Public Relations

Public Relations Committee Report 2008

As stated in the past, Public Relations is an ongoing process. The PR committee continues to make efforts to bring nursing concerns to the general public. We have made positive strides, which started with our leadership, and their commitment to increase their visibility and access to membership. Barbara Brookins (President) and Kendra Gunn (Executive Director) in addition to representing PEINU in the Federal and Provincial venues, took the initiative to make Island wide site visits. They were available to hear first hand about issues of concern directly from the membership. They also encouraged membership survey responses, and comments, which totaled over 400 replies.

20% of those responses were submitted to the PEINU website. Because of increased technology, and member interest and feedback, PEINU has engaged Swiftradius (our website maintenance company) to update our website to a more user-friendly format, with the added benefit of a “members only” access portal which we encourage you to investigate.

We continue with the multi-media campaign, which was resumed this past holiday season with holiday wishes from PEINU which aired on television in December. Filming has recently been completed for two additional commercial spots. Our goal is to raise public awareness for RN concerns for our ability to provide high quality care and maintain job satisfaction in a healthcare delivery system which continues to suffer depleting resources. Also planned are printed media promotions as another phase of this objective. PR is important at all times, not just during periods of negotiations.

Nursing in P.E.I. is very variable site to site, region to region. To address an area of particular significance we have engaged Dr. Sean Lyons for a presentation at our AGM Education Day entitled “Intergenerational Nursing”. Perhaps we will be able to gain the added perspectives of our colleagues and work together to present ourselves in a positive light to those we love and care for. The PR Committee welcomes and
encourages membership participation.

Respectfully submitted,
Frances Galczynski, RN  (Chair)