Nursing Matte Story

Since the late 1800s nurses in Ontario have been making a profound difference in the lives of their patients. Thanks to new and evolving roles within the Ontario nursing profession, the difference nurses are able to make today is substantial and means better overall care for patients. Nursing in 2006 is a knowledge-based profession made up of a diverse group of individuals with a broad range of abilities.

Delivering quality care across the nursing profession is multifaceted and requires a combination of knowledge, skill and critical thinking. Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) play an important role in providing bedside care. Since 1958, when the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) was founded, and the first Ontario training centres opened in Toronto, Kingston and Hamilton, the need for RPNs has expanded. So much so, that today there are over 30,000 RPNs registered in Ontario.

RPNs are qualified, highly trained health professionals. In order to practice, they are required to complete a two year practical nursing diploma program at a community college. Upon graduation, RPNs can begin practice in a variety of settings, including on the front lines in hospitals, in long-term care homes, and in the community.

RPNs collaborate with other nurses and members of the health care team, supporting ongoing decision-making to provide the best care, ultimately contributing to positive patient outcomes.

Terry Holland, based in Belleville, epitomizes the modern RPN. With over 25 years experience, Holland's areas of practice have included pediatrics, maternity and long-term care, as well as seven years spent in the operating room at Trenton Memorial Hospital. Her willingness to take on new challenges and continue learning within the nursing profession has resulted in her new role established specifically for an RPN.

As one of five Professional Practice Coordinators at Quinte Health Care, and the only RPN, Holland works to develop and promote best practices and enhance relationships within the nursing teams in Quinte's system of four hospitals. Holland and her team are also able to leverage the Professional Practice Network of Ontario to share health care knowledge across the province, resulting in overall efficiency and improved delivery of care. While her role has evolved over the years, Holland believes that "the key prerequisites for this job have remained the same over time. You must genuinely care for people and always be open to learning."

Another example of RPNs going above and beyond is the work of David Gladun at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). The recipient of an RPNAO Leadership Fellowship, Gladun works with the professional practice and staff education department to teach and coach new RPNs at the hospital. His role was instrumental in the training of over 30 RPNs in the Forensic Mental Health department as they made the important transition to the acute care environment.

Every day RPNs are expanding their important role to improve the health and wellness of millions of people across Ontario. They are dedicated, highly qualified members of the health care team, doing far more than you might think to strengthen Ontario's health care system.

Updated : June 19, 2006
Contact : Sarah McEvoy,
Tel. (416) 979-1120, ext. 259

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