Past President's Message (2009)
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As I sit quietly thinking of all that has happened over the past few years that has led us to this exciting point in time and as I ask myself what to include in the very first FPNANS President's message, I am overwhelmed with feelings of both joy and pride in all that has been accomplished.
Joy, because a small group of nurses had a dream and through their many years of dedicated, hard work we now have a strong, united voice for FP nurses in NS. While completing our research on the role of FP/PHC nurses in NS we heard from many nurses how they felt isolated, alone, unrecognized, undervalued and underpaid. Hearing these concerns from nurses motivated many of us to be leaders in change.
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We have since begun to address these challenges and concerns through our association organizing networking opportunities, provincial conferences, educational programs, Google groups, newsletters and now a website. All these initiatives will continue to improve communication and bring us all closer to realizing our goals.
Joy, because of the many friendships we have all made with nurses throughout our great province. We have realized that in joining together in our shared vision and by planning and working as an association we can truly make a difference in the way primary health care is delivered in our practice, community and province, enhancing the care and health of the patients and families we serve.
I feel great pride in the work of our executive when I look back and see we have developed bylaws, a mission statement, goals and values for our association. We have a wonderful new logo that demonstrates our caring professionalism and a new website that will bring us even closer, encouraging new membership and enhancing our practice with new information, medical directives and a link to resources for new knowledge. These accomplishments will serve as a strong foundation for future growth.
I feel great pride in knowing family practice nurses throughout Nova Scotia are integral members of the health care team caring for patients and families throughout the life span, from prenatal through to end of life. Family Practice Nurses are enhancing chronic disease management, health screening, health promotion and education in varied settings in all areas of our province. Family Practice Nurses are responsible, competent, trusted health care professionals who continuously strive to provide the best care possible to their patients.
Looking ahead, I feel, as an association we each must continue to promote the role of the family practice nurse by seizing any opportunity that presents itself. Policy makers are very interested in the nursing role in primary health care delivery and are inviting us to be involved and participate in planning and discussion in primary health care renewal. Family Practice Nurses are now seen as key members of the collaborative health care team. I encourage each and every member to seek these opportunities in your community by linking with health planners in your local district. Ask yourself, how you can be part of the future by becoming a leader in your community. We have all accomplished so much and there is still so much we can achieve together through participation.
We should all be very proud of our work in NS, as indeed other provinces are looking with interest at what we have accomplished.
As we take time to celebrate the realizing of a vision, my hope is that we continue to dream and together build on the work that has been completed while moving forward with new visions and goals to support, promote and enhance the role of the family practice nurse in NS.
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Carol Todd RN, Family Practice Nurse
President - Family Practice Nurses Association of Nova Scotia (FPNANS)
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