2006 Certification Exam Funding Available from FRNM

If you are a registered nurse, working in Manitoba, currently registered at CRNM who has successfully completed a Certification Exam (e.g. CNA Certification Program) in 2006, you may qualify for partial reimbursement of the cost of the exam. To apply, download an application form or contact the FRNM at foundation@crnm.mb.ca NB: Closing date is November 30, 2006. To apply for partial reimbursement you must have proof of successfully completing the exam, and must not have received more than 50% of the cost of the exam from other sources.

Late Fee on Registration Renewals After Nov. 30, 2006

If you haven’t already submitted your renewal application to the College don’t forget that a late fee will automatically apply to any renewal application received after November 30, 2006. The $50.00 administrative penalty ($53.00 including GST) is in addition to the registration renewal fee payable by the member. A registration card will not be issued until all fees and penalties are paid.

Get Your Flu Shot

Did you know that getting immunized is an important patient safety issue? According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, "healthcare workers and their employers have a duty to actively promote, implement, and comply with influenza immunization recommendations to decrease the risk of infection and complications in vulnerable populations for which they provide care".

As a healthcare worker, you can spread influenza to patients, possibly leading to influenza-related illness and death. You could also spread it to co-workers, and when healthcare workers get sick with the flu, the result is absenteeism and disruption of care.

As a healthcare worker, there are many reasons to get the flu shot:

• It protects patients
• It prevents illness and death
• It protects families
• It protects you and your co-workers
• It decreases sick leave

Help us protect patients by getting your flu vaccine, and encouraging your co-workers to do the same.

Potassium Chloride Safety Recommendations

Did you know that concentrated Potassium Chloride (KCl) is considered a high risk drug and that it should not be available in patient care areas? Pre-mixed KCl solutions are a much safer option for all but the most critical care patient care areas. If you work in a facility that is still using concentrated KCl, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada has a user friendly check list to assist facilities and practitioners (physicians, nurses, pharmacists) make the transition safer KCl practices. Look for Potassium Chloride Safety articles and alerts on their web site www.ismp-canada.org.

2007 CRNM Elections

In accordance with CRNM bylaws, the College is seeking nomination of candidates for:

• Central Electoral District Board Representative;
• Eastman Electoral District Board
• Representative;
• Interlake Electoral District Board Representative;
• Parkland Electoral District Board Representative; and
• Thompson Electoral District Board Representative.

Deadline for receiving nominations is 1200 hours, Friday February 9, 2007. For more information or to download a nomination form visit our website at www.crnm.mb.ca/election.php

Hand Washing Posters Available in French & English

The College's hand washing campaign has expanded to include TV public service announcements. In addition, a French language version of the hand washing poster is now available on request. The College's campaign encourages Manitobans not to "be the one" as it reminds people it only takes about 15 seconds to properly wash your hands - about the time it takes to sing your ABCs. A variety of information resources about hand hygiene are posted on the College's website. You can also watch the commercials on the site. If you are interested in receiving copies of the poster contact us at info@crnm.mb.ca

CRNM Professional Nursing Awards

The College will honour the winners of the 2007 Professional Achievement Awards as part of the Manitoba Nursing Week celebrations (May 6 - 12). Nominations are being sought for the following awards:

• Outstanding Achievement Award (1 award maximum)
• Professional Lifetime Achievement Award
• Interdisciplinary Health Care Team Award (1 award maximum)
• Excellence in Professional Nursing Awards
• Community Caring Award

Deadline for nominations is 1600 hours February 15, 2007. For more information download the call for nominations and application form at www.crnm.mb.ca/awards.php

Professional Practice Series

The CRNM Nursing Practice Consultant team will continue their professional practice education series into 2007. Upcoming sessions include:

• January 3, 2007 - Professional Boundaries for Registered Nursing Practice: Registered nurses are responsible to maintain the boundaries of professional relationships, to act as client advocates and to intervene when appropriate in instances of boundary violations. Boundary violations occur, not because harm is intended, but often because the nurse has not reflected on the implications of an action from an ethical perspective. Participants will explore boundary issues from the perspective of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses and Professional Boundaries for Therapeutic Relationships.
• January 31, 2007 - Leadership Responsibilities of the Charge Nurse: Leadership is an essential element for professional practice environments where nurses can provide quality nursing care. Leadership is a shared responsibility. Nurses in all domains of practice and at all levels must maximize their leadership potential. Charge nurses as leaders have a special role and obligation to their clients in creating practice environments conducive to safe, competent and ethical care. This session will focus on discovering or re-discovering a leadership style, communicating with your team, delegation of care, managing crises and professional practice issues effectively, recognizing and dealing with unsafe practice and staying motivated.

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.

Continuing Competence Audits Start in New Year

The Continuing Competence Program audits for program compliance will begin in the New Year for RNs and RN(EP)s. These random audits of registered nurses and extended practice registered nurses help ensure the integrity of the continuing competence program, while identifying any issues the College needs to address stemming from the audit results. Last year's audit of RNs confirmed high compliance.

Members included in the audit are chosen at random selection to a total of 5% of the number of members on the practicing registered nurse register throughout the province. Members included in the audit are asked to submit verification of practice hours for the past five years, complete an audit form, and submit to CRNM. Selected members are also asked to submit their completed self-assessment and self-development plan for review by the auditors. Registered nurse Continuing Competence Program auditors review the submitted materials and provide recommendations to the College's Executive Director.

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.

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