What's nu?January 2019 - Nova Scotia Nurses' Union
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what’s nu? January 2019
New Collective Agreement
for Acute Care Nurses
A Tribute to Outgoing
NSNU Executive Director,
Jean Candy
Long Term Care
NSNU Disappointed in Report
from LTC Expert Panel
AGM and Education Day
Dates, Deadlines and
Reminders
COURAGE TO LEAD • CONFIDENCE TO CHALLENGE • COMMITMENT TO CARE
NSNU BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS
Janet Hazelton, President
janet.hazelton@nsnu.ca
Council of Nursing Unions
3 Arbitration Award
Christine Van Zoost, Vice President
NSNU Disappointed in Report from
5
christine.vanzoost@nsnu.ca
Expert Panel on Long-Term Care
Jamie Stewart, VP Finance
A Tribute to Outgoing
8
jamie.stewart@nsnu.ca
Executive Director Jean
Candy
Gerri Oakley, VP Eastern Region
gerri.oakley@nsnu.ca
Jen Thiele, VP Central Region
jen.thiele@nsnu.ca
Ann Marie Murdock, VP Northern Region
annmarie.murdock@nsnu.ca
AGM and Education Day Dates,
10 Deadlines and Reminders
Michelle Lowe, VP Western Region
michelle.lowe@nsnu.ca
Nursing News from Around the
16 World Maria Langille, VP LPN/Grad
maria.langille@nsnu.ca
CONTACT THE NSNU Glenda Sabine, VP Long Term Care
150 Garland Avenue glenda.sabine@nsnu.ca
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 0A7
Telephone: 1-800 / 902-469-1474
Fax: 1-902-466-6935 Tracey d’Entremont, VP Community Care
Email: nsnu.office@nsnu.ca
tracey.dentremont@nsnu.ca
Website: www.nsnu.ca
TWITTER: @NS_Nurses
FACEBOOK: Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
Jayne Fryday, VP IWK
YOUTUBE: NSNursesUnion
jane.fryday@nsnu.ca
NSNU staff directory available at nsnu.ca/staff
2 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
President’s Notebook
Janet Hazelton, BScN RN, MPA
Council of Nursing Unions Arbitration Award
In Early December 2018, Arbitrator
William Kaplan publicly issued
his award to establish a province-
line with the Health Care Bargaining
Council award which was settled last
summer.
Information regarding registration
for the forum will be sent directly to
these individuals.
wide collective agreement for
approximately 7500 acute care Arbitrator Kaplan’s award came On January 17, the Executive Council
nurses working throughout the after the Council of Nursing and met to discuss this last round of
province for the Nova Scotia Health the Employers met an impasse in negotiations, essential services
Authority and the IWK. bargaining which began in early language going forward, and how to
September of last year. improve upon bargaining for 2020.
This unprecedented round On January 18, labour relations staff
of bargaining included nurse All provisions including language from all four of the health care unions
representatives from across the changes take effect February 1, met at the NSNU to review the
province, from four different health unless otherwise specified in the nursing contract so that there is clear
care unions, NSNU, NSGEU, CUPE, and award. This timeframe enabled both and consistent implementation of
Unifor, together at one table. Council the Employer and the Union to the agreement across the system.
representatives had the arduous prepare for the changes required.
task of combining almost two dozen During the transitional period, The new collective agreement
collective agreements into one each employers, unions and nurses and a compilation of NSNU’s
for the NSHA and the IWK. continued to reference the 2011 highlights can be found at nsnu.ca/
contract. councilofnursingunions.
The Council is proud of the work
achieved on behalf of nurses in The NSNU held an interactive If you have a comment or question
Nova Scotia. This is one of the webinar on December 11 to discuss about the collective agreement,
best collective agreements the the details of the agreement. For I encourage you to email
province has ever reached for our those unable to participate in the live nsnubargaining@nsnu.ca.
members. In addition, the NSNU broadcast, a video file of the webinar
was able to maintain much of the was uploaded to the Members Only The NSNU would like to thank our
progressive language achieved page on the NSNU website following NSNU negotiating team, as well as
in previous rounds of bargaining, the session. It remains on the site, the Council representatives from
while improving some language and nsnu.ca. You will require your login NSGEU, CUPE and Unifor, on a job
acquiring new language that benefits credentials in order to watch the well done.
our members. video.
Unfortunately, we were not able to On April 18, 2019 the NSNU will host
retain all existing NSNU benefits. a bargaining forum for the Board of
Some language was lost during Directors, NSNU Acute Care Nursing
face-to-face negotiations or taken Council members and acute care
away by Arbitrator William Kaplan. table officers (president or alternate)
Many of these changes are now in in Truro at the Glengarry Hotel.
3 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
Bargaining Underway
NSNU bargaining got underway on VON Provincial Negotiating
January 8th for our Community Care
Committee
nurses working for the Victorian
Order of Nurses. At this point in time, Janet Hazelton, NSNU President
face-to-face bargaining is scheduled
to conclude on February 15th. Tracy d’Entremont, Vice President
Community Care
Our members-at-large on the
bargaining committee are relatively Chris Albrecht, NSNU Executive
new to this process, which is an Director, Chief Negotiator
exciting opportunity for them but
can also an exercise in frustration. Central Region
Progress at the negotiating table Karen Graves, PNC Rep
can be slow at times but the back Kevin Whynot, Alternate
and forth dialogue is essential to
achieving positive outcomes. Eastern Region
Kim Williams, PNC Rep
In the meantime, we will share (No Alternate)
information with the sector as it is
appropriate to do so, and members Northern Region
will be notified if, and when a Vanessa Richardson, PNC Rep
tentative agreement is reached. Veronica MacDonald, Alternate
Thank you to those who sent in Western Region
feedback in advance of bargaining. Carolyn d’Entremont, PNC Rep
Your input and frontline knowledge Tammy Woodland, Alternate
is imperative to our success.
Acute Care Collective Agreement Forum – April 18, 2019
The NSNU will be holding an Acute Care Collective a participant. Each local is to determine who will
Agreement Forum from 9 am until approximately 12 pm participate (local president or alternate). All attendees,
on April 18 to discuss the new contract. Participation in including Board members, Bargaining Council
this session is open to the Board of Directors, Acute Care members and one member per acute care local, are
Bargaining Council members (PNC), and one member required to register using a link that will be circulated by
per acute care local. March 15 via email.
If your local has a representative on the Board or This session will take place at the Glengarry Best Western
the Bargaining Council, you are still eligible to send Hotel in Truro.
4 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
NSNU Disappointed in Report from
Expert Panel on Long-Term Care
The Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
is extremely disappointed in the
Recommendations Report by the
Minister’s Expert Advisory Panel on
Long-Term Care calling it a missed
opportunity, a lost chance to set a
course for serious reform.
Despite strong recommendations
from the Nurses’ Union and other key
stakeholders, the report released on
January 15 does not recommend a
minimum staffing level for long-term
care homes, something that was
requested in the Panel’s terms of
reference.
Panel members, Janice Keefe, chair
of the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging
at Mount Saint Vincent University;
Dr. Greg Archibald, a family doctor,
wound-care expert and Dalhousie Report makes clear that we cannot that is central to residents in nursing
University professor; and Cheryl wait for perfect evidence before homes.
Smith, a nurse practitioner from we begin implementing solutions.
Amherst with an education focus However, the recommendations Many important recommendations
on dementia care, claimed there is a are only advisory in nature, with in the Panel’s report reflect work
lack evidence at this time to establish no implementation strategies, that is already underway. The
what such a ratio should be. including staff numbers and human Department of Health and Wellness,
resource planning. Given these for example, has already accepted
“The evidence is clear,” claims Janet unknowns, accountability will remain recommendations from the NSNU,
Hazelton, president of the NSNU. a challenge. developed in collaboration with
“Nearly 20 years ago, research partners in the sector, to hire Nurse
showed that an average of 4.1 hours On the positive side, the report Practitioners into long-term care and
of care is required to ensure the recommends providing dedicated to introduce responsive behaviour
quality of care to residents is not time from Licensed Practical Nurses units across the province. The
compromised. If anything, care needs to work in residential care facilities. Government’s own press release
have increased since then.” These facilities are often attached to makes clear that most of the Panel’s
long-term care facilities and serve recommendations reflect work that is
As the Report’s authors pointed residents with less complex needs. already underway.
out, the system is in crisis and our The NSNU’s 2015 Broken Homes
outdated provincial legislation is report emphasized the large amount “If the Panel had made
an embarrassment. Given these of work arising from residential care recommendations around working
challenges, it is no surprise that facilities and the need for dedicated, conditions, including staffing levels,
the Report was unable to provide funded time for nurses to work there. workload and workplace violence, it
broader and comprehensive Unfortunately, the Report makes no could have better addressed one of
solutions in the 12-week timeframe mention of Registered Nurses in the their mandates, the recruitment and
provided to the Committee. The Recommendations Report, a role retention of all staff,” says Hazelton.
5 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
Pitting NPs Against MDs
Does Nothing to Assist Nova
Scotians Who Deserve Timely
and Accessible Health Care
In November, the NSNU responded On January 9th, Doctors Nova Scotia that fact that Nova Scotians cannot
to an article in the Chronicle Herald released a position paper stating continue to go without care, and NPs
entitled Nurse practitioner plans family physicians are increasingly help provide a solution we should all
worry doctors. The article claimed, finding their role in our health-care get behind. However, media reports
as a result of the merger between the system undervalued and potentially continue to pit MDs against NPs.
registered nurses college with the marginalized. As health care
College of Licensed Practical Nurses becomes increasingly collaborative Disapproving headlines like – NPs
of Nova Scotia, nurses would no and scopes of practice change, the are no substitute for family
longer be required to strike a formal report said family physicians remain doctors – leads off yet another op-ed
agreement with a physician or group the backbone of an effective health- which continues to add fuel the fire,
of physicians and submit proof of care system. escalate this turf war, and make Nova
that agreement with the nursing Scotians who are receiving excellent
regulator. The Docs NS report, titled care from Nurse Practitioners fearful
Primary Care Transformation: A for their safety. This opinion piece,
In the NSNU response to the collaborative practice tool kit, published in the Chronicle Herald on
newspaper, president Janet Hazelton goes on to say doctors continue January 16, again puts NPs squarely
said there will be no change in the to support a collaborative team in the crosshairs of an unnecessary
standards that require all nurses to approach. If that’s true, we must shift and irresponsible public battle with
practise collaboratively. This has long the pervasive and counterproductive doctors. This has to stop.
been an explicit requirement for all NP vs MD dialogue playing out in the
nurses. media. Nova Scotia faces serious challenges
in primary health care. There are
The NP collaborative practice It is important to understand what many things that RNs, LPNs, and
relationship in the Registered Nurses is meant by collaborative practice. particularly Nurse Practitioners can
Act is often misunderstood. NPs were All nurses practice independently do to help improve the situation. This
required to sign these agreements within their scope of practice. As it does not negate the urgent need to
in order to begin practising, but stands, physicians are not required recruit and retain family physicians. It
this did not necessarily create an to reassess patients that NPs have is disappointing to hear a physician
actual referral relationship between assessed, diagnosed or prescribed say that nurses’ intentions to work
the doctor and NP. Often the two medication. That would be a waste of collaboratively with other health
practitioners did not work in the precious resources in a province with practitioners is mere rhetoric or
same practice, or even in the same large gaps in primary health-care disingenuous as was written in the
town. For a long time, NPs and services. However, NPs will continue November article.
doctors alike have been aware that to consult with GPs on difficult cases
these agreements are anachronisms and refer patients to specialists as Nurses understand that collaborative
based on an outdated understanding needed. care is a hallmark of a well-
of the Nurse Practitioner role. In any functioning health system, and
event, they have never served to We can all agree that Nova Scotia we look forward to improving
guarantee or promote collaborative needs more physicians. That is not health care in Nova Scotia on this
care. in question. Also, not in question is foundation.
6 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
NSNU Apology
re: What You
Need to Know
About Cannabis
In late October of 2018, the NSNU
published an article in What’s NU?
APRIL
entitled What You Need to Know
About Cannabis. The feature was
submitted by Pink Larkin, our
legal counsel on various labour/
legal matters including the newly
NSNU Annual General Acute Care Collective introduced cannabis legislation.
Meeting & Education Day Agreement Forum
April 15-17, Truro, NS April 16, Truro, NS Contained in the article was
information that read:
Workplace Issue - An employee uses
MAY JUNE
a strain of cannabis that they believe
does not cause any impairment.
Best Advice - The member should
consult with their physician about
CFNU Biennial Convention impairment.
National June 3-7, Fredericton, NB
Nursing Week Some NSNU members were
CLC Atlantic Region disappointed that we did not
May 6-12 Spring School amend the document provided
June 22-26, Antigonish, NS by Pink Larkin to include Nurse
Practitioners under this portion
of Best Advice. Those members
JULY SEPT
are correct. Our members and the
general public can and should
consult either their physician
or Nurse Practitioner regarding
impairment.
Halifax Pride Parade Labour Day
July 20 September 2 As the role of Nurse Practitioners
expands and NPs take on more
responsibility in our communities,
OCT
it is incumbent on our
organization to be more inclusive
in acknowledging NPs and their
significant contributions to our
health care system.
Federal Election NSFL Biennial Convention We apologize for this oversight
October 19 October 27-30, Halifax, NS and will endeavour to do better in
future publications.
7 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
NSNU The Magazine Hill was the bane
of her existence; a commute that
she, like so many others, dreaded
“I initially didn’t choose nursing
but applied for a teaching degree. I
changed my mind at the last minute
Executive - particularly in the winter. Day
in and day out, her diesel-fueled
and was fortunately accepted at
the Grace in St John’s NL. That last-
Volkswagens (there were a few over minute decision was serendipitous,
Director the years) reliably delivered Jean to
Queen Street in Dartmouth, then 30
and I never regretted it as I had an
interesting and varied career that
Retires
Frazee Avenue, and finally to the new I loved for over twenty years,” says
digs on 150 Garland Avenue. Jean.
Born in Ottawa and raised in several Her first job was at the IWK, a “non-
It Is What It Is locales including Downsview,
Trenton, Salisbury (England) and St.
union” stronghold. As a newly-
minted nurse she witnessed, and
Bruno, Quebec, the self-professed experienced firsthand, things that did
air force brat often moved with her not sit well with her, prompting her
parents and siblings, Jill and Rob, to send a letter to the newly formed
gaining an appreciation for travel and NSNU in 1976 requesting union
culture. information. She then set about
distributing union pamphlets on
Once settled in Atlantic Canada, her unit. She was promptly warned
she eventually pursued a career in to get rid of the union propaganda
nursing that was gratifying, and if she wanted to keep her job – that
which led her down unexpected was the spark that ignited the union
paths towards union activism. Even activist within her.
though she possessed an incredible
penchant and talent for all things A few years later she accepted a job
artistic, and a deep love of animals at Camp Hill Hospital. That’s when
(particularly of the canine variety), it her interest in the union became a
was health care that called her name. commitment, thus leading to her first
O
nly the third executive
director to ever grace the halls
of the NSNU in its forty-three
years, Jean Candy decided in June
of 2018 it was time to put an end
to the oftentimes brutal trek from
Windsor, Nova Scotia (her homestead
for a menagerie of dogs, horses, cats
and people) to the busy metropolis
of Burnside. Her retirement would
be the final chapter in her long and
assorted relationship with the Nova As NSNU president, Jean rabble-rouses alongside then-Executive Director Tom
Scotia Nurses’ Union. Patterson
8 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
I am positive there will be many more
to come.”
Her hopes for the future of the
Nurses’ Union are that it maintains its
strong identity as a Union with vision,
commitment and integrity, and that
the leadership at all levels continue
to encourage others who show that
spark and support them along their
path.
She will continue to cheer for us on
the sidelines, in her retirement.
“My favourite saying is, it is what it
Jean is presented with the Bread and Roses award by CFNU president, Linda Silas and is. But in my retirement, I hope for
Secretary-Treasurer, Pauline Worsfold during the 2015 CFNU Biennium in Halifax more adventures in experimenting
position as a local executive. Much to was supported by her colleagues with art, watching and reading good
her surprise and right out of the gate, at the NSNU to attend the murder mysteries, some travel, and
she was elected president of what Governor General’s Canadian Study lots of volunteering and fundraising
was then the largest NSNU local. Conference. There she was inspired for animal rescues.”
by the many community and political
Feeling over her head in new and leaders she felt privileged to meet For the record, it was Jean Candy
turbulent waters, this fledgling during the tour. NSNU leadership who coined our mission statement:
advocate began her foray into labour and staff continued to encourage Courage to Lead, Confidence to
activism and union solidarity, in spite and inspire her as 1st and 2nd Vice Challenge, Commitment to Care. These
of her conservative, right-leaning President on the Board of Directors. words embody what she stood for
upbringing. The logical and natural next step was while dedicated to the advancement
to continue as NSNU President, which of the NSNU. For her service, her
The turning point came in 1991 she did in 1996. incredible wit, and love of the
when, as a new Board member, she nursing profession, we are eternally
A runoff vote at Camp Hill in 1996 grateful.
ended with the membership at that
facility joining the NSGEU, making Congratulations Jean. All the best in
Jean ineligible to sit as president of your long and happy retirement.
the NSNU. She was then hired by the
NSNU, so began her ten-year career
as a Labour Relations Representative.
In 2006, Jean became the Executive
Director of the NSNU, a position she
proudly but humbly adds to her list
of union-related accomplishments.
“Being part of this Union as both
member and staff, I’m proud
to say that there is never an
accomplishment that is made by
just one person but instead, it is the
result of many working together to
Jean hoists an NSNU banner during the achieve a goal. NSNU has had many
CFNU Biennium in Calgary, 2017 accomplishments to be proud of and
9 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
NSNU AGM 2019
The Future of Nursing Starts With You!
NSNU is excited to host our 2019 Annual General Meeting • Keltic Clothing will be on site selling uniforms and
in Truro. It will be another great event as we gather to accessories.
conduct business on behalf of the organization, develop
strategies, make important decisions for the coming year, • The NSNU will be selling lots of merchandise, perfect
and inform members of previous and future activities. for sharing with your members during National
Nursing Week. The NSNU does not accept credit cards
The theme, NSNU – The Future of Nursing Starts With or debit.
You! inspires us to plan for what’s to come for the Union, • We will be collecting dignity items once again to
for our Members and the nursing profession. donate to the Truro Food Bank – please contribute if
you can.
The 2019 AGM is scheduled to take place Monday, April
15 – Wednesday, April 17 at the Best Western Glengarry • The Banquet and Dance will take place the evening
Hotel in Truro. of Tuesday, April 16 at the Glengarry. The theme is
casual and futuristic! Come as your favourite “future
Here are some highlights, deadlines and things to know: you” or character from light years away. There will be
a live band this year – one of our favourites! Big Fish
• Registration opens on February 13 and closes on will perform so wear comfortable dancing shoes!!!!
March 15. One representative from each local is
responsible for registering all of the participants • In lieu of an auction, the NSNU will be selling tickets
(delegates and observers) who will be attending from on a gift card tree. Each local is asked to supply
your local. whatever it can afford in gift cards towards the charity
fundraiser. The gift cards must be provided to NSNU
• For those attending only the Education Day, there is a staff by 5pm April 15 at the AGM in Truro. All proceeds
separate registration form. from the 50/50 draw during the hospitality event
and tickets sales on the gift cards tree will go to The
• Links to both registration forms will be available on Marguerite Centre in Halifax and Hope Project in
the Member’s Only section of the NSNU website Sydney.
under “AGM Forms and Resources” beginning
February 13. • Scholarship Applications must be submitted by
Wednesday, March 27. Forms can be found on the
• The hospitality event with a buffet-style meal will take NSNU website at nsnu.ca. The successful recipients
place at the Engine Room the evening of Monday, will be announced on Tuesday, April 16 at the AGM.
April 15. Be sure to bring a big voice for karaoke, a
contribution (one per local) for the door prize, and • Arrive rested, ready to take on the world and play a
cash for the 50/50 draw. little.
• Unlike previous events, the NSNU will be assigning All forms can be found on the Members’ Only page. If you
seating for the AGM, Education Day and Banquet so have difficulty with your login credentials, please contact
we can better accommodate the needs of members Lorna Myers at lorna.myers@nsnu.ca or Christie Blotnicky
and guests. at christie.blotnicky@nsnu.ca before the deadlines
indicated.
10 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionEducation Day 2019
Please join the NSNU on April 17th but we recognize that we must
as the Union explores Nursing and start somewhere. This educational
Reconciliation in Nova Scotia. event recommits the NSNU to the
Partnership Agreement by giving
This important topic of discussion voice and a platform to Indigenous
will provide members in our nurses and leaders.
organization with insights on
the social condition of our Whether it is related to health care
indigenous peoples, what they have accessibility, the nursing profession
encountered throughout the ages or education our panelists, keynote
and still contend with today. presenters and featured personalities
will deliver a message of hope and
In 2006, the NSNU entered into a enlightenment in a humorous and
Partnership Agreement entitled the informative way.
Aboriginal Workforce Participation
Initiative. The parties to this Members attending the AGM and
agreement set out to address the Education Day can register online at
under-representation of Aboriginal nsnu.ca (Members Only login). If you
persons in the field of nursing. plan to attend only the Education
Day, there is a separate registration Indigenous nurse Courtney Pennell will
Nearly 13 years later, little progress form online. be a panellist and perform traditional
has been made on this Agreement dance during Education Day
Be Part of the Next NSNU Music Video
Want to be featured in the next NSNU
music video? If so, please send us
photos or video of you at work or
play holding a sign saying This Is Me!
We are seeking shots (both video and
stills) of nurses in their workplace, or
other favourite environment, proudly
holding a homemade (but legible)
This Is Me! banner. Be sure patients
and confidential information are not
visible if shooting at work on your
off-time or break.
Whether you’re feeling happy,
sad, tired or triumphant, let your work when you forward your image This Is Me is a title song from the hit
expression tell the story. And be file. As for wardrobe, your uniform or musical film, The Greatest Showman.
sure to shoot your pic or video with work attire is preferred. Have a listen to get inspired.
enough light so that your image is
clear and you look fabulous! Record Use your cell phone or camera to Thank you in advance for putting
audio of yourself saying “This Is capture these amazing nursing your “Nurse Selfie” in the next NSNU
Me,” if you’d like, and don’t forget to moments, and send them via email music video.
provide your name and where you to coleen.logan@nsnu.ca.
11 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionCompetition
for a Cause
T he Canadian Federation of Nurses’ Unions has
launched a petition on workplace violence via the
House of Commons - Petition E-1902.
organizations, including the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union,
to see which union can amass the most signatures per
capita before the petition closes on February 20, 2019.
As the parliamentary health committee prepares The winning union will receive $1,500 plus one free
to undertake their study on violence in health care registration for a member to attend the 2019 Biennial
in the New Year, a strong show of support for this Convention in Fredericton, New Brunswick. If the NSNU
petition will bolster their efforts and support resulting wins, a draw will be held to select the lucky participant.
recommendations.
Let’s show the country that Nova Scotia nurses are
To encourage more nurses to sign the petition, CFNU has informed, engaged and fighting for change. Sign the
launched a friendly competition between its member petition today at https://bit.ly/2yy50Em.
12 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionCFNU
Biennium
Registration
Open!
Registration for the CFNU Biennial
Convention is now open!
This year’s event is being hosted by
the New Brunswick Nurses Union in Federation of Nurses Unions over the Those who plan to attend the
beautiful Fredericton. next two years. Biennium should book your time
off from work as soon as possible,
Taking place from June 3-7, the Members who wish to participate in including necessary travel time to get
Biennium will feature inspiring the five-day event are encouraged to and from Fredericton.
guest speakers, informative panel to register early to secure your spot.
discussions and educational sessions, Registration is available online at We look forward to seeing a strong
exciting special events and more. It nursesunions.ca/convention2019. If contingent of NSNU members at
will also include business meetings you have any questions about the Biennium 2019 in Fredericton!
during which attendees will help event or registration, please email
define the goals of the Canadian nsnu.office@nsnu.ca.
NSNU Hires New Labour
Relations Representative
The Nurses’ Union is happy to of her local, VON Central Region,
announce that Angela McKenna since 2008 and a vocal advocate for
has joined the team as our newest patients and all nurses.
Labour Relations Representative.
That position was vacated when In the months leading up to her
Chris Albrecht, LRR/Chief Negotiator taking over the position, Angela
became the successful candidate filled in for Chris on a part-time basis
to take over for Executive Director during acute care negotiations.
Jean Candy, who retired at the end Although she misses her direct
of 2018 after a rewarding career as a patient care and her colleagues
registered nurse turned NSNU staffer. at the VON, she has embraced the
opportunity to apply her labour
Angela has been a long-time activist relations knowledge to her new role
with the NSNU and a familiar face to and looks forward to the challenges
many. Angela is a graduate of NSCC and successes that await her.
IW Akerley Campus, class of 1992,
and has worked in long term care, Angela’s first day on the job was
acute care and community care. She December 3rd. Please join the NSNU
has been employed by the VON since in welcoming Angela to the LRR
1995. Angela has been the president position.
13 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionJanet Hazelton drops the puck on the second annual Brayden MacNeill rides the Zamboni
Mooseheads Nurse Appreciation Night
Mooseheads Nurse
Appreciation Night
More than 300 NSNU members, family and
friends were in for an exciting game of hockey on
November 24th as the Halifax Mooseheads battled
Baie-Comeau Drakkar in QMJHL play. The Moose
worked hard during the heated game between
rivals, and even a narrow loss couldn’t dampen
the spirits of the team or their fans, who helped
celebrate members of the NSNU during the second
annual Mooseheads Nurse Appreciation Night.
Jen and Britney were good sports during the intermission
hijinks with Hal and Mac Once again, NSNU president Janet Hazelton had
the honour of dropping the first puck. Never one to
disappoint, she arrived in an evening gown and full
hair and make-up for the event! (Okay, she was on
her way to a fundraiser— but she did look fabulous!)
This year, NSNU invited Brayden MacNeill to ride on
the Zamboni during the first intermission. He was
so excited for the opportunity, and he came along
with an equally jovial entourage. He did a great job.
Thank you Brayden!
Of course, no hockey game is complete without a
little bit of silliness and hijinks. NSNU board member
Jen Thiele took on Halifax VON member Britney
Cornect in a zany competition during the second
intermission. Jen won, but it was a tight race, with
some credit owed to Moosehead mascots Hal and
Mac.
Thank you to the Halifax Mooseheads for another
Thank you to our team of staff, family and friends who wonderful Nurse Appreciation Night. We look
volunteered to hand out NSNU swag during the game forward to doing it again next year!
14 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionLeft: Janet Hazelton gets the flu shot from
Karen Green at the IWK flu shot clinic
Below: Donna
Konowalchuk
gets the
shot on CTV
Morning Live
Above: Janet
Hazelton with
Dr. Robert
Strang, Jason
MacLean and
Randy Delorey
Above: Sheldon MacLeod
gets his annual flu shot on
News 95.7 Above: Co-host Andrea Dion steps
up to get the shot on Global News
Morning
NSNU Reminds Nurses and General Public
About the Importance of Getting the Flu Shot
D uring the month of November
the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union
held its annual influenza awareness
Rupinder Kaur who administered the
flu shot to on-air participants and any
others who wanted it.
of the staff took advantage of the
opportunity. We thank Rupinder for
taking time out of her busy schedule
campaign. As is often the case, to run the clinic.
NSNU president, Janet Hazelton People often joke about the
was first in line to get her own shot, challenges of “live TV”. Well, those The NSNU flu campaign also included
administered by NSNU member challenges certainly came to fruition airing ads on television, in theatres
Karen Green during at the IWK flu as not one, but TWO morning show and in Tim Horton’s restaurants
clinic on November 1st. Janet was hosts realized a little too late that encouraging Nova Scotians to
joined at the event by Minister they couldn’t roll up their sleeves far get vaccinated. The ads worked in
of Health, Randy Delorey, Chief enough to get the shot! Thankfully conjunction with online shareable
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert others on set were willing to step in images that showed not only how
Strang and NSGEU president, Jason at the last minute to show viewers getting the flu can impact our own
MacLean. that getting the flu shot is quick, easy lives, but the lives of those around us.
and nearly pain-free.
Janet also made the rounds to If you haven’t gotten your flu shot
numerous local media outlets to For the second year in a row, the yet, don’t wait! The shot is available
discuss the importance of getting NSNU held an in-house flu shot across the province at pharmacies,
vaccinated. During her interviews clinic for staff who wanted to get doctors and nurse practitioner offices
Janet was joined by VON nurse vaccinated, and more than half and clinics. #GettheshotNS!
15 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionNew NSNU Merch
Now Available
Get ready to go shopping! The NSNU has some great new
merchandise that members will want for themselves,
their locals, and maybe even for the little ones in their
families.
To buy merchandise, members can come to the NSNU
office to browse our selection, or wait for the Annual
General Meeting where you can shop til’ you drop! If you
would like to visit the NSNU office, please contact the
NSNU to set up a shopping date.
Please be advised that the NSNU can only accept cash
or cheques, and purchases must be picked up from the
NSNU office or taken home from the AGM.
Emersyn looks extra cute in her “My Mommy is a Nurse” onesie!
Thanks to Mom, Christine Pitman, for sending in this sweet
photo.
Are You
If you work at more than one NSNU Facility and pay union dues more
than once in a pay period, you may be eligible for a refund from the
Provincial Office. Members who have been paid for less than 7.5 hours
Paying
in Acute Care and less than 8 hours in Long-Term Care in one bi-weekly
pay period may also be eligible for a refund from the Provincial Office.
The Provincial portion of NSNU union dues ($29.24 for RN’s and $21.48
Double
for LPN’s) will be refunded by cheque on a quarterly basis. Your rebate
will only be retroactive for a period of up to 12 months prior to contact
with the NSNU.
Dues? If either situation applies to you, please contact the NSNU Provincial
Office (Verna Harrie at 902-468-6748 or verna.harrie@nsnu.ca).
16 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionIn the News
Nurse practitioners the solution to
Canada’s health care woes
Excerpts from Ottawa Sun . November 2018
C anada routinely underperforms
in international surveys of timely
access to primary health care, such
In contrast, the path towards the
integration and expansion of nurse
practitioners in Canada’s health
as access to a family doctor. When system has been rocky. To find
this happens, patients often rely on answers, the Canadian Federation
the more expensive health services of Nurses Unions (CFNU) recently
Alberta registered provided in our acute care system, conducted the largest survey of
nurses to arriving in hospital emergency nurse practitioners across Canada.
rooms. As a result, our acute care We found that even though nurse
prescribe drugs, facilities are stretched to capacity. practitioners have the potential to
order X-rays address pressing health access issues,
In response to a perceived doctor they are largely absent or under-
Excerpt from The Canadian shortage in the early 1980s, the utilized in most parts of Canada.
Press . November 2018 Canada Health Act was amended
so provinces could allow nurses Barriers due to government
A lberta’s health minister says
the province is expanding
the ability of registered nurses
to practise medicine as nurse
practitioners.
legislative, regulatory and policy
restrictions, along with financing,
to prescribe drugs and order funding and reimbursement issues
X-rays. Nurses will have to Decades of rigorous evidence shows are challenges to the widespread
have extra education and that nurse practitioners improve use of nurse practitioners across
authorization to be able to access to personalized, cost-effective, the country. We’re failing to take
take on the additional medical high-quality health care that reduces advantage of the capacity of nurse
responsibilities. wait times and costs throughout the practitioners to improve health
broader health system. access and reduce costs across the
The government will bring system.
in new rules that will allow This patient-centred approach is
registered nurses to prescribe well-suited to address multiple and Manitoba’s Mobile Clinics, in which
drugs in travel clinics, as part of ongoing health conditions. Nurse nurse practitioners and registered
sexually transmitted infection practitioners are especially critical nurses provide on-the-spot primary
programs and at workplace for providing health services among care for people living in smaller,
health and safety clinics. Canada’s growing population of underserved communities, provide
seniors, Indigenous peoples and an excellent model. Ontario’s nurse
They’ll be able to order X-rays, those in rural and remote locations. practitioner-led clinics, as well
urinalysis tests and swabs for community health centre models
cultures, and do blood count The United States began integrating utilizing nurse practitioners, are
drug level tests for antibiotics. nurse practitioners intensively leading practices that could be
following the creation of an readily implemented nationwide.
The idea is to provide timely education program in 1965. Through
access to care, especially for a concerted effort, the number of Nurse practitioners represent an
home care patients and patients nurse practitioners doubled over a innovative opportunity for Canada
in long-term care. decade; there are now more than to address our growing health-care
248,000 licensed nurse practitioners needs, especially within underserved
The new regulations will come in the U.S. populations, communities and
into effect in May 2019. settings.
17 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionA Mi’kmaw nurse and
why his ‘familiar face’
is very much needed in
Nova Scotia health care
By Yvette d’Entremont for StarMetro
Halifax | November 12, 2018
G rowing up in Eskasoni, Tanas Sylliboy
never once imagined he’d pursue a
career in health care or become a mentor
for Mi’kmaw youth wanting to follow in
his footsteps.
But in 2015, he and his high school
classmate Terrence “TC” Bernard
graduated from Cape Breton University
as registered nurses. Sylliboy believes
the duo were the first Mi’kmaw men to
become registered nurses in the Atlantic Tanas Sylliboy (Photo via Zane Woodford / StarMetro Halifax)
provinces.
second year we got to actually be in educating people about the reality of
Sylliboy is now taking his education hospital,” he said. “After I had my own the Indigenous experience and the
one step further. He’s at Dalhousie first patient, I was like, ‘Oh my God. This is intergenerational trauma caused by
University studying to become the first what I want to do for the rest of my life.’” residential schools.
male Mi’kmaw nurse practitioner in Nova
Scotia. Sylliboy’s first job was in the North “I came into contact with people who
Sydney Hospital’s emergency work in the hospital that never heard of
“I didn’t really decide to go into nursing department. Within a few months, he residential school, and I thought, ‘Wow,
until Grade 12 and it had to do with a moved to the Cape Breton Regional that’s a huge learning curve,’” he said.
science fair project that I did on the diet Hospital emergency department, where
of First Nation people,” he recalled. he stayed for almost three years before “I thought, this is not embarrassing for
making the decision to return school this the person, but this is embarrassing for
“It was a qualitative/quantitative study September. the education system, embarrassing
examining the diet of high school for our society, and we need to do
students, just the fact we’ve gone from “I loved it there. One of the primary something about it. … I’ve always made
eating off the land, from something more reasons why I wanted to be in the ER it my mission to say, ‘Don’t be afraid to
traditional, to a more modern diet.” was because I wanted to be that familiar ask me questions,’ because if you don’t
face in our emergency departments so ask them you’re not going to learn.”
While presenting his project at a First Nation people or people from my
fair in Toronto, he remembers being communities back home wouldn’t be Because the Cape Breton Regional
approached by someone asking if scared of discrimination or racism that Hospital is close to several Mi’kmaw
he’d ever considered nursing or health they may have experienced in the past. communities, Sylliboy said he was able to
research. He was told, “I think that your ... We know previous experiences can speak his language daily with Mi’kmaw
people would benefit if you would curtail our present choices,” he explained. patients entering the emergency
consider a career like that.” department.
“Making this decision to go back to
Sylliboy was inspired that someone saw school was really hard for me because “I had people who might not necessarily
that kind of potential in him and ended I kind of laid my roots in an area and I speak English or have English as their
up applying to Cape Breton University’s feel like if someone came to ER they’d be first language. … How are you supposed
nursing program. like, ‘Where’s Tanas? Where’s that familiar to promote health when you aren’t even
face?’ I shouldn’t really think like that conveying a message?” he said. “So for
He recalls the exact moment when because I think that I made a positive me it was about being able to be that
nursing became his passion. change in my department too at the bridge and mediator.”
same time.”
“I didn’t fall in love with the program Now that he’s in Halifax pursuing his
until going into my second year. The One of the contributions he believes nurse practitioner studies, Sylliboy has
first year was more so sciences, and the he was able to make was gently picked up some casual nursing shifts
18 Nova Scotia Nurses’ Unionat the QEII Health Sciences Centre. He ability to look at healthcare issues from Because we know that residential
said while he continues to love his work both a western and an Indigenous lens. schools’ effects still ripple beyond
and enjoys the city, being removed Sylliboy said that “two-eyed seeing” generations,” he said.
from his community and culture can be approach has proven invaluable.
challenging. “We have been seeing it first-hand. We’ve
“If you look at things in a western been seeing it with our loss of language,
“Because I spent my whole life perspective you’re going to look at your our loss of culture. … We need to kind
surrounded by my family, I spent my patient and say, ‘These are their vital of focus on honing in on our differences
whole life being able to speak my signs, they’re presenting with this, their and actually emphasizing with them to
language on a daily basis, coming here CT scan shows this, or their ultrasound say this is what makes us different, this is
it’s very isolating because the last time I shows this,’” he said. what makes us special.”
was able to speak Mi’kmaw was probably
six days ago when I called my mom,” he “When you go from the Indigenous Despite his passion and drive to push for
said. perspective you also want to look at the a robust future contingent of Mi’kmaw
whole picture. How are the dynamics and Indigenous healthcare providers,
“I feel that there’s something missing to in the family? You want to think about Sylliboy said it does get overwhelming
the point that I feel disconnected from bringing in the nursing perspective to being one of so few.
myself and I feel like that affects me on a that, you want to think about the social
personal and professional level because determinants of health.” “I kind of have the mentality that I’m
there’s a void that for some reason I going to fix the world, and even my
can’t fill other than being home. But I Sylliboy said those range from education friends say, ‘Tanas, that’s a lot of burden
can’t think like that because if I think like — can the patient read and adequately on one person, you need to take some of
that I’ll leave and that’s not what I want understand English — to family that off your shoulders and you need to
because once again I do have pressures dynamics and even whether they have be OK with making one little change, not
on me.” access to clean drinking water. to fix the whole problem,’ ” he said.
Sylliboy believes more Indigenous “For example, Chapel Island in Cape Indigenous in Halifax
healthcare professionals — from doctors Breton hasn’t had access to clean
to nurses to physiotherapists — are drinking water in six years and no one Sylliboy said he’s been humbled
needed across the board and are key to is having that conversation in a political on several occasions to be told by
beginning to address some of the health standpoint or a health government Indigenous youth that he inspired
inequities that exist for Indigenous standpoint,” he said. them to choose a nursing career. But
people. he encourages them to take inspiration
“Why is no one considering that? When from their own drive and abilities.
Based on his own experiences as a you think about ailments, when you
practising nurse, he’s especially pushing think about our hierarchy of need, our “I’m just a stepping stone to build this
for more Indigenous healthcare first need is water. Without water you bridge between Indigenous people and
professionals in emergency departments can’t have life.” healthcare, and hopefully eventually
and critical care. more and more people are going to be
Using the Indigenous lens also results in more stepping stones and eventually
“These are vulnerable places. You’re thinking about past trauma and trauma- we’re going to fill this gap and get
going to feel isolated, you’re going to informed care. somewhere to a healthier population
feel alone. But having that familiar face, so we can continue to be resilient for
you feel less alone, you feel that there’s “This person might not necessarily have generations to come,” he said.
someone there that understands you,” he experienced residential school firsthand
said. but intergenerational trauma also can “Hopefully, being in this position I get
exist. Have their aunts and uncles, have to inspire more people into seeing the
That understanding also includes the their parents gone to residential school? reality that we can be nurses, we can be
doctors, we can be lawyers, teachers,
“
whatever we want. Being one of the first
I’m just a stepping stone to build this bridge between Mi’kmaw male registered nurses or the
Indigenous people and healthcare, and hopefully eventually first nurse practitioner, to me it’s just a
title. The meaningful thing about it is
more and more people are going to be more stepping stones I’m opening doors that were previously
and eventually we’re going to fill this gap and get somewhere closed. I’m decreasing barriers for there
to a healthier population so we can continue to be resilient to be a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth
”
and so forth.”
for generations to come. – Tanas Sylliboy
19 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionGlobal Nurses United
The United
Kingdom
United States Ireland
of America
Bahamas
Kenya
Kenya grievances and assure that the raises a highly controversial topic, the
will, in fact, go into effect. measure was soundly defeated
After reaching a return-to-work at the ballot box with 70% of
deal with two levels of government Massachusettsans voting against it.
United States
late last year, nurses in Kenya
are threatening to strike if an During the United States Midterm Ireland
agreed-upon wage increase is not Elections in November, the citizens
implemented by February 4, 2019. of Massachusetts voted on a ballot With little being done to improve
measure to put strict limits on the chronic overcrowding in Ireland
The Kenya National Union of number of patients assigned to hospitals, the Irish Nurses and
Nurses was alarmed when the hospital nurses at any one time. The Midwives Organisation (INMO)
nation’s salaries and remuneration Massachusetts Nurses Association reports that 2018 marked the worst
commission began questioning took the lead on promoting this overcrowding of emergency rooms in
the fiscal sustainability of the wage effort to improve safe staffing levels the nation’s history.
increases. KNUN fears this could lead and quality of care.
to wages being rolled back. They According to the organisation,
argue that the pay raises have already The campaign against the ballot “108,227 patients went without
been included in county budgets and measure was waged by the hospital hospital beds last year — a record
therefore should not be questioned industry, and warned of skyrocketing number, marking a 9% increase on
based on affordability. costs and threats of closures. the INMO’s 2017 trolley count and
almost double the number it counted
Nurses are seeking an audience with Unfortunately, after a hard-fought back in 2006.”
the Kenya’s president to air their campaign on what had become
20 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionA round-up of nursing news from around the world
About GNU
Global Nurses United is an international
solidarity movement between nursing leadership
organizations in 14 nations, including Canada. The
goal of the movement is to improve work life for
nurses around the world by fighting harmful policies
and bringing to light to the work being done by
nurses at local and national levels to enable change.
As part of its role in the movement, the Canadian
Federation of Nurses Unions maintains a list of news
and events impacting nurses around the world,
which is posted on their website, nursesunions.ca.
The following is a selection of stories from that list
demonstrating the hard work being done by nurses,
unions and activists to improve working conditions
and quality of care in their home countries.
The INMO blames overcrowding on The hospital argued that a 2014 trial-run in which nursing and other
a lack of beds, an overtime crisis and agreement endorsed these changes. hospital staff will wear body cameras
poor wages, making nurse retention The Nurses Union argued that if they in efforts to reduce incidents of
more difficult. In December, nurses wanted to honour that agreement, violence. The latest numbers show
within the organisation voted 95% in nurses would be entitled to that 15% of health workers have
favour of taking industrial action over thousands of dollars in back pay. experienced violence from patients,
pay and staffing shortages. families or the public in the last year
After seeing little impact from their alone.
INMO set dates for a series of 24-hour initial walkout, in December nurses
stoppages in early January. within the BNU voted to strike. Of The trial is being paired with
573 nurses who voted, only three improved training for health care
Bahamas opposed the measure. staff in how to manage violent
situations, as well as more support
Nurses working at the Princess BNU president Amancha Williams for those who work with patients
Margaret Hospital in Nassau, hopes to return to discussions with suffering from the dementia or other
Bahamas staged a walk out in the employer to find a solution that mental health conditions that may
October, fighting against a new shift would not necessitate moving ahead prompt violent outbursts.
system that the Bahamas Nurses with a strike.
Union argued would leave them with NHS says that if the body-camera trial
is successful, they intend to rollout
too little time to recover between United Kingdom the new policy across UK health care
day and night shifts, with too small
a pay increase for nurses working facilities by 2021.
National Health Services in the
overnight. United Kingdom is launching a
21 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionNSNU
Members
Celebrate the
Holidays
The holidays are a great time
for us all to gather together and
celebrate. Often, throughout
the holiday season, NSNU locals
will gather together for special
events. These are just a few ways
that nurses enjoyed the holiday
season together with their
colleagues, friends and families. Members from the Queens General Hospital local
in Bridgewater celebrated the holidays together by
Thank you to all members who participating in a paint night. Apparently we have some
took the time to send in a photo talented artists among our membership!
from your local celebrations.
There was no shortage of good cheer during
the Colchester East Hants VON Holiday Party
at the Glengarry Best Western in Truro. Thanks
to VON-Colchester local president Vanessa
Richardson for sending in this fabulous group
photo.
The IWK celebrated the holidays by hosting a luncheon for
staff and friends. Pictured here is then-Executive Director
Jean Candy with member Christine Pitman, baby Emersyn
and IWK local president Deana Dixon.
22 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionJohnson Insurance
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23 Nova Scotia Nurses’ UnionYou can also read
