. Our profession is equipped and ready, full of potential to lead into the future, and I am excited to see where we go from here.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President. I am thrilled to continue working alongside all of you to create a stronger, more innovative future for our profession.
Angela, RPN,
President, WeRPN Board of Directors
