Code of Ethics Review

The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is in the process of revising the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2002). This is your opportunity to review and give feedback on the draft. Here's how:

• Visit www.crnm.mb.ca/policycon.php for more details.
• Download and review the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses Draft 2008 Code for Consultation.
• Complete the feedback form.
• Email your completed feedback form to mnordquist@crnm.mb.ca by March 1, 2007.

If you have additional questions please contact Marta Crawford RN BN MN, at mcrawford@crnm.mb.ca, or by phone at 1-800-665-2027 or 784-5186.

Continuing Competence Audits in Progress

The Continuing Competence Program audits for RNs are now underway with audits for RN(EP)s expected to begin before spring. In total 5% of practicing RNs and 20% of RN(EP)s will be randomly selected to participate in this year's audit. Each will receive a letter in the mail detailing the items required for the audit. Most members included in the audit will be asked to submit a verification of practice hours form for the past five years and a completed audit form. Selected members will also be asked to submit their completed self-assessment and self-development plan for review by the auditors. This year, the audit will span a three year period from 2004 to 2006. The College appreciates the cooperation of all who are selected to participate in the audit. The College is required to perform annual audits under the RN Act.

Visit www.crnm.mb.ca/competence.php for more information on the Continuing Competence Program or to download our new "Easy Print" versions of the Forms and Pocket Journal documents.

Planning for National Nursing Week is Now Underway

The College is gearing up for another National Nursing Week, May 7 - 13, 2007. This year's theme is "Think You Know Nursing? Take a Closer Look."

A nursing week proclamation signing and reception is being planned for Monday, May 7th at the Legislature followed by a joint education day on Wednesday, May 9th. The joint education day (co-sponsored by CRNM, The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba and the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba) will be held at the Victoria Inn and will feature a patient safety theme. Watch the website for more details and a registration form.

Our annual professional nursing awards banquet will also be held on Wednesday, May 9th at the Caboto Centre, located at 1055 Wilkes Avenue in Winnipeg. There is still time to nominate a deserving individual or team for an award. Deadline for nominations is 1600 hours February 15, 2007. For more information download the call for nominations and application form on the CRNM website.

Professional Practice Series

Upcoming professional practice education series sessions include:

• March 7, 2007 - The Scope of Practice of Registered Nurses
  The ability to work to one's full scope of practice is one of the indicators of a quality professional practice environment. This session provides an opportunity to examine one's own practice in relation to the legislated scope of practice. Participants will explore their assumptions about what is and what is not registered nursing scope of practice, nurse initiated interventions, and the principles of delegation. An overview of Graduate Nurse and Registered Nurse (EP) scope of practice will be provided.
• April 4, 2007 - Evidence Based Practice: A Critical Element for Clinical Decision Making
  Keeping up to date with best practice information can be a challenge. This presentation will explore the characteristics of evidenced based practice and discuss strategies for incorporating it into everyday practice. Participants will gain an increased awareness of resources for best practice information. The Canadian Nursing Portal will be highlighted.

Each session takes place from 1400 - 1530 hours in the CRNM boardroom, 890 Pembina Hwy. There is no cost to register for these sessions. Please register at least one week in advance by contacting Melva Nordquist, Administrative Coordinator for Nursing Practice by email at mnordquist@crnm.mb.ca or call toll free in Manitoba (800) 665-2027 Ext. 235 or in Winnipeg 774-3477 Ext. 235. If you live outside of Winnipeg you can register to join us via telephone. Education materials can be emailed to you ahead of time.

The CRNM Nursing Practice Consultant team provides education and consultation services to members and employers in worksites across the province. Give us a call at 774-3477 or send us an email if you wish to book a session in your worksite or have a suggestion for future topics.

4th Western Nurse Leaders Forum - Call for Abstracts

Mark your calendars! The 4th Western Nurse Leaders Forum - "Leading the Way - the Challenge of Leadership" will be held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB - Oct. 15 - 17, 2007.

A Call for Abstracts for concurrent sessions is now underway. Abstracts should focus on innovative practices and programs which will contribute to building nurse leadership capacity with all submissions addressing one of the following broad program sub-themes: Internationally Educated Nurses; Healthy Workplaces; or Leadership Development. Visit the CRNM website for more details. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2007.

The Forum is co-sponsored by: College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association, College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia, and Yukon Registered Nurses Association.

Surveys in the Mail

From time to time the College receives requests from researchers to survey specific groups of registered nurses. The College does not release mailing lists or email addresses to outside organizations. We do however help by facilitating these requests and mailing or emailing material on behalf of the researcher on a cost recovery basis. Prior to doing so, we review all materials to be sent and we receive a copy of the researcher's ethics approval for our file. The decision to participate in the research is totally up to each registered nurse. Such mailings typically have a note from the College indicating we are sending it on behalf of a third party. If you receive this type of mailing and have any questions, feel free to call us. Presently, studies are underway involving immunization, rural and remote nursing and maternity health.

CHSRF/CIHR National Chair in HHR Call for Nomination - 2007 Achievement Award for Manitoba

The "Achievement Award in Nursing Human Resources" recognizes and celebrates individuals or employers who have played a key role in identifying, advocating for and/or implementing innovative initiatives to promote healthy workplaces for nurses and other health care professionals. The award will be presented June 14th at the CRNM AGM in Dauphin. The deadline for nominations is April 6, 2007. Visit www.hhrchair.ca/achievementaward.cfm for more information.

Nurses at the Forefront HIV/AIDS

Nancy DiPietro, an RN from Ontario, is challenging nurses across Canada to donate one hour of pay annually to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. After hearing Stephen Lewis speak at the International Nurses' Forum, DiPietro was moved by the plight of nurses in Africa who in addition to their patients are often infected themselves. "One hour of pay could change another nurse's life for the better - perhaps provide more efficient care to more people or allow a nurse to spend another healthy day with her family," says DiPietro. Read more about this challenge here.

District Meetings

Did you know you can find current information about your District Chapter on the CRNM website? Visit www.crnm.mb.ca/chapter.php to get meeting dates and contact information for your district president. Upcoming meeting dates include:

Eastman, Interlake and Central Tri District Meeting

• Thursday, March 15, 2007 - at CRNM, 890 Pembina Hwy.

Central District Chapter

• Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - Invitation to all Retired Nurses. A get together of all interested retired nurses will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the CRNM Building, 890 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg. Please confirm your attendance with Marilyn Robinson at 889-2318 or merobins@mts.net

Parkland District Chapter

• Wednesday April 4, 2007 - Parkland District AGM, 6pm Thunders Restaurant, 19 Memorial Blvd, Dauphin.

Thompson District Chapter

• March 14, 2007 - Thompson District AGM. Room 141/143 (BRHA Administration building). All Day Event with an education component. Lunch Provided.

Westman District Chapter

• March 15, 2007 - Professional Practice Education Series: Substance Abuse, 1330-1415 & 1945-2100. 2nd Floor Nurses Res, BRHC, Lecture theatre.
• April 25, 2007 - Westman District AGM. Location TBA. Kaaren Neufeld is coming to present on Seven Habits of Highly Effective Nurses.

Call for Resolutions

In accordance with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba's Guidelines for Resolutions, a call for resolutions for the 2007 Annual General Meeting is now underway. The deadline for receiving resolutions to be considered at the AGM in June is noon on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. For more information visit www.crnm.mb.ca/agm.php

2007 CRNM Elections

The deadline for receiving nominations for the 2007 Election was 1200 hours, Friday February 9, 2007. See who's running for elected office at the College and read the candidate profiles by visiting our website at www.crnm.mb.ca/election.php Ballots will be in the mail to members within 3 weeks of the close of nominations. Election day is 1200 hours, Wednesday April 11, 2007.