Public Relations

Public Relations Committee Report 2010

Another year has passed and it is time again to assess where we have been, where we are and where we want to be in our ever-changing landscape of P.E.I.’s  healthcare system.

The motto of the  P.E.I. Nurses Union is, “Nurses taking care of Nurses”,  and it is  accomplished  by education and visibility on a national, provincial and personal level, by your union executive and the Board of Directors.  Each member also carries the responsibility of our public image daily. 

Nationally, P.E.I. Nurses Union participated in the CFNU Biennium hosted by the British Columbia Nurses’ Union in Vancouver in June of 2009.  Not only was it an informational, educational program, but also a time to network with other provinces and share concerns from our membership about the changing healthcare system on PEI.  Open and frequent communication with our sister unions yields solidarity, strength and support.  

Also, internationally, President Barbara Brookins joined the leaders of each Provincial  Registered Nurses Union in Canada  to experience healthcare delivery in South Africa in 2009.  The challenges of the Registered Nurses of South Africa are paramount and their physical equipment and financial resources are seriously lacking.  Even still, the nurses were found to be kind, welcoming and very proud of what they can and have actually accomplished within their operational constraints.  One example is the use of rubber privacy curtains between emergency beds that get hosed down as an infection control measure.  Can any of us imagine this occurring at the Q.E.H. or P.C.H.?  They DO SO MUCH with  SO LITTLE!  It was described as a “humbling experience” for all who shared this opportunity.  The message and feedback was clear, Canadian nurses are accepted worlds away as respected, educated, professional clinicians.

Why is it, then, that we feel less respected at home?  Certainly from a public relations point of view, we are all responsible for how we are perceived.  Our formal media campaign was well received by the public.  The “stethescope” television advertisement and the printed advertisement brought us a great deal of positive feedback.  These are incidental accomplishments only.  There is no public awareness of donations we submit on P.E.I. Nurses Union’s support of hundreds of local charities.  The newspapers only publish gifts over a certain dollar amount.  How do we make the public aware of how important these donations are which exemplify our ongoing commitment to our communities and those who are less fortunate.  How do you as a member speak to your colleagues and neighbors about P.E.I. Nurses Union’s commitment to high quality and safe healthcare for all Islanders?  Again, it is a responsibility we all share.

Subsequent to the Corpus Sanchez evaluation, our Government has begun to revamp our healthcare system.  We have a new name, a plethora of “educators” to direct the changes needed and a new  “model of care “  to help with declining numbers of registered nurses.  Indeed, we will have more staff to care for our patients, residents, clients, and families.  There was no opportunity provided for front line registered nurses to participate in decision making or how to best manage the adjustments.  There is no public outcry despite evidence from literature review that identifies decreased numbers of registered nurses is directly related to increased mortality rates of the hospitalized individual. 

What is lost with decreasing registered nurses availability is the depth of education and  the ability to anticipate change in the medically-compromised individual - that could potentially save a life. 

Hospitalized patients are not aware of the decrease in the register nursing compliment - WE ALL LOOK THE SAME!  Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, dietary workers, housekeeping, clerical staff all wear the same clothing.  There is no distinguishing roles based upon attire.  All we have to differentiate ourselves as registered nurses are inadequate identification name badges.

You will hear more about this issue at the educational component of the Annual General Meeting.  How we conduct ourselves at work, at the rink, at the grocery store is a reflection of our respect for ourselves.  Why is it that we often hear “you are so smart, you could be the doctor”.  We are not stupid because we are Registered Nurses.  We are well educated professionals who actively choose to do what we do.  It is not because we are not smart enough to work in another discipline of clinician.  We choose to educate ourselves and practice with evidenced-based strategies for improvement.  We educate our patients, residents, clients, families in methods and strategies to help them take ownership of their own health and care for themselves proactively rather than reactively.  We support the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all for whom we care.  We  DO make a difference.  We DO have a voice that needs to be heard.  Our latest media campaign is stronger and the message more severe.  Where will you stand as a nurse and as a P.E.I. Nurses Union member? Public relations is EVERY MEMBER’S responsibility.  Who is it that you want Islanders to think you are?  It is up to YOU!  What is YOUR vision of how the registered nurse will fit into the new model of care?  What will YOU do, what can WE accomplish together? 

At last year's AGM a new building was approved and has recently been completed.  Let's take this opportunity to start fresh. Let's live up to our new Professional surroundings and each take responsibility for how we are seen by the public!

     
Respectfully submitted
Frances Galczynski Committee Chair