Summer is Time to Renew Summer is Time to Renew

JULY 2008 VOLUME 64 NO 6
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IN THIS ISSUE
Provincial Council Highlights
CARNA Award Recipients
ISMP Medication Safety Alert
Nursing for First Nations
Hiker Remembers RN Rescue
Discipline Decisions
Notice Board
Summer is
Time to Renew
SEE PAGE 5
www.nurses.ab.ca
Sept. 19, 2008
Shaw Conference Centre
Register Now...
Early-bird registration ends August 22.
Use the registration form on page 32
or register online at www.nurses.ab.ca
Conference agenda on page 31.
New in September...
• Live opening keynote by John Lantos
• New closing keynote speaker,
Dr. Margaret Somerville
• New concurrent session by Dr. Somerville
• World Café for more interaction
• Global Mardi Party Lunch hosted by the
Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust
Don’t Miss this One!
Calgary conference sold out in May.

CARNA Provincial Council
PRESIDENT
Margaret Hadley, RN, MN
Edmonton
780.466.6566
president@nurses.ab.ca
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Joan Petruk, RN, MHS
Camrose
780.672.8361
jpetruk@cable-lynx.net
NORTHWEST REGION
Ellen Jones, RN
Grimshaw
780.332.4938
gajones@agt.net
NORTHEAST REGION
Debra Ransom, RN, BN
Lac La Biche
780.623.4471
780.623.2473
debra.ransom@telus.net
EDMONTON/WEST REGION
Cheryl Deckert, RN, BN
Wetaskiwin
780.361.4220
cdeckert@dthr.ab.ca
Debbie Elliott, RN, M.Ed.
Edmonton
780.735.2363
elliott3@shaw.ca
CARNA Staff Directory
ALL STAFF CAN BE REACHED BY CALLING:
780.451.0043 or toll free 1.800.252.9392
CENTRAL REGION
Tammy Syrnyk, RN
Camrose
780.608.8839
tammy.syrnyk@ech.ab.ca
CALGARY/WEST REGION
Shirley Chandler, RN, BTSN
Calgary
403.258.3237
shirley.chandler@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Dianne Dyer, RN, BN, MN
Calgary
403.944.4339
ddyer@nurses.ab.ca
Maureen Jamison, RN, BScN
Calgary
403.669.4633
maureen_jamison@yahoo.ca
SOUTH REGION
Heidi Watters, RN, BN, MEd, GNC(C)
Lethbridge
403.388.6376
hwatters@nurses.ab.ca
Executive Director: Mary-Anne Robinson
Director of Communications: Margaret Ward-Jack
Director of Corporate Services: Jeanette Machtemes
Director of Policy and Practice: Lynn Redfern
Registrar/Director of Regulatory Services: Kim Campbell
Deputy Registrars: Terry Gushuliak, Jean Farrar, Terri Fortunaso
Competence Consultant: Barb Perry
Complaints Director: Sue Chandler
Conduct Counsel: Gwendolyn Parsons
Conduct Counsel/Senior Investigator: Georgeann Wilkin
Nursing Consultants – Policy and Practice: Debra Allen, Marie-Andrée Chassé,
Donna Hogg, Debbie Phillipchuk
Librarian and Archivist: Lorraine Mychajlunow
NEPAB Consultant: Lori Kashuba
Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust: Margaret Nolan
Regional Coordinators: Northwest: Kathleen Waterhouse 780.539.9470
Northeast: Barb Diepold 780.826.5383
Edmonton/West: Penny Davis 780.484.7668
Alison Adams 780.756.0551
Central: Heather Wasylenki 403.782.2024
Calgary/West: Christine Davies 403.932.7243
Beverlie Johnson 403.625.3260
South: Pat Shackleford 403.394.0125
Valerie Mutschler 403.504.5603
2
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
PUBLIC
REPRESENTATIVES
Maggie Fulford, BSc, DC
Edmonton
780.412.8741
mfulford@nurses.ab.ca
Margaret Hunziker, BA, MA
Cochrane
403.932.2069
hunziker@shaw.ca
Mark Tims, QC
Westlock
780.349.5366
mtims@nurses.ab.ca
Rene Weber, DVM
Red Deer
403.346.5956
rweber@nurses.ab.ca
CARNA Provincial Council
Meeting
Sept. 19, 2008
All CARNA members are
welcome to attend. To confirm
your attendance, please contact:
Wendy Buckley
780.453.0510 in Edmonton or
toll-free 1.800.252.9392, ext. 510
wbuckley@nurses.ab.ca
Alberta RN is published
nine times a year by:
College and Association of
Registered Nurses of Alberta
11620-168 Street
Edmonton, AB T5M 4A6
Phone: 780.451.0043
Toll free in Canada: 1.800.252.9392
Fax: 780.452.3276
www.nurses.ab.ca
Managing Editor: Margaret Ward-Jack
Editor: Rachel Champagne
Assistant Editor: Rose Mary Phillip
Designer: Julie Wons
Advertising Representative:
Jan Henry, McCrone Publications
Phone: 800.727.0782 Fax: 866.413.9328
mccrone@interbaun.com
Please note CARNA does not endorse advertised services,
products or opinions.
US Postmaster: Alberta RN (USPS #009-624) is published
monthly except June, August and December by the College and
Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. c/o U.S. Agent:
Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Rd E, Edgewood, WA 98372-9221.
Alberta RN is published at a rate of $40 per year. Periodicals
postage paid at Puyallup, WA and at additional mailing offices.
US Postmaster: Send address changes (covers only) to Alberta RN,
c/o Transborder Mail, PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA 98063-6016.
ISSN 1481-9988
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40062713
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:
Circulation Dept., 11620-168 Street, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A6.
E-mail: carna@nurses.ab.ca
Alberta RN is printed on recycled paper.

President’s Update
The following is the President’s Address delivered at the CARNA Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2008.
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
This has been a very busy year for the College and Association
of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA). Regulatory trends
and issues have lead to significant decisions by council and
affected CARNA operations. Today, I am going to take a few
moments to highlight some of the global forces and trends
in regulation affecting CARNA’s work, illustrate the impact
of these trends in Alberta and then share some thoughts
about nursing leadership.
Global Trends
First of all, the regulatory environment is becoming more
complex. There is a growing emphasis on creating a “level
playing field” that enables competition and innovation.
Another trend is the global shortage of health professionals,
a growing crisis which affects the quality and quantity of
health services. The shortage is also contributing to a shift
in roles and responsibilities from regulated professionals
to unregulated workers.
CARNA is committed to helping address the nursing
shortage in Alberta. Building the capacity of the registered
nursing profession means addressing workplace issues
which are affecting recruitment and retention of RNs as well
as increasing nursing education seats and facilitating inter-
update
“In my message at the AGM in May, I focused on the trends which are
shaping the framework of our profession in this province. While they may
seem far removed from your daily work, they do influence the environment in
which you work and are strongly affecting the work that CARNA is doing on
your behalf. I wanted to take a moment, though, to share one of my greatest
pleasures in my role as president of CARNA and that is the opportunities
I have had to visit registered nurses throughout the province.
In the past few months I have visited and talked with nurses in Barrhead,
Red Deer, Westlock, Gunn, Onoway, Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Fox Creek,
Drayton Valley, Wetaskiwin, Edson, Hinton, Jasper, Canmore, Calgary,
and Edmonton. Hello to all of you again. As well as being skilled and
knowledgeable, the RNs I meet display a passionate commitment to
excellence in patient care and I never fail to be impressed by the depth
of knowledge and skill they bring to their work as Registered Nurses.
I want to say thank you for making me proud to be an RN.”
national recruitment. It also means removing barriers to RNs
fulfilling their role and helping to ensure they have the knowledge
required to assume new roles within the health system.
Another global trend is the perception that regulatory
bodies are a barrier to recruitment, setting unnecessarily high
standards to protect their “turf.” All of these global forces have
contributed to the concept of meta-regulation or “regulating
the regulators.”
Trends in Meta-Regulation
Increased government regulation is an attempt to rebuild
public trust in social institutions and regulators. While it has
an economic or policy expertise basis, the focus is clearly on
public safety and public health. There is also an emphasis on
accountability, transparency and trust. Regulations are being
refocused on the needs of society versus that of the profession
and regulators are expected to pay more attention to monitoring,
compliance and enforcement of members. Adherence to privacy
principles is also expected.
Finally, there is a trend towards inter-professional collaboration,
which includes a move to common standards and
professional practice guidelines when professions share the
same restricted activities.
Continued on page 26
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN
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Provincial Council Highlights
June 6-7, 2008
New Code of Ethics
Council agreed to adopt the Canadian
Nurses Association Code of Ethics for
Registered Nurses (2008) effective Oct. 1,
2008. CARNA members will be able to
access both the current Code of Ethics
for Registered Nurses (2002) and the new
Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2008)
as appendices to the CARNA Nursing
Practice Standards on the CARNA website
until the new code takes effect on
October 1. The revised Code of Ethics is
the result of an extensive review and
consultation process over three years
between CNA, CARNA and other provincial
nursing jurisdictions. The review will
be complete with the release of the CNA
Code of Ethics at the CNA Biennium in
June 2008.
Guidelines Approved
Council approved the revised document
Evidence-Informed Staffing for the Delivery
of Nursing Care: Guidelines for Registered
Nurses (June 2008). Revisions include
the addition of language emphasizing
the role of the registered nurse (RN) in
the staffing process and the integration
of knowledge related to the types and
levels of decision-making required within
the staffing process. A resource list was
also added and the document title was
revised to align with current terminology
used in the literature. The revisions
incorporate a literature review and the
results of a consultation with members
conducted over the past year which
indicated that the document continues
to be timely and relevant and that it
provides essential information to support
the practice of registered nurses.
Council approved the revised document
Guidelines for Assignment of Client Care and
Staffing Decisions. Based on a literature
review and feedback from members,
a section on the charge nurse role was
added and the staffing decision tool was
removed since staffing is addressed in
the document Evidence Informed Staffing
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
for the Delivery of Nursing Care: Guidelines
for Registered Nurses (June 2008).
Protection of Titles
Provincial Council carried a motion to
authorize staff to work with government
to revise Schedule 24 of the Health
Professions Act (HPA) and the Registered
Nurses Profession Regulation to:
• protect the titles “Graduate Nurse”
and the initials “GN”
• allow regulated members on the
CARNA Courtesy Register to use
the title “Registered Nurse” or
the initials “RN”
• protect the title “Graduate Nurse
Practitioner” and the initials “GNP”
No titles are currently assigned to
members who are registered on the
Temporary or Courtesy Registers.
The title “Graduate Nurse” and the
initials “GN” are commonly used in practice
for new graduates or internationally
educated nurses (IENs) authorized
to practice in Alberta by CARNA. Both
groups are regulated by CARNA and
entered on the Temporary Register until
they complete all outstanding registration
requirements for full licensure, which
typically includes the successful completion
of the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam
(CRNE).
CARNA’s Courtesy Register lists RNs
from other jurisdictions who are regulated
by CARNA and authorized to practice in
Alberta for a limited period of time and
a specific purpose. Common practice has
been to use the title “Registered Nurse”
or the initials “RN” while in Alberta.
The title “Graduate Nurse Practitioner”
and the initials “GNP” are proposed in
preparation for the future implementation
of a NP examination(s) as a registration
requirement for NP status. The addition
of the titles “Graduate Nurse Practitioner”
and “GNP” will help all stakeholders
distinguish between these members
waiting to write the NP exam to finalize
registration and new graduates on the
Temporary Register waiting to write the
exam. The specific exams for NPs have
not yet been selected by the jurisdictions.
Appointments
Council selected four public members
for appointment by the Minister of
Health and Wellness to meet HPA
requirements. Council put forward
the names of Sybilla M. Lane and
Dr. Mark L. Zivot and the names of
Margaret Hunziker and Rene Weber
for reappointment for a second, two-year
term. The reappointment of two current
representatives supports continuity on
Council for the purposes of discussing
issues and ongoing implementation of
HPA and the selection of new members
will fill the vacant positions in time for
the orientation of new council members
scheduled to coincide with the Council
meeting in September. Christopher
Sheard resigned as public member in
late February 2008 and Maggie Fulford
is not seeking reappointment.
Council reappointed Mary Haase for
a one-year term to the Hearing Tribunal.
Council appointed RNs Drucilla
Edmiston and Anna Tsang, both of
Edmonton, to serve as scrutineer and
alternative scrutineer, respectively during
the opening and counting of ballots on
July 11, 2008 for the election of CARNA
provincial councilors in four regions.
Council appointed Katherine Chubbs
to serve as CARNA representative on the
board of directors of the Canadian Nurses
Protective Society. CARNA’s current representative,
Lorraine Way, will complete
her three-year term on Jan. 31, 2009.
Vogel Award Recipients
After two successive tie votes, Council
voted to confer the Vogel Award on two
recipients, Shirley Chandler (Calgary/
West) and Debbie Elliott (Edmonton/
West). The award recognizes contribution
through service on Provincial Council
and is awarded annually to a registered
nurse member of council, excluding
the president, who has served for at least
one year of the current term. The award
will be presented at the September 2008
meeting of council. RN

SUMMER...is registration renewal time
and we’re making it easy for you.
Renew online at www.nurses.ab.ca
Simpler, faster and always secure…
All you need is Internet access and an e-mail address.
Profile
management
Personal information
is easily accessed
with less navigation
through site
Review and change
personal information
with ease
Why wait for renewal?
Update your information
year round
We encourage all members, both returning online users and new online users,
to try renewing online. We’ve made changes based on feedback from last year’s renewal,
so you’ll find the site easier to access and more user-friendly.
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 5

6
Information packages are being sent
to all members
If you indicated last year that you wanted to renew online
and receive your renewal information by e-mail, you will still
receive a package by mail this year. The online renewal process
has been revised based on feedback provided last year from
members, and we thought all members would appreciate a
copy of the step by step instructions included in the enclosed
renewal guide. You can complete the paper form in preparation
for renewing online, retain it for your own records, or simply
recycle it. Next year, any members who indicate they wish to
receive their renewal information by e-mail will not receive
a package by mail. You will also find that your password is
printed on the top right-hand corner of your renewal form,
for easy reference.
Renew in August and WIN.
This year, registering early could make you a winner.
One lucky registrant who renews before Sept. 1, 2008 will
win a VIP Package for the 2009 Tri-Profession Conference
May 21-23, 2009 at The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel
including conference complimentary registration and special
events and three nights accommodation at The Fairmont
Banff Springs hotel. Your name will be entered automatically
when you submit your completed registration either by
mail or online, including payment before September 1.
Things to remember
about renewal
Renewal deadline is Sept. 1, 2008
Please renew online or return your form and payment to
the CARNA office by Sept. 1, 2008 to allow us enough time
to process the more than 30,000 registrations we anticipate
receiving. Your current practice permit expires Sept. 30, 2008.
Registrations are processed in order of arrival, and if we receive
your form after September 1, we cannot guarantee it will be
processed by September 30. Without a current practice permit,
you will not be able to work on October 1 st . Individuals practising
without a current practice permit are in contravention
of provincial legislation (the Health Professions Act), and CARNA
is required to notify both the individual and the employer of
this contravention. After September 30, a $50 reinstatement
fee is charged on renewals.
Even if you are not practising as of Oct. 1, 2008, you need to
answer the questions on the renewal form, sign it and return
it to us prior to September 30. Reporting key information
from the completed practice year to CARNA is each nurse’s
professional responsibility and will ensure that you maintain
good standing with your regulatory body.
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Renew your
membership in
five easy steps.
The entire online renewal
process has been redone
for clarity and efficiency.
Fewer pages mean
less waiting.
Continuing competence requirements
You must report on your continuing competence activities:
> if you held a CARNA RN, NP or CGN practice permit
for any portion of time from Oct. 1, 2007 to Sept. 30, 2008
and/or
> if you are applying for a practice permit for any portion
of time in the 2009 practice year (Oct. 1, 2008 to
Sept. 30, 2009).
Reporting on the 2008 practice year
(Oct. 1, 2007- Sept. 30, 2008)
> Mandatory for everyone who held a RN, NP or CGN practice
permit during any portion of the 2008 practice year.
> The indicators you selected for your professional
development will be preprinted on your renewal form.
1.
Read and
agree to
the privacy
statement.

2.
Review
your member
profile to
ensure all
information
is correct.
3.
Confirm your
registration
type.
4.
Enter relevant
renewal
information.
5.
Pay.
Click the
question
mark icon
for help at
any time.
> For each indicator, report on the implementation of your
learning plan, meeting your learning objective and the
influence this learning has had on your nursing practice.
> If you changed your professional development focus to
a different indicator, please record the change and report
on the implementation of your learning plan for the
new indicator.
Identifying indicators for the 2009 practice year
(Oct. 1, 2008- Sept. 30, 2009)
> Mandatory when applying for or renewing RN, NP or
CGN practice permits for the 2009 practice year.
> Complete a written comprehensive self-assessment
of your nursing practice using the CARNA Nursing
Practice Standards. Nurse Practitioners must also use
the CARNA Nurse Practitioner Competencies.
> Collect feedback about your nursing practice.
> Prioritize specific indicator(s) for your professional
development for the 2009 practice year. RNs must select
at least one and up to three Nursing Practice Standard
indicators; NPs must select at least two and up to three
indicators, at least one of which must be a NP competency
indicator.
> Begin a written learning plan to address each indicator
you have chosen.
> Record your selected indicator(s) on your renewal form
Throughout the 2009 practice year, you should further develop
and implement your learning plan. When you complete your
learning activities, evaluate the influence this learning has
had on your practice and document your evaluation.
Please do not submit your continuing competence documents
with your renewal form. Keep your documents for five years
so that, if requested, you are prepared to provide evidence of
participating in the Continuing Competence Program.
For detailed information on CARNA’s Continuing
Competence Program, please refer to the CARNA website
www.nurses.ab.ca and your Continuing Competence
information package.
2009 registration fees
Annual registration fees for the 2009 practice year will be:
Registered Nurse $430.50 ($410 + $20.50 GST)
Certified Graduate Nurse $378.00 ($360 + $18.00 GST)
Nurse Practitioner
Non-practicing
$456.75 ($435 + $21.75 GST)
(Associate, Retired, Student) $42.00 ($40 + $2.00 GST)
For complete details on the registration fees approved by
Provincial Council for the next three years, please refer to
the May 2008 issue of Alberta RN.
The registration fee includes membership in the Canadian
Nurses Association and liability protection from the Canadian
Nurses Protective Society.
Make renewal easier.
You don’t have to wait until you receive your renewal
information to update information. In fact, you shouldn’t
wait. You can update your Member Profile online any time
during the year, including your contact information, employer,
Continuing Competence information, and practice hours for
the current year. Log in to your Member Profile on CARNA’s
website www.nurses.ab.ca
We’re here to help
If you have any questions about your current registration or
renewing your registration, please contact CARNA’s registration
department at 780.451.0043, or toll-free at 1.800.252.9392. RN
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 7

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Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Committed to Competence
As you prepare for your registration renewal, it is also time to prepare to report your continuing competence activities
completed during the 2008 practice year and identify your professional development goals for the 2009 practice year.
The Nursing Practice Standards (NPS)
indicators you selected during last
year’s registration renewal will be
preprinted on your 2009 renewal
form. For each indicator, report on
the implementation of your learning
plan, meeting your learning objective
and the influence this learning has
had on your nursing practice.
If you changed your indicator during
the practice year, record the change
and report on the implementation
of your learning plan for the new
NPS indicator.
Documenting your professional development
plans and reporting your continuing
competence activities at registration
renewal provides the evidence required
to demonstrate that you have engaged
in learning and participated in the
CARNA reflective practice process.
The next step is to identify NPS indicators you would like to focus on for
the 2009 practice year. First, assess your nursing practice using the NPS.
If you are a nurse practitioner (NP), assess your practice using both the
NPS and the NP Competencies. Next, collect feedback about your nursing
practice. Based on your self-assessment and feedback, select at least
Throughout the 2009 practice year, you should further develop and
implement your learning plan. Continue to reflect on your practice and
record any new priorities or other changes. Keep your documents for
five years so that, if requested, you are prepared to provide evidence
of participating in the CARNA Continuing Competence Program.
Here is an example of how to report on the implementation of your learning plan(s):
Indicator
If you changed this indicator during the year, which indicator did you change to?
Learning plan implemented? Learning goal met?
Learning influenced your practice?
✔ Yes No
✔ Yes Partial No ✔ Yes No Unsure
If no, check reason:
If no, check reason:
If yes, how:
Chose too many indicators Did not work in Alberta
Increased knowledge/skill/competence
Did not work in Alberta
Other:
✔ Enhanced critical thinking/
Other:
decision-making
✔ Increased confidence
Enhanced accountability
Improved communication skills
Other:
Indicator
If you changed this indicator during the year, which indicator did you change to? 2.8
Learning plan implemented? Learning goal met?
Learning influenced your practice?
✔ Yes No
Yes ✔ Partial No ✔ Yes No Unsure
If no, check reason:
If no, check reason:
If yes, how:
Chose too many indicators Did not work in Alberta ✔ Increased knowledge/skill/competence
Did not work in Alberta
Other:
✔ Enhanced critical thinking/
Other:
decision-making
Increased confidence
✔ Enhanced accountability
Improved communication skills
Other:
Here is an example of how to report your priority indicator(s) on your registration renewal form:
2.2
4.1
one NPS indicator as your priority focus for the 2009 practice year. NPs
must select at least two indicators; one indicator from the NP Competencies.
Record your self-assessment, priority indicators and begin writing a
learning plan for each indicator you selected.
I have assessed my nursing practice, collected feedback, and initiated
1.7
the development of a learning plan(s) for the following indicator(s):
RNs and CGNs enter minimum one (1) indicator.
NPs enter minimum two (2) indicators, one of which must be a NP Competency indicator.
NP 4.1
For more information about the Continuing Competence Program,
please visit the CARNA website www.nurses.ab.ca or contact the
CARNA office by phone: 780.451.0043/toll-free at 1.800.252.9392
or e-mail: continuingcompetence@nurses.ab.ca.

NATIONAL NURSING WEEK – MAY 12-18, 2008
Think you know nursing?
In support of members celebrating
National Nursing Week, the College
and Association of Registered
Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) distributed
approximately 1,100 celebration kits
to members across Alberta.
Around Alberta, several towns
proclaimed National Nursing Week
and many employers and community
groups sent out media releases
honouring the contributions of nurses.
Nursing Week
Proclaimed in
the Legislature
There are approximately
38,500 nurses who are registered
in Alberta. These dedicated health
professionals provide care when
and where it is needed. Nurses
deliver quality healthcare each
and every day by making the safety
and well-being of their patients
a top priority. They are a key part
of the strong health-care delivery
system we have in our province today.
I’m sure I speak for all Albertans
when I say thank you to all our
nurses here in Alberta. I encourage
everyone to salute the nurses
in their communities as we give
special recognition to the importance
of the nursing profession during
Nursing Week.”
~ Genia Leskiw,
MLA Bonnyville-Cold Lake
The above is an extract from the
Alberta Hansard on May 12, 2008.
Take a closer look!
Nidia McIntosh, RN (right)
and Florence Nightingale
(3rd year nursing student
Andra Cooper from
Mt. Royal College) at
the Calgary/West nurses
dinner held on Florence’s
birthday, May 12.
RN letter featured in CARNA’s National Nursing Week
advertising campaign:
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 9

10
2008 Awards Gala
More than 250 guests attended the CARNA
Awards Gala to honour this year’s nominees
and award recipients and ARNET’s top
scholarship recipients. Emcee Fred Keating,
musical director Jan Randall and professional
singer and RN, Dylis Kulchitsky guided the
evening’s program with music, song and
commentary that was at times touching
and often comical. In addition, two of
Canada’s finest, RCMP Constables Dean
Caithcart and Matt Sailor, were on hand
to escort award recipients to the stage.
During dinner, CARNA also honoured
Alberta recipients of the Canadian Nurses
Association Centennial Awards with a special
video presentation incorporating historical
nursing photos from the CARNA archives.
CARNA appreciates the commitment of
TD Meloche Monnex to supporting tomorrow’s
nursing leaders with its sponsorship of
the Awards Gala and the creation of the
CARNA TD Meloche Monnex Scholarships.
SUPPORTED BY
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
1
“Those nominated, those doing
the nominating, and those not yet
nominated help make nursing what it is.
You make us collectively proud…
Start thinking of next year’s awards.
There are more than 30,000 RNs
practicing in Alberta, and I know
that each and everyone of you can
name someone who deserves to be
recognized with a nomination for
an award of excellence.”
Executive Director and Chair,
Awards Selection Committee
Mary Anne Robinson
“Ceremonies like tonight’s awards
gala are deeply symbolic events.
While we recognize a few exceptional
individuals, we are also celebrating
something much bigger. In this
instance, we are honouring a legacy
of professional nursing excellence that
stretches back for nearly a century
within our province. That profession
not only continues to stand proud
today, but is also exploring different
horizons as it shapes the health-care
system of tomorrow.”
President Margaret Hadley at
the 2008 CARNA Awards Gala
1. L to r: Constable Dean Caithcart,
Greta Cummings (Research), CARNA
President Margaret Hadley, Marion
Allen (Education), Mary Ellen Williams
(Partner in Health), Angela Craig
(Rising Star), Inge Brown (Partner in
Health), CARNA Executive Director
Mary-Anne Robinson, Lynn Martin
(Partner in Health), Ilene Burton
(Clinical Practice), Cathy Giblin
(Administration), Maureen Best
(Lifetime Achievement), Constable
Matt Sailor
2. Maureen Best (centre) receives the
CARNA Lifetime Achievement Award
from CARNA President Margaret
Hadley (left) and CARNA Executive
Director Mary-Anne Robinson.
3. L to r: Joanne Penner Herron, Chair,
ARNET Board of Directors; Sheila
Elliott, Chair, ARNET Allocations
Committee; Carrie McDonagh,
recipient of the CARNA TD Meloche
Monnex Scholarship; Lone St. Croix,
Vice-president and Aurelia Festa,
Coordinator, TD Meloche Monnex
Affinity Market Group.
4. Rising Star Angela Craig is escorted
to the podium by Constable Dean
Caithcart.
5. Dylis Kulchitsky, RN leads the
celebration with a rendition
of O Canada.
6. Master of Ceremonies Fred Keating.
7. Friends and colleagues enjoy
reconnecting at the Awards Gala.

2
3
4
5 6
7
Who will you nominate
in 2009?
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 11

12
The College and
Association of
Registered Nurses
of Alberta salutes
the recipients of the
2008 Awards
of Nursing
Excellence
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No6 www.nurses.ab.ca
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Maureen Best
Calgary Health Region
Maureen Best has advanced the nursing profession on local, provincial and
national levels. Throughout her 34-year career, she has been a strong role
model for leadership and continuing education.
“We all want to develop a sense of competency in the work we do; this
is a process rather than an end point,” says Best. “The process of learning
and integrating new knowledge into our practices keeps our work interesting
and ensures our patients receive state of the art care.”
Best played a significant role in reorganizing community health nursing,
resulting in a strengthened practice model. She also provided local leadership
relating to the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards.
At the provincial level, Best has been an active member of CARNA.
She has served on Provincial Council and committees, including the
Competence Committee. She helped champion CARNA’s position on the
baccalaureate preparation for entry-to-practice efforts and help reassure all
diploma-prepared nurses of their continued status within the profession.
“Participating on committees and boards is an excellent way to stay
current on issues in healthcare and have a voice in decisions that affect
our practice,” says Best. “It’s also an excellent way to develop
networks and learn different approaches to similar
issues in practice. Other benefits are developing
leadership skills and developing mentoring
relationships.”
Nationally, she helped develop the Canadian
Nurses Association Community Health Certification
Exam, including item writing. She also
participated in the first National Community
Health Nursing Education Conference.
Best has been an adjunct professor with
the University of Calgary for over 19 years. She
developed the Nurses Work Life Satisfaction Survey,
resulting in action plans addressing satisfaction issues.
She worked tirelessly to advance the profession in areas
of education, policy, multi-disciplinary collaborative
approaches, scope of practice and research.
“None of my achievements were accomplished
by me alone. I’ve had some truly
exceptional mentors. I’m sincerely
grateful for their encouragement,
patience, generosity and wisdom,”
says Best. “The most exciting
part of entering a new phase is
my career is working with new
mentors. Nurses never retire, we
just move on to new challenges!”
Trudie Lee Photography

Images Studios (Craig), Tina Chang (Giblin)
RISING STAR
Angela Craig
Registered Nurse
Cold Lake Healthcare Centre
Angela began work at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre
as a nursing student. Less than two years later, she secured
a permanent position in the emergency room.
“I really appreciate the nurses who took time to invest in
my learning,” says Craig.
Her persistent positive attitude conveys her compassion and
desire to help. It also fosters teamwork and open communication
with co-workers and management. Craig aims to make those
around her feel included and appreciated. During a recent
“pink day,” in support of a co-worker with breast cancer, Craig
worked her shift wearing pink from head to toe, including
pink hair!
Craig’s dedication to her patients and profession is inspiring
and she is often asked to speak with new recruits. She shares
with them her knowledge and her passion in hopes that they
will share in her love of nursing and the Cold Lake community.
“The mystery of the human body is so exciting,” says Craig.
“I take amusement and pleasure in it all – like someone with
really nice veins!”
In recent years, Craig travelled abroad, taking her care and
kindness to Rwanda and the Ukraine. While there, she gained
an appreciation for circumstances in Canada.
“It made me thankful for the life I have here,” says Craig.
“I’ve changed the filter I use to look at the world.”
Craig’s co-workers refer to her as a “dedicated nurse,
a wonderful community member and very special person.”
They have no doubt she will make a wonderful contribution
to the nursing profession in coming years.
NURSING EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATION
Cathy Giblin
Regional Manager, Nursing Affairs
Capital Health
Cathy Giblin is a true leader. Her “anything is possible”
attitude encourages staff to continually improve and challenge
themselves, both in and outside of the work setting.
Giblin actively looks for opportunities for improvement
and seeks possibilities for change. She’s open and accepting
of new ideas, thereby cultivating a team environment where
everyone’s voice is heard and appreciated.
“I encourage them to look at things from new perspectives,”
says Giblin. “The goal is to get them to do more than ask
questions. It’s to find possible solutions.”
Giblin works to promote maximizing nursing scopes of
practice and leadership. She is an intense defender and avid
supporter of the profession.
“Nurses know what they need to do. Their primary focus
is the duty to care,” says Giblin. “Access to information,
professional development and education are part of what
they need to do to fulfill this duty. That’s where I come in.”
Giblin is a member of the Clinical Nursing and Practice
Leaders Network and the Canadian College of Health Services
Executives. She has been co-chair of the Nursing Advisory
Council of Alberta and is a member of the Academy of
Canadian Executive Nurses.
Each month, Giblin ensures she finds the time to meet
with each of her staff one-on-one. She empowers them by
providing guidance and support. Dedicated to building effective
relationships within multi-disciplinary health-care teams,
she encourages staff to become associate professors for the
University of Alberta faculty of nursing and accommodates
work plans to enable them to participate in interdisciplinary
collaborative education activities. Giblin’s leadership abilities
are described by her colleagues as enterprising, passionate
and supportive.
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 13

14
NURSING EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
Dr. Greta Cummings
University of Alberta
Dr. Greta Cummings has embarked on a program of research
on leadership in healthcare. She has identified gaps in knowledge
relating to factors that contribute to absenteeism, improved
quality of nursing work life and cultures of patient safety and
works to examine how these contribute to the health-care system.
“When I finished my doctoral work at the Alberta Cancer
Board, I was struck by the results and realized there was a gap
in knowledge I could work toward filling,” says Cummings.
She is the principal investigator of the Connecting
Leadership Education and Research Outcomes program,
focused on development of leadership to achieve better
outcomes for health-care providers and patients.
“Research is essential to support the evolution of nursing
practice,” says Cummings. “It will help provide knowledge
for evidence-based practice.”
A well-funded researcher, Cummings completed 11 research
studies that were supported by local, provincial and national
agencies and organizations. Additionally, she has been the
recipient of several awards, including doctoral awards from
the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Alberta
Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.
Cummings has an exceptional publication record, having
published 30 peer-reviewed papers and has several in preparation.
She has also published three chapters in three separate
refereed books.
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
NURSING EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Ilene Burton
Nurse Manager, Adult Outpatient Heart Transplant Clinic
University of Alberta Hospital
Ilene Burton has been caring for heart transplant patients
since the opening of the adult-outpatient transplant program
at the University of Alberta Hospital. Collaborating with other
health-care professionals, Burton facilitates holistic care to
work toward the best possible patient outcomes.
“Our patients are at the end of the line and won’t survive
without a transplant. When I first started, I had trouble working
with the terminally ill,” says Burton. “We do our best to
encourage their hope. I’m more comfortable dealing with
death now due to the strength of my patients.”
She understands the emotions involved in waiting for
test results and does her best to ease anxiety for her patients.
After a long day, Burton often waits for patient results of
cardiac biopsy or blood work, so she can call patients as
soon as possible.
“I know that if it were me, I would want to know the results
before I could sleep,” says Burton.
Burton was instrumental in developing policies and
procedures for care of outpatient heart transplant recipients.
Based on work done at Standford University, she worked with
surgeons, cardiologists and other health-care professionals
developing policy. In addition, she led a rewrite of education
material in areas of nursing, nutrition, social work, physiotherapy,
occupational therapy and pastoral care for transplant
recipients.
Burton instils confidence in those around her and fosters a
team environment. She is readily available to provide direction
and information regarding cardiac care. An invaluable member
of the transplant team, Burton offers insight and assistance
to colleagues to ensure patient care is not compromised.
Tina Chang

Tina Chang
NURSING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Dr. Marion Allen
Associate dean, faculty of nursing
University of Alberta
Dr. Marion Allen is described by her colleagues and students
as a “master teacher.” Her passion for nursing and education
is evident and translates into enthusiasm for learning.
“Today’s students are our future nursing leaders,” says
Allen. “I want them to see that everyday there is something
new to learn in nursing. It is not just in the tasks we do, but
also in how the complexity of what we do helps our patients.”
A proven leader in education development, she was the
first to offer a doctorate level course via the internet, reaching
students unable to learn on site. More recently, she began
teaching the online course Nursing 502: Nature and Development
of Nursing Knowledge.
“Not everyone can be here in person. We have to look at
different ways students and nurses can be engaged,” says Allen.
“We are only limited by our imagination.”
Allen’s breadth of knowledge enables her to relate complicated,
abstract concepts into straightforward, tangible notions
for her students to grasp, empowering them to get the most
from their education. In response, her students have twice
selected her to receive a graduate teaching award.
In 2001, her expertise and knowledge led to participation in
a project, funded by the Canadian Internationally Development
Agency, for development of a master’s program at the University
of Ghana. In 2006, Allen taught a course for PhD nursing
students at the Chulalonghorn University in Thailand.
“I want my students to stay open to new knowledge and to
recognize that it is okay to not know something – it’s a stimulus
to learn,” says Allen. “Learning is a never ending process.”
PARTNER IN HEALTH
Healing Connections
Volunteer Group
Misericordia Community Hospital
Capital Health
The Healing Connections Volunteer Group is comprised
of breast cancer survivors dedicated to supporting those
journeying through recent diagnosis.
They visit women on surgical units and share their personal
cancer stories, offering support and the hope that survival is
possible. They provide a phone number for each patient in the
program to call at any time of the day or night for encouragement,
and ensure they are able to attach a compassionate face
to the number. This group of remarkable ladies is giving of their
time and offer a much needed service during a difficult and
vulnerable period. They are dedicated, objective, yet empathetic.
All volunteers are past patients of Healing Connections, a
unique program designed to provide support from diagnosis
to surgery then to long-term treatment. Volunteer support
is one element of the program, which also offers choices in
physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing education and
dietary recommendations.
Patient response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many
report decreased anxiety and an increased perception of self.
The caring and compassion does not end with treatment.
The volunteers continue to connect with patients after they
have left the program – a tribute to the strong bonds formed.
Back row, left to right: Mary Ellen Williams, Karen Campbell,
Inge Brown, Margaret Lemoine.
Front row, left to right: Claire Lefebvre, Joan McCann.
Missing: Lynn Martin and Diane Monych.
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 15

16
2008 ARNET Scholarship Recipients
The Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust (ARNET) is
pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the prestigious
Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust Annual Scholarships.
The Annual Scholarships are awarded to registered nurses
who best exemplify ARNET’s commitment to promoting nursing
excellence. Scholarships are awarded based on superior
academic achievement and the applicant’s strengths in nursing
leadership, nursing research, professional contributions, admin-
CARNA TD Meloche Monnex
Scholarship
Carrie McDonagh
James Veenstra
CARNA Presidents
Scholarship
Nora Landon
Diane Heather Kunyk
Leanne Fontanie
ARNET Board of Directors
Scholarship
Terryl Pfannmuller
Louise Folkmann
Ada Chan
Alberta Registered Nurses
Educational Trust
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Investing in the Heart of Healthcare
2008 ARNET Scholarship
Tamara Van Tassell
Claudia Steinke
Christina West
Tracy Mitchell
Nadine Strilchuk
Edith Zrodowski
Kelly McDonald
Shelley Jeske
Marcia Ellinger
Louise Rawluk
Suzanne Basiuk
Deanna Malcolm
Tammy Troute-Wood
Jocelyn Jubinville
Susan Horsman
istration, education and/or nursing practice. The University
of Alberta faculty of nursing provided matching scholarship
supports for the second year in a row to qualifying full time
graduate students and ARNET distributed a total of $121,500
in scholarships through this year’s competition. Please join us
in congratulating the 2008 ARNET Scholarship recipients
and expressing our sincere thanks to our donors who made
this possible!
Kyla Craig
Leanne Craig
Deanna Koot
Andrea Schroeder
Hazel Duddy
Anil Kurian
Angela Morck
Tara Elliott
Joanna Szabo
Linda Watson
Nelley Oelke
Colleen Maykut
Joanne Hewitt
Maureen Chrusch
Shannon Lemire
Colleen Cuthbert
Davidson Memorial
Scholarship
Shelina Gangji
Caroline Porr
Nicola Skelly
International Conference on
Community Health Nursing
Research Scholarship
Wendi Lokanc-Diluzio
Sisters of Service
Centennial Scholarship
Danielle Gagnon
Karen Polowick Scholarship
for Nursing Leadership
Jocelyn Jubinville

From l to r: ARNET Board Chair
Joanne Penner Herron, Scholarship
Recipients Carrie McDonagh,
Diane Kunyk, Nora Landon,
Louise Folkmann, ARNET Selections
Committee members Marion Allen,
Sheila Elliott.
Patricia Walker Scholarship
for Studies of Childbirth
Education and Maternal
and Child Health Nursing
Neda Etemadi
Applications for the 2009 ARNET
Scholarships will be available
Jan. 1, 2009 with an application
deadline of March 15, 2009.
Information regarding alternate
educational funding supports
is available on the CARNA
website at www.nurses.ab.ca
or by contacting the
Educational Trust office at
1.800.252.9392, ext. 547.
ARNET thanks everyone who participated
in our fundraising activities during the CARNA Annual
General Meeting and Gala and Conference on
May 22 and 23, 2008. With your help, we raised over
$6500 in support of continuing nursing education!
We would like to thank the following sponsors who
helped make our event an overwhelming success!
Guests had the chance to win airfare for two to Mexico
courtesy of Uniglobe Geo Travel. Cheryl Gagne was the
winner, Congratulations Cheryl! Johnson and Johnson
supported the event with star themed decorations to
help celebrate our nursing stars. Thank you Johnson
and Johnson and Uniglobe Geo Travel!
Alanna Nolan
Beijo Bags
Betty Gourlay
Brenda Fisher
Caley Fisher
Calgary Stampede
Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation – Prairies/NWT
Region
CARNA Regional Coordinators
Cheryl Gagne
Collette Shrivell-Simmers
Corona Rejuvenation Spa
Cosmetic Laser and Vein
Centre
Councilor Linda Sloan
Eden Lilly Flowers on Whyte
TM
A Special Thank You to the following Supporters who donated to the ARNET Silent Auction!
Edmonton Kinsmen Pitch &
Putt
Ella Smith
Eternity Limousines
Ev Henderson
Incredibly Comfortable
Uniforms
Janet O’Donnell
Jeanette Machtemes
Joan Petruk
Joanne Penner Herron
Lella Blumer
Lori Kashuba
Lorraine Way
Margaret Malo
Marilyn Wacko
Marion Allen and Friends
Mark Anthony Wine
Merchants
Nursing Faculty and Staff
at Red Deer College
Peggy Ann Field
Prairie Gardens
Sante Spa
SDI Digital Imaging
Sheila Elliott
Sheila McKay
Sobeys – Lakeland Ridge
Sunnyside Greenhouses
Tammy Syrnyk
Treena Hrytsak
Uniglobe Geo Travel
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 17

18
MEMBERS WANTED!
If you are a registered nurse seeking an opportunity to advance the profession by sharing your knowledge
and experience, you are invited to apply for a volunteer position on one of the following CARNA committees.
Elections and Resolutions
Committee
Three members
Term beginning Oct. 1, 2008
The Elections and Resolutions Committee (ERC)
is responsible for:
• recommending a slate of qualified
candidates for members of Provincial
Council and president-elect, whenever
an election for that office is required
• developing the rules governing the CARNA
campaign and election process for review
and approval by council
• providing support for members submitting
resolutions for CARNA’s annual general meeting
• supporting the development of resolutions
for proposal at the 2009 CNA Biennium
for council’s consideration
• soliciting names of members interested
in becoming members of ERC to be
considered by council
Qualifications
CARNA attempts to achieve broad representation
of membership by appointing members from a
variety of geographic regions. Preference will be
given to RNs working outside of Edmonton and
Calgary.
Expectations of Members
• serve a two-year term
• prepare for meetings and teleconferences
• attend four to six teleconferences and up
to two face-to-face meetings in Edmonton
• network to generate nominations
Questions
If you have questions about the work of the
committee or the expectations of members,
please contact:
Margaret Ward-Jack
Director, Communications
T: 780.453.0515 or toll-free
at 1.800.252.9392, ext. 515
E: mwardjack@nurses.ab.ca
How to Apply:
Visit www.nurses.ab.ca for an application form
or contact Diane Wozniak at 780.453.0525 or
toll-free at 1.800.252.9392, ext. 525.
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Awards Selection
Committee
Three members
Term beginning Oct. 1, 2008
The CARNA Awards Selection Committee
is an operational committee composed
of five volunteer RN members and the
executive director. The committee reviews
criteria, reviews nominations and selects
qualified recipients for the CARNA annual
awards program.
Qualifications
To complement the composition of the
committee, preference will be given
to RNs working in clinical practice,
education or research.
Expectations of Members
• serve a two-year term, beginning
Oct. 1, 2008
• prepare for meetings and
teleconferences
• review nomination submissions and
objectively apply award criteria
• participate in two to four meetings
per year
Questions
If you have questions about the work
of the committee or the expectations
of members, please contact:
Rachel Champagne
Manager, Communications
T: 780.453.0516 or toll-free
at 1.800.252.9392, ext. 516
E: rchampagne@nurses.ab.ca
How to Apply
Visit www.nurses.ab.ca for an application
form or contact Diane Wozniak at
780.453.0525 or toll-free at
1.800.252.9392, ext. 525
Application deadline: Aug. 24, 2008
Registration Committee
One member
Term beginning Oct. 1, 2008
The Registration Committee is a regulatory committee
composed of seven RN members who review applications
for registration and initial or renewed practice permits.
They also consider requests for exemption to the application
of a standard registration committee policy, due to
extraordinary circumstances. The committee members
are responsible for determining if an applicant/member
has met the legislated registration requirements and
whether a danger to the public would result from the
applicant engaging in, or continuing to engage in, nursing
as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. The committee
may approve, defer, or deny eligibility for registration
and/or practice permits. The committee may also identify
needed conditions or restrictions that should be placed
on a permit in the interest of protecting the public.
Qualifications
CARNA attempts to achieve broad representation of
membership by appointing members from a variety
of practice settings and geographic regions.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
• have a minimum of three years nursing experience
• practice in acute care, community-based care or
administration
• reside in the CARNA Northwest or South regions
Expectations of Members
• serve a three-year term
• attend a minimum of 10 meetings per year
• attend a full-day orientation session
• participate in urgent teleconferences when required
• accept the responsibility of chair or vice-chair after
sufficient exposure to role and responsibilities
Questions
If you have questions about the work of the Registration
Committee or the expectations of members, please contact:
Kim Campbell, Registrar
T: 780.453.0508 or toll-free at
1.800.252.9392, ext. 508
E: kcampbell@nurses.ab.ca
How to Apply
• obtain an application form at www.nurses.ab.ca
• contact: Laura Andre at 780.453.0513 or
toll-free 1.800.252.9392, ext. 513
• request an application by fax: 780.452.3276

ISMP MEDICATION SAFETY ALERT! ®
It doesn’t pay to play the percentages
The concentration of most injectable
medications is expressed as mg/mL
or mcg/mL. But a few drugs have
concentrations expressed as a dilution
ratio (e.g., epinephrine 1:1,000) or
per cent (e.g., lidocaine 1 per cent).
Studies have shown that practitioner
knowledge of dilution ratio and per cent
concentrations is inadequate, even among
physicians. 1-3 While expressing concentrations
this way may be less dangerous
for topical products or local anesthetics,
harmful errors have occurred with IV
medications.
For instance, there are numerous
reports of practitioners administering
undiluted epinephrine 1:1,000 (1mg/mL)
IV to patients instead of using the
1:10,000 (0.1 mg/mL) concentration.
One such error happened to a nurse in
radiology who administered medications
on an infrequent basis. Her patient had
developed a reaction to the contrast
media, with visible hives and respiratory
distress. The physician prescribed 3 mL
of epinephrine 1:10,000 IV, but the nurse
administered the 1:1,000 concentration
by mistake. The two concentrations are
hard to differentiate; on the small label,
1:1,000 could look like 1:10,000. The
same error occurred in an urgent care
clinic after a physician’s assistant
Adverse Drug Event:
ordered the wrong concentration.
The nurse who gave the dose did not
notice the mistake.
In fact, the ampoule bears no warning
that the 1:1,000 concentration must
be diluted before IV administration.
In both cases, the patients developed
rapid heart rates and increased blood
pressures, requiring unplanned overnight
hospital stays.
Most alarming, these poorly understood
expressions of concentration
are particularly prevalent with drugs
used for resuscitation (e.g., calcium,
epinephrine, lidocaine, magnesium
sulphate, neostigmine, sodium bicarbonate).
Thus, an inappropriate dose
or a life-threatening delay in treatment
is possible, even more so if these drugs
are prescribed in mg (which requires
knowledge of dilution ratio or percent
concentrations and calculations) or mL
(a problem if multiple concentrations
of the drug exist). At a neonatal code, a
physician ordered a dose of epinephrine
in mL, assuming that only the 1:10,000
concentration was available. The order
caused much confusion because both
concentrations were stocked on the
code cart.
To prevent these types of errors,
see the suggestions in checkitout!
An injury from a medicine or lack of an intended medicine. Includes adverse drug
reactions and harm from medication incidents.
Adapted from Bates DW, Spell N, Cullen DJ, Burdick E, Laird N, Petersen LA, Small SD, Sweitzer BJ and Leape LL, “The Costs of
Adverse Drug Events in Hospitalized Patients. Adverse Drug Events Prevention Study Group,” Journal of the American Medical
Association 277, 4 (January 22, 1997): pp. 307-11.
Source: http://www.ismp-canada.org/definitions.htm
checkitout!
Consider these suggestions to help
avoid errors with IV medications that
have concentrations expressed as
a dilution ratio or per cent.
Ask pharmacy to create a dose conversion
chart for all concentrations of epinephrine,
lidocaine, calcium, magnesium sulphate,
sodium bicarbonate and other emergency
drugs with concentrations expressed as
a dilution ratio or per cent.
Post dose conversion charts on code carts
and in other areas where emergency medications
may be prepared and administered.
Refer to the dose conversion chart before
giving these products, since an independent
double check may not be possible in
emergencies.
Review the dose conversion chart during
CPR certification and discuss the potential
for confusion with emergency drugs that
have concentrations expressed as a dilution
ratio or per cent.
Store a single concentration of these drugs
if possible (e.g., on a code cart, you may be
able to store epinephrine in 1:10,000 prefilled
10 mL syringes only).
Ask pharmacy to apply warning labels to
alert staff to the different concentrations
if more than one concentration is available.
Ask pharmacy to affix bold warning labels
on epinephrine 1:1,000 ampuls to alert
nurses to dilute before IV use.
Have a pharmacist attend all codes to help
with medication preparation and dosing
if needed.
REFERENCES:
1) Rolfe S, Harper NJ. Ability of hospital doctors to calculate drug doses. BMJ 1995;310:1173-1174.
2) Jones SJ, Cohen AM. Confusing drug concentrations. Anaesthesia 2001;56:195-196.
3) Nelson LS, Gordon PE, Simmons MD, et al. The benefit of house officer education on proper medication dose calculation and ordering.
Acad Emerg Med. 2000;7:1311-1316.
Reprinted with permission from ISMP Medication Safety Alert! Nurse Advise-ERR (ISSN 1550-6304) September 2003 Volume 1 Issue 6 ©2003
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). Visit ismp-canada.org or ismp.org.
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 19

20
Sheila A. McKay
PRESENT OCCUPATION/POSITION
Instructor, Red Deer College Faculty of Nursing
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CNA 100 IN 100 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Alberta RN is proud to feature Alberta recipients of the Canadian Nurses’ Association (CNA) Centennial Awards. All
recipients were also featured in a video shown during the Awards of Nursing Excellence Gala in May.
Sheila A. McKay has made significant contributions to nursing
by influencing decisions affecting the future of nursing and
by promoting the value of registered nurses in the health-care
system. Her career spans clinical practice, education and
administration and she has worked in medicine, emergency,
intensive care and public health nursing. McKay teaches at
the Red Deer College faculty of nursing and has served as
chair of nursing programs.
Her professional leadership includes being a charter
member of the Northwest Territories Registered Nurses
Association and serving as president of the Yukon Nurses
Society. She is also past-president of the College and
Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta.
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Barbara Rocchio
PRESENT OCCUPATION/POSITION
Health Care Consultant, IBH Innovative Health Care
Consulting Inc.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Barbara Rocchio’s contributions include creation of a
provincial concerns resolutions framework and forming
an advisory committee of chronically ill children to influence
the design of the Stollery Children’s Hospital. She developed
many programs to address specific community and population
health needs, worked on projects to improve practice readiness
for new health professionals and spearheaded quality improvement
processes to positively impact patient care and work
environments.
For more than 45 years, her innovative administrative
leadership has improved the delivery of health-care services
and created exceptional programs, including a child abuse
prevention and support program, which has since been
duplicated nationally. Rocchio was a CARNA Lifetime Award
recipient in 2005.

RN Embraced Culture
in her Role on
First Nations Community
The career of a community health nurse in a First Nations
community is often short-lived. Most opt to practice elsewhere
after only one to three years. Cultural differences, distance from
major city centres and other factors often lead nurses to relocate.
RN Pat Hogan is the exception.
“She’s worked as a nurse in the Alexis
First Nation for almost 15 years,” says
Paula Bailey a community health nurse
with the Paul Band. “She has been part
of their lives, watching their children grow
up and helping them along the way.”
Nurses in First Nations communities
face unique challenges. Working within a
distinctive cultural context, they practise
in non-traditional settings, engage in
community development and participate
in a wide range of health programs.
According to Health Canada Zone Nurse
Manager Joyce Cardinal, the higher
youth population rate calls for a focus
on health prevention and promotion.
Hogan understands these challenges well.
“Working in First Nations is different
than working anywhere else. Residents
want access to western medicine, but
they also want to use their traditional
medicine and ideas,” says Hogan.
She is not of aboriginal descent,
but was willing to learn and embrace the
culture. Hogan regularly participates in
non-nursing related community events
such as round dances, award ceremonies
and retreats. According to colleague
RN Jody Bonner, Hogan is valued and
respected in the community as one of
their own.
“She learned to march to the drum
beat of the community without judgement,”
says Cardinal. “She got to know
the community and respected what they
do and how they do it.”
In June, Pat Hogan retired after
37 years of nursing. During her career,
she practised in diverse settings, including
Saudi Arabia, remote communities in
Canada’s Northwest Territories, Edmonton
and most recently at the Alexis First
Nation, 85 km west of Edmonton.
Hogan appreciates her experiences.
She enjoyed working in a smaller
community with a variety of people.
It provided her with freedom and flexibility
she feels could not be matched
elsewhere. Each day presented new
experiences she was eager to tackle.
“Nothing that happens around
here is textbook,” says Hogan. “Technical
knowledge is an asset, but you have
to leave it at the edge and pack your
flexibility.”
Over the years, Hogan has watched
community initiatives lead to increased
health. Smoking cessation and immunization
rates have steadily improved
during her time in Alexis First Nation.
She credits the determination of the
community and health promotion
programs implemented, in part, by
the residents.
Hogan is unsure of how she will
spend her retirement. Over the next few
months, she will gear down and possibly
travel. Life without the daily challenges
and rewards of nursing will take some
getting used to for Hogan.
“I’ve never regretted a moment I’ve
spent nursing.” RN
First Nations
Health Statistics
• When compared to the overall
Canadian population, First Nations
have a two times higher rate of
pertussis, a seven times higher rate
of rubella and a six times higher rate
of tuberculosis.
• In 2000, the First Nations birth rate
was 23.4 births per 1,000 population,
more than twice the Canadian rate.
• Suicide and self-injury are the leading
causes of death for youth and adults
up to the age of 44, accounting for
22 per cent of deaths among First
Nations youth. Suicide and self-injury
account for 20.4 per cent of deaths in
the overall Canadian youth population.
• According to the 2001 Census
of Canada, on-reserve registered
First Nations individuals rate lower
than the general population on all
educational attainment indicators.
• Hospitalization rates are higher among
First Nations for all causes except
circulatory diseases and cancers.
• In First Nations, potential years of
life lost from injury is more than all
other causes of death combined
and is almost 3.5 times that of the
Canadian rate.
SOURCE: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/
pubs/aborig-autoch/stats_profil-eng.php
(accessed June 24, 2008)
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 21

22
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
REMEMBERS
RN RESCUE
BY ROSE MARY PHILLIP
In the summer of 1994, Rebecca Skinner (then known as Rebecca Mulcair)
an RN working in Calgary, joined friends Yolanda Arambarri and Naomi
Batiuk for a weekend of camping and hiking in Waterton Lakes National
Park in southern Alberta.
That same weekend, John Hill, a former addictions councillor, and his
eight-year-old daughter Jennifer went hiking on the Crypt Lake Trail at
Waterton National Park, a climb of over 2,300 feet.
They would all soon meet on the hike back down through an unfortunate
circumstance.
Both groups hiked along the switchback, a set of zigzagged trails leading down the
steep mountain. Hill and his daughter grew frustrated with the crowds of hikers on the
trail. Peering down the side of the mountain, Hill could see a considerably less crowded
trail just below.
“I know it wasn’t a smart move, but I decided to leave the trail and cut through
the scree slope. I accidentally tripped and landed on a glass bottle of orange juice I was
carrying,” says Hill. “It shattered and severed my ulnar artery and nerve.”
Nearby hikers converged on Hill, trying to help as blood gushed from the split artery.
Luckily for Hill, Skinner and her friends quickly joined the rescue effort.
“More than generalized pressure with gauze was required to stop the blood from
pouring from his hand. I put my fingers directly in the wound to stop the rush of blood,”
says Skinner.
Arambarri removed an extensive first aid kit from Skinner’s hiking pack to assist
with care. To the amusement of her friends, Skinner would pack the rather heavy first
aid kit on every trip, complete with scissors, clamp, sutures, betadine and alcohol swabs,

instant ice packs, elasticized cling wrap, 2x2s, 4x4s, soaked 4x4s,
tape, a sling, penknife, candle, matches and, of course, chocolate.
Skinner wrapped Hill’s hand tightly with elasticized cling
wrap and the group began the long hike down the mountain –
Hill with his hand elevated as per Skinner’s instructions. Ahead
of them lay several hours of hiking before reaching the trailhead,
followed by a half hour ferry ride across the lake and then an
additional half hour of driving to the nearest hospital in Pincher
Creek. If they arrived ahead of a scheduled arrival time, they would
have to wait for the next ferry. Since cell phones had not yet
gained popularity, the group had no way to communicate with
the marina at the Waterton village site to send a boat urgently.
Soon after leaving the accident scene and beginning the trek
down the mountain side, the group spotted a grizzly bear in the
distance. Nearby hikers warned one was in the area. A short time
later, the trees began to move near the switchbacks just below.
The bear was getting too close for comfort. From that point on,
the group would speak loudly and make as much noise as
possible to scare the animal away. Thankfully, the bear didn’t
make another appearance.
“She had a special comforting and reassuring manner about
her that let me know I was in good hands,” says Hill. “We talked
about every imaginable subject. As it turns out, I knew her
cousin from back east and both our families had cottages
in the Laurentian Mountains.”
Throughout the trek, Skinner assessed his dressing for
bleeding, his mental state and his hand. “Half way down the
mountain his fingers became cold and white,” says Skinner.
“There wasn’t much circulation left in his hand.”
Hill was resilient, walking down the mountain side unaided.
His sole concern was to ensure his daughter remained calm and
unafraid. He would often repeat “Honey, I’m okay. It’s just a
small cut.” He had his daughter walk ahead of him so he could
keep an eye on her demeanour. Batiuk helped the effort to keep
Jennifer calm by distracting her with stories and laughter as
they hiked.
By late afternoon, the group arrived at the trailhead to
await the ferry that would bring them back to the marina
and village. It was just as they feared. The dock was abandoned.
The group, including the now pale and cold Hill, had to wait
30 minutes for the next ferry.
The summer heat and exertion were beginning to take
a toll on Hill. He took a turn for the worse. Citing pain and
tightness, Hill asked to have the dressing loosened. Succumbing
to dehydration and blood loss, he became light headed and
needed to lie down.
At long last, the ferry arrived. The captain sent a dispatch to
the village to advise of the medical situation. Wanda Robinson
received the emergency call and also happened to be an RN.
She called for an ambulance to meet them at shore.
When the ferry docked, the group faced yet another setback –
the ambulance had not yet arrived.
“[Rebecca] loaded me into her small car and was ready to
drive me to the hospital herself,” says Hill.
Before the group could pull away, a Parks Canada ambulance
arrived. Skinner accompanied Hill in the ambulance, while
DID YOU KNOW…
With the exception of Québec, there is no legal obligation
in Canada to assist the ill or injured.
Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia
have passed “Good Samaritan” laws to protect those who
offer assistance to the ill or injured.
Under Alberta’s Emergency Medical Aid Act, registered
nurses who offer assistance without the expectation of
compensation at a location other than a medical facility
are not liable for damages, injuries or death caused as
a result of their help, unless the damages, injuries or
death are as a result of gross negligence.
SOURCES: www.canadianlawsite.ca/goodsamaritan.htm
www.canlii.org/ab/laws/sta/e-7/20040430/whole.html
(accessed June 24, 2008)
Arambarri followed in Skinner’s vehicle. Batiuk drove Hill’s
truck to his campsite with Jennifer to dismantle the site and
pack everything in Hill’s truck.
After a 50-km ambulance ride, Hill finally arrived at
the Pincher Creek Hospital, but his ordeal wasn’t over yet.
The damage was too severe. Doctors recommended he transfer
to another facility for treatment.
“They cleaned the site, clamped the severed artery and
wrapped his hand with sterile drapes,” says Skinner.
Arambarri drove Skinner and a now stable Hill to Lethbridge
Regional Hospital for treatment. Following them was Batiuk
and Jennifer with Hill’s camping gear in tow.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Hill was immediately attended
by staff. Knowing Hill was in capable hands, the group drove
Jennifer home. His wife gratefully greeted them on the front
lawn.
“He had a lot of fortitude. It must have been awful to hike
that distance while so injured,” says Skinner.
After returning Jennifer to her mother, Skinner, Arambarri
and Batiuk made the two-hour drive back to their campsite,
arriving shortly before midnight to resume their weekend
camping trip.
The following morning, Skinner called the hospital from
a nearby payphone to check on Hill’s condition. He underwent
surgery and today has full use of his hand.
“She selflessly committed herself to my recovery,” says Hill.
“She is an exceptional professional and a special human being.
She is a tribute to the nursing profession.” RN
Rebecca Skinner is now married with two step-children and living
in Winnipeg, Man. She is a nurse in the emergency room
and intensive care unit and continues to stay active outdoors with
cycling and hiking.
John Hill remains active in his love of hiking and recently joined the
Chinook Hiking Club. Since the accident, he has hiked on various
mountains across Alberta and internationally.
There were two other nurses present on the Crypt Lake Trail the day
of Hill’s accident. They too aided in the initial accident response,
however their names are unknown.
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 23

THE HOPELESSLY HUMAN NURSE
Reprinted from Thoughts from the Teeter Totter, an e-newsletter
published by Hopelessly Human Productions. www.hopelesslyhuman.ca
One Thing
Isn’t So Hard
“We cannot achieve self-respect if we are
afraid of self-knowledge.”
M. R. Cohen
BY KATHY KNOWLES, RN AND
LINDA BRIDGE, RN
My lamp overhaul started with one thing.
It wasn’t a conscious beginning where
I said “ok, tomorrow I will start with
strategy A, then B and so on.”
I simply woke up.
It began one evening when I was
dealing with a pediatric death in the
emergency department where I worked.
I was in charge that shift and responsible
for family support and communication
during the attempted resuscitation of
the child. I was with the parents a long
time in the quiet room and later as they
held their dead daughter. In a consoling
voice I said numerous times “I’m sorry.”
On that particular evening, what
I heard myself saying was nothing. The
“I’m sorrys” felt meaningless.
I had the road to myself, after midnight,
as I drove the 40-minute commute
home. In the quiet darkness, my inner voice
spoke to me with a clarity I had never
heard before. Or at least one that I had
never bothered to recognize and hear.
Each curve and mile that unfolded
brought a startling thought to my mind.
It was like rewinding a tape and playing
24
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
it over and over. What I saw was myself
as I repeatedly, and I must accent this
word, said “I’m sorry.” I realized that
“I’m sorry” was used in every other
sentence of my vocabulary during an
eight-hour shift. It was rampant in my
talk with others in the world as well.
I started to cry as I concluded that
I said I was sorry for everything. In that
instant, I felt I was sorry to be alive!
I’m sorry you have to wait.
I’m sorry you feel that way.
I’m sorry to bother you.
I’m sorry to call.
I’m sorry I have to give you this needle.
I’m sorry to ask you to move over
but I need to get this medication from
the refrigerator. Quick!
I’m sorry what I do is not good enough.
I’m sorry to have to ask you this.
I’m sorry you have pain.
I’m sorry you’re having a bad day.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
“How?” I asked myself. “How could
I be responsible for all those people and
the situations they were in?” I had done
nothing wrong and I did not need to take
ownership of them or their complaints
and problems. Whom did I think I was,
believing I was responsible for others
feelings? It wasn’t my fault someone had
to wait, nor was it my fault someone was
sad. It was not my fault a physician was
on call and I needed to talk with him
about one of his patients. It was not
my fault someone was in pain. I was not
responsible for that child’s death.
What were all those apologies doing
to me? Oh my, what had I been doing?
What I thought was a nicety in my words
was something very detrimental toward
myself. I wanted the true meaning of
“I’m sorry” back.
Nearing my home that night I decided
to stop using it unless I truly needed to
apologize for my actions. This first step
in my lamp overhaul began the very next
shift. I never told anyone what I had
discovered about myself. I was ashamed
and felt I was probably the only person
doing this. Nor did I tell anyone what
I was doing, as I deleted the “I’m sorrys”
from my vocabulary.
Once I was aware, I saw how automatic
the saying was. It slipped out of me often.
Of course, I would chastise myself at first,
then I realized that wasn’t fair and would
only make it worse.
This belief of the need to say “I’m
sorry” was ingrained in me and it would
take time to let go of it. I worked to be
gentle with myself and at times I laughed
as the old “I’m sorry” would sneak out.
Chuckling to myself was the key for me.
It turned what I thought of as
a weakness of character into a game.
After each shift I would tally up my “I’m
sorrys” on my drive home. Slowly and
steadily, and actually much easier and
faster than I expected, I squashed them
from my sentences. I began to feel better
about myself and about work.
A few simple words had held such
power over me and their omission had
a potent effect. I believe this effect,
this energy, bolstered my self-respect.
I started with one choice. One simple
change. This one deletion of a few simple
words carried me forward, curious to
examine more of my vocabulary. I felt
so much better and if words alone could
affect that then I decided to search for
others. My overhaul has become my life.
I have fun with it. I gain power and energy
(self-respect) each time I alter a previous
thought, action, or word.
Yes, I falter often and I smile to myself
at the game I play to rid the unhealthy
things in my life. Each falter is celebrated,
a lesson learned. Each triumph is the same.
I started with one thing and it grew
from there. That one thing gave me the
strength to try another and then another
and so on. It started with an awareness –
an awakening.
I believe if each nurse in Canada does
one thing, for him or her self, to gain energy,
self-respect, the health system will change.
If every action causes a reaction, then every
change in an action will cause a different
reaction. A domino effect will take place.
I know now that one thing isn’t so
hard. RN
© 2005 Kathy Knowles and Linda Bridge

D iscipline Decisions
Discipline summaries are submitted for publication in Alberta RN
by the Hearing Tribunals as a brief description to members and
the public of the member’s unprofessional behaviour and of the
sanction ordered by the Hearing Tribunal. Publication is not
intended to provide comprehensive information of the complaint,
findings of an investigation or information presented at the hearing.
CARNA Member
A Hearing Tribunal made a finding of unprofessional conduct
against a member who used a patient’s first name and posted
personal health information about the patient on a co-worker’s
Facebook site, addressed to another RN on a different unit who
had no professional reason to have the information. The member
further used the Facebook site to communicate with other staff
about personal issues during work hours, in violation of the
employer’s policy. The Tribunal issued a reprimand and ordered
the member to write a paper on ‘Electronic communications –
considerations in confidentiality for the practice of the Registered
Nurse’ by a deadline. A condition shall appear on the member’s
practice permit. Failure to comply with the Order may result in
suspension of CARNA practice permit.
CARNA Member
Registration Number: 58,366
The Hearing Tribunal made a finding of unprofessional conduct
against member #58,366 who stole narcotics from her employer;
failed to follow the narcotic wastage protocols to obtain co-signatures
so she could steal the drugs; and falsely documented narcotic
wastage. The member admitted to the behaviour. The Tribunal
gave the member a reprimand and accepted an undertaking
to not practice as a registered nurse pending proof that she is
safe to return to practice at which time the member has a choice
to return to either a practice setting where there is no access to
controlled medications or do a supervised practice in a setting
IN MEMORIAM
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of:
Delaney, Rita May, a graduate of the University Hospital
school or nursing, who passed away on April 14, 2008.
Hauck, Mary Lou, a graduate of the St. Mary’s General
Hospital school of nursing, who passed away on
May 19, 2008.
where the member is expected to administer controlled substances.
In either setting, the member’s employer will report back to a
Hearing Tribunal. The member is required to continue drug screening
and provide further medical reports to a Hearing Tribunal, addressing
all diagnoses. Conditions shall appear on the member’s practice
permit. Failure to comply with the Order may result in suspension
of CARNA practice permit.
CARNA Member
Registration Number: 62,727
The Hearing Tribunal made a finding of unprofessional conduct
against member #62,727 who after resigning his position where
he was responsible to supervise assisted living facilities stole
Percocet on one occasion and Tylenol #3 on two occasions from
the assisted living facilities that he had previously supervised;
continued to visit the facilities for four months and looked through
the medication cupboards and client medical records cupboard.
Further, while registered, but employed in a non-nursing position,
for a different employer, stole 10 Tylenol #3s on one occasion and
signed them out to a patient on the medication administration
record. The member admitted to the behaviour. The Tribunal gave
the member a reprimand and accepted an undertaking to not
practice as a registered nurse pending proof from a physician
and counselor that he is safe to return to practice at which time,
the member has a choice to return to either a practice setting
where there is no access to narcotics or controlled substances, or
do a supervised practice in a setting where the member is expected
to administer medications, including narcotics and controlled
substances. In either setting, the member’s employer will report
back to a Hearing Tribunal. The member is required to continue
drug screening and provide further medical reports to a Hearing
Tribunal. Conditions shall appear on the member’s practice permit.
Failure to comply with the Order may result in suspension of
CARNA practice permit. RN
Visit www.nurses.ab.ca
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 25

26
update
Continued from page 3
I want to point out that these trends are not necessarily bad.
The focus on public safety is consistent with CARNA’s mandate
and CARNA supports principles of accountability, transparency,
trust and privacy. At the end of the day, CARNA believes that
there must be a balance between the need to be competitive
in today’s world economy and the need to ensure the safety
and quality of patient care.
In addition to these global regulatory trends, there are
developments in Alberta that are affecting CARNA.
Regulatory Environment
CARNA operates within the legislative framework of the
province’s Health Professions Act (HPA). HPA is an example
of meta-regulation since it is umbrella legislation which
standardizes regulation of all health professions and clarifies
government expectations of regulatory bodies.
Provincial governments are also becoming more interested
in pursuing Trade and Labour Mobility Agreements (TILMA),
which eliminate barriers imposed by different regulatory
standards, rather than traditional mutual recognition agreements.
Alberta has entered into a TILMA agreement with
British Columbia and CARNA is working with the College
of Registered Nurses of British Columbia to resolve nursing
issues. At the same time, there is a strong likelihood of expansion
of the agreement to Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The work on TILMA has been affected by measures
announced by British Columbia that have opened discussions
with the Alberta government. The B.C. throne speech mentioned
an enhanced scope of practice for RNs and creation of a new
provisional registration category for nurses, among other things.
Many details about these announcements in B.C. are still
unknown. However, the enhanced scope of practice for registered
nurses seems similar to changes CARNA is proposing to the
Registered Nurses Profession Regulation under the Health Professions
Act in Alberta.
CARNA has already moved on the concept of a provisional
or restricted licence for international applicants. In March,
provincial council made a significant decision to approve
development of a model for a restricted temporary permit for
internationally educated nurses with deficits in defined areas.
The new licence is intended to increase the potential international
pool of applicants, but still requires the internationally
educated nurse to write the Canadian Registered Nurses Exam
within a specified time period. Information about the new
licence will be available in early June.
That brings us to Bill 41, the Health Professions Statutes
Amendment Act passed by the Alberta government in December
2007. CARNA worked closely with other health professions to
express serious concerns about Bill 41’s ability to erode selfgovernance
for the health professions. As a result, government
did agree to include a requirement for the Minister of Health
and Wellness to consult with an affected college before making
changes to the profession’s bylaws, regulations or standards
of practice.
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
CARNA recently was given the opportunity to provide
feedback on draft regulations outlining the requirements
for the minister to consult with colleges. CARNA had serious
concerns because the draft regulation did not meet the
minister’s obligation to consult with affected colleges.
It is important to point out that CARNA’s relationship
with the provincial government is now conducted with an
awareness that the provisions of Bill 41 exist. We are more
CARNA BELIEVES THAT THERE
MUST BE A BALANCE BETWEEN
THE NEED TO BE COMPETITIVE
IN TODAY’S WORLD ECONOMY
AND THE NEED TO ENSURE
THE SAFETY AND QUALITY
OF PATIENT CARE.
acutely aware of the importance of working closely with
government and anticipating directions in provincial public
policy to ensure that we can respond appropriately within
our own mandate to protect the public.
Provincial Health Action Plan
Now, I am going to take a few moments to comment on the
provincial government’s Health Action Plan which was released
in April.
Government has already acted on one of its immediate
priorities with the creation of one provincial board to govern
Alberta’s health system. The impact of this step on front-line
staff remains to be seen, but it does, at the very least, create
a climate of uncertainty.
Another immediate action in the plan is to increase nursing
seats in order to graduate 2,000 nurses a year by 2012. This was
actually announced last December and, while an important
increase, won’t be enough to address the nursing shortage.
Looking at other parts of the action plan, the strategies
related to recruiting more internationally educated nurses and
other foreign-trained health professionals will have an impact
on CARNA and registered nurses. The plan refers to government
working with other western provinces on a recruitment
strategy. CARNA is already working more closely with the
western nursing jurisdictions from B.C., Saskatchewan,
Manitoba and the Yukon to address licensure issues related
to international applications.
On another front, Provincial Council has already passed a
motion strengthening CARNA’s previous guidelines for reporting
blood-borne pathogens. The decision elevates the reporting
requirement for all RNs infected with a blood-borne pathogen
to a mandatory standard of practice.

CARNA has major reservations about government plans
to introduce more physician assistants. CARNA Executive
Director Mary-Anne Robinson and I met with the minister
to share our concerns about introducing another category of
unregulated health professional and to promote the role of the
nurse practitioner. Government intends to conduct a stakeholder
consultation regarding the role of the physician assistant
which will give CARNA an opportunity to provide feedback.
Finally, we are not sure what government intends with the
announcement regarding nursing education. When discussing
nursing education, it can be a challenge to distinguish between
“practice readiness” and “job readiness.” Registered nursing is
a practice discipline which suggests that a key component for
education is practice in a clinical setting. On the other hand,
all new employees require an orientation period when they
start a new job. It is important for nursing employers and
educators to clarify the concepts of practice readiness and job
readiness.
That is why CARNA supports the work being done in this
area by the Clinical Nurse Practice Leaders Network, consisting
of the chief nursing leaders of Alberta’s regional health
authorities and the Alberta Nurse Educators Association.
CARNA also holds the secretariat for the Nursing Advisory
Council of Alberta’s Knowledge and Education Project, which
is expected to provide information that can help to inform
government decisions regarding nursing education.
Registered Nurse Leadership
So far, I have discussed CARNA’s role in terms of its regulatory
mandate and the forces affecting achievement of that mandate.
Now I want to speak about registered nurse leadership.
I am convinced that now, more than ever, it is essential
to focus on what we can achieve together as registered nurses
and how we can support each other in our practice, rather than
focus on the differences among us. The changes facing the
health system in this province are immense. Yet the shortage
of registered nurses and other health providers allows us to
take a close look at what we are really doing in our practice
settings.
In February of this year, CARNA conducted a survey of
its members and found that nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of
members currently spend between 10 per cent and 39 per cent
ON AVERAGE, MEMBERS SPEND
27 PER CENT OF THEIR WORK DAY
PERFORMING NON-REGISTERED
NURSING ACTIVITIES THAT
COULD BE HANDLED BY
A SUPPORT WORKER.
I AM IMPRESSED AND
INSPIRED BY THE LEADER-
SHIP, THE INNOVATION AND
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS
REGISTERED NURSES ARE
MAKING EVERY DAY IN
THEIR PRACTICE SETTINGS.
update
of their work day performing non-registered nursing activities
that could be handled by a support worker. An additional
14 per cent spend between half and three-quarters (50 to
75 per cent) of their time on these types of activities. On average,
members spend 27 per cent of their work day performing
non-registered nursing activities that could be handled by
a support worker.
Just imagine what could be achieved for patient care and
safety, for infection prevention and control and for health
promotion if these registered nurses were able to focus on their
nursing role. Results like these are the reason that CARNA is
lobbying for more support workers in the health-care system.
As I travel the province, I am impressed and inspired by the
leadership, the innovations and positive contributions registered
nurses are making every day in their practice settings. The
majority of the RNs I meet are confident, flexible professionals
who enjoy their nursing career. They are leaders at the direct
care level, at the management table and as educators and
researchers.
Registered nurses are also the health professionals perfectly
equipped to proactively move the health promotion and disease
and injury prevention agenda forward in this province. That is
because it is part of the role of the RN to consider the whole
person and to understand the impact of injury and illness
on their lives. Now is the time to address long-standing issues
about service delivery and to maximize scopes of practice for
all health providers.
It is important for each of us, as individual RNs, to be
confident that we can influence the change around us. Our
ideas can improve patient care, create safer care environments
and lead to a seamless continuum of care.
We know that the health system is changing. Now is the
time for registered nurses to exert the power inherent in our
presence throughout all parts of the system, 24/7, and channel
our knowledge, education and skills towards improved patient
safety and care and a system that values our contributions as
registered nurses. RN
Margaret Hadley, RN, MN
E-mail: president@nurses.ab.ca
Phone: 780.466.6566
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN
27

28
The Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA)
recently released the results of its first
provincial survey of patient experience in
Alberta’s emergency departments. Overall,
90 per cent of rural and 84 per cent of urban
respondents ranked their overall care as
excellent, very good or good. Wait times in
the emergency department, especially the time
it took to see a doctor, clearly affected patients’
overall emergency department experience.
However, what mattered most to patients, and
what most influenced their overall rating, was
the care and communication they ultimately
received.
On releasing the survey, Chief Executive
Officer Dr. John Cowell said, “This is the first
provincial survey of its kind undertaken in Alberta
and it establishes a baseline for measuring
emergency department experience and provides
health-care providers with information needed
to improve the quality of emergency department
patient care.”
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Emergency Department
survey finds Albertans
highly rate the courtesy
of triage nurses
Highlights of
the key findings:
Staff care and communication
Overall, 90 per cent of patients rated the
courtesy of the triage nurse who first asked
them about their health problem as excellent,
very good or good.
72 per cent of urban and 80 per cent of
rural respondents said they were treated with
dignity and respect while in the emergency
department.
30 per cent of urban and 24 per cent of
rural respondents felt physicians and nurses
did not always take the time to listen to what
they had to say.
Overall, 36 per cent reported their condition
had either not been explained to them in
an understandable way or was only to
some extent.
43 per cent of urban and 33 per cent of
rural respondents said they were not always
involved as much as they wanted in decisions
about their care and treatment or were only
to some extent.
On discharge, 64 per cent of urban and
55 per cent of rural respondents said they
were not told or were only told to some extent
when they could begin normal activities.
40 per cent overall said they were completely
informed about what danger signals to
watch for after they went home.
Accessibility and reassessment
Overall, people who waited longer or experienced
extreme crowding were less happy with their
emergency department experience. Wait time
issues were more common and had the greatest
impact on urban emergency departments.
The time spent waiting to see a doctor
was very important to people. The longer
they waited, the more likely they were to be
unhappy with their emergency department
experience. The shorter the wait, the more
likely they were to be happy with their
emergency department experience.
82 per cent of urban and 92 per cent of
rural respondents said the overall order
in which patients were seen was fair.
Overall, two per cent of patients identified
that staff were not always checking on
them while they waited.
Overall, 41 per cent said they could not always
find a staff member when they looked for
help or could only some of the time.
The survey showed patients were more likely
to leave without being seen if staff were not
regularly checking on them or if they could
not get staff help when they needed it.
“Over the next weeks, we will meet with our
stakeholders to discuss the findings and where
to go from here,” says Cowell. “The survey results
clearly show that regardless of overcrowding and
wait-time issues, from the patient’s perspective,
health-care providers need to develop strategies
that provide an optimal environment for
communication so that patients can fully
share information about their condition, have
enough time to discuss their health concerns
and receive information about treatments,
test results and discharge instructions.”
The full report is available at: www.hqca.ca .
For more information about the HQCA’s emergency
department patient experience survey, please
contact Pam Brandt at 403.297.4091 or
pam.brandt@hqca.ca.

BOOKMARKS
A Handbook on Spirituality for Nurses and Caregivers
Judith M. Campbell
A caregiver’s guide through the subject of spirituality, based on Campbell’s
two-year course “A Journey With Your Spirit.” This handbook will
familiarize the reader with the elements of awareness and understanding
needed to address the spiritual needs of patients, without crossing the
religious boundary. Both I Brake for Butterflies: Finding Divinity in All That
Is and energywellness.ca are suggested as companion reading pieces.
I Brake for Butterflies challenges us to look for divine happenings in our
lives and teaches how to find meaning by acknowledging such happenings.
It suggests that all humanity is connected and that finding this spiritual
connectedness replaces depression with excitement.
energywellness.ca, based on the namesake website, offers methods to
achieve balance of the mind, body and spirit through diet, meditation
and communing with nature.
ACCOLADES
First Nations Nurse Receives National Honour
Rocky Mountain House RN Joyce Ritchie
is one of two First Nations nurses honoured
with the National Award of Excellence
in Nursing for First Nations and Inuit
Communities.
Federal Minister of Health Tony Clement
presented Ritchie with the award for her
work as a home care nurse at Kiska Wapton
Bighorn First Nation, approximately 80 km
west of Red Deer. Ritchie is currently enrolled
in the University of Alberta post-RN bachelor
of science in nursing program. She holds a speciality certificate in
emergency and critical care nursing and teaches first aid and CPR.
Ritchie also maintains her firefighter certification and Incident
Command System (ICS 300) certification.
The award was created to recognize nursing excellence and the key
role nurses play in improving the health of Canada’s aboriginal people.
Recipients are nominated by their peers and receive $2,500 for professional
development.
RNLibrary
The latest books, documents and audio-visual titles
acquired by the CARNA Library.
To reserve these and other titles, CARNA members can contact
the library Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
1.800.252.9392, ext. 533, or visit www.nurses.ab.ca any
time to access the library catalogue and CINAHL (Cumulative
Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database).
Anderson, E. T. & McFarlane, J. M. (Eds.). (2008).
Community as partner: Theory and practice in nursing
(5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
[WY 106 C73421 2008]
Campbell, A. (2006). The SARS Commission (Vols. 1-6).
Toronto, ON: Publications Ontario. [WX 167 C184 2006]
Conference Board of Canada. (2007). Achieving public
protection through collaborative self-regulation:
Reflections for a new paradigm. Ottawa, ON: Author.
[WY 21.1 A1783 2007]
Decter, M. & Grosso, F. (2006). Navigating Canada’s health
care: A user guide to getting the care you need. Toronto,
ON: Penguin Canada. [WH 84 D295 2006]
French-language primary health care in Alberta. (2006).
Edmonton, AB: Réseau Santé Albertain. [WY 128 F888 2006]
Gill, M. D. (2005). Governing for results. A director’s guide to
good governance. Victoria, BC: Trafford. [WY 105 G475 2005]
Leddy, S. (2006). Integrative health promotion: Conceptual
bases for nursing practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
[WY 108 L473 2006]
Merson, M. H., Black, R. E., & Mills, A. J. (Eds.). (2006).
International public health: Diseases, programs, systems,
and policies (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
[WA 530.1 I627 2006]
Perry, C. (2007). Infection prevention and control. Oxford:
Blackwell. [WX 167 P46194 2007]
Picard, E. I. & Robertson, G. B. (2007). Legal liability of
doctors and hospitals in Canada (4th ed.). Toronto, ON:
Thomson/Carswell. [W 32.1 P586 2007]
Shields, M. (2006). Findings from the 2005 national survey
of the work and health of nurses. Ottawa, ON: Health
Canada. [WY 31 S554 2006]
Sneiderman, B., Irvine, J. C., & Osborne, P. H. (2003).
Canadian medical law: An introduction for physicians,
nurses and other health care professionals (3rd ed.).
Scarborough, ON: Thomson/Carswell. [W 32.5 S6694 2003]
Stanhope, M. & Lancaster, J. (2006). Foundations of nursing
in the community: Community oriented practice (2nd ed.).
St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier. [WY 106 F7717 2006]
Torrisi, D. L. & Hansen-Turton, T. (2005). Community and
nurse-managed heath centers: Getting them started and
keeping them going. New York: Springer. [WY 128 T697 2005]
Yalnizyan, A. (2006). Getting better health care: Lessons
from (and for) Canada. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Centre for
Policy Alternatives. [WA 540.1 Y19 2006]
www.nurses.ab.ca July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 Alberta RN 29

30
Holistic
Nurses
Seek
Certification
The Canadian Holistic Nurses Association
(CHNA) is asking RNs who use one or
more energy-based modalities to complete
a short survey. Examples of energy-based
modalities include therapeutic touch,
healing touch, reiki, guided imagery,
sound/music.
CHNA is applying to the Canadian
Nurses Association (CNA) for certification
of holistic nurses and requires your
assistance to obtain specific information
about the use of energy-based modalities
in nursing practice in Alberta.
Current CHNA members, have already
provided this information to CHNA, and
do not need to resubmit the survey. A
summary of the results will be submitted
as part of CHNA’s application to CNA for
certification.
To complete the survey:
e-mail dlfreeman@shaw.ca and place
“CHNA Nursing Survey” in the subject
line to receive your three question
survey, or phone Debbie Freeman at
403.266.2362.
About CHNA:
Organized in 1988, the objective of CHNA
is to further the development of holistic
nursing practice and to ensure that
professional health maintenance and
promotion services are made available
to Canadians. CHNA supports the role
of holistic nurses and sets standards
for holistic nursing practice in Canada.
For more information on CHNA, visit
www.chna.ca.
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
NOTICEBoard
E D M O N T O N / W E S T
BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
When Healthcare Providers
Experience Moral Distress
Hosted by CARNA and the
Provincial Health Ethics Network
Sept. 19, 2008. Edmonton
CONTACT: TL2 Conference and Event
Management, 780.419.6070,
events@tl2.ca, www.nurses.ab.ca
WOUND CARE:
CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE
Oct. 6, 2008. Edmonton
CONTACT:
GRHEdServices@capitalhealth.ca
BUILDING INTEGRATED
HEALTH SYSTEMS
A National Symposium
Nov. 22-24, 2008. Edmonton
CONTACT: Buksa Conference Management,
780.436.0983, ext. 229, ihs@buksa.com
C A L G A R Y / W E S T
THE FOURTH ANNUAL
EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Change, Chaos and Courage:
Educating for Nursing Excellence
Aug. 25-26, 2008. Calgary
CONTACT: http://ucalgary.ca/nu/whatsnew
CANADIAN HOLISTIC NURSES
ASSOCIATION LEVEL I: INSTITUTE
Sept. 26-28, 2008
CONTACT: Debbie Freeman, 403.266.2362
DEPRESSION IN ADULTS
How to Improve Prevention,
Diagnosis and Treatment
Oct. 15-17, 2008. Calgary
CONTACT: www.ihe.ca
ALBERTA OPERATING ROOM
NURSES CONFERENCE
Continuing Surgical Innovations
Oct. 22-25, 2008. Red Deer
CONTACT: Donna Wapple,
donna.wapple@calgaryhealthregion.ca
N A T I O N A L
calendar
5TH INP/APNN INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED
NURSING PRACTICE
Sept. 17-20, 2008. Toronto
CONTACT: International Conference
Services Ltd., 604.681.2153,
inpapnn2008@meet-ics.com
HALIFAX 8: THE CANADIAN
HEALTHCARE SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
Oct. 23-25, 2008. Winnipeg
CONTACT: http://www.buksa.com/halifax
CANADIAN NETWORK OF
NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF
REGULATORS CONFERENCE
Ethical Regulation:
Doing the right things
for the right reason
Nov. 3-4, 2008. Toronto
CONTACT: www.cnnar.ca
N E T W O R K I N G
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
INTERESTED IN FORMING A
NAVIGATOR/CARE COORDINATOR
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP?
If you are a nurse navigator, patient
navigator or care coordinator working
in any clinical area and are interested
in networking with colleagues in
similar roles, contact Janet Bates,
780.643.4480, janetb@cancerboard.ab.ca
or Sally Turco, 780.735.2260,
sallyturco@caritas.cha.ab.ca
CARNA SPECIALTY PRACTICE GROUPS
Contact your CARNA regional
coordinator or go to www.nurses.ab.ca.
Submission deadline for events listed
in Alberta RN September 2008 is August 1.
Go to www.nurses.ab.ca for
an up-to-date listing of events.

A Joint Conference of:
Sept. 19, 2008
Shaw Conference Centre
All speakers except one are confirmed
to return. Dr. Margaret Somerville will
replace Ruth Purtillo in the speaker lineup.
Dr. Margaret Somerville
Margaret Somerville is the founding
director of the Centre for Medicine,
Ethics and Law at McGill University and
is among Canada’s most highly regarded,
and sometimes controversial, medical
ethicists. As a consultant to numerous
government and non-governmental
bodies, she has worked with the World Health Organization,
the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNESCO.
For information on other speakers go to www.nurses.ab.ca
or consult the conference brochure inserted in the
February 2008 issue of Alberta RN.
Register Now…
Early-bird registration ends
August 22.
Use the registration form on the next page
or register online at www.nurses.ab.ca
Don’t Miss this One!
Calgary conference sold out in May.
Conference Coming to Edmonton
AGENDA
8:15 am Continental Breakfast
8:45 am Opening Remarks and Introduction
Wendy Austin, University of Alberta
8:55 am–9:15 am Catch-22: A Theatrical Presentation
9:15 am–10:05 am Telling Your Story: Its OK to Talk About It
LIVE John Lantos, University of Chicago
10:05 am–10:25 am Break
10:25 am–11:15 am OK, I’m Distressed. What Now?
Dawn Oosterhoff, Ontario Medical Association
11:15 am–12:15 pm World Café
NEW Using an exciting format to stimulate dialogue,
the World Café draws on the wisdom and diversity
of conference participants with the aim of helping
each other see new ways to make a difference in
their work and lives.
12:15 pm–1:15 pm Lunch
NEW Global Mardi Party and Auction of Internationally
Themed Gourmet Goodie Baskets. Fun and Games will
be hosted by ARNET.
1:15 pm–2:30 pm Concurrent Sessions
NEW 1. Bird on an Ethics Wire: The Lived Experience
of Moral Distress
An Open Conversation with Participants
Margaret Somerville, Centre for Medicine,
Ethics and Law, McGill University
2. Nurses’ Experience of Moral Distress:
Surveying the Landscape
Dawn Oosterhoff, Ontario Medical Association
3. Moral Distress Among Families & Caregivers:
A Personal Account
Barbara Farlow, Canadian Patient Safety Institute
4. The Flashlight & The Hammer:
Tools & Metaphors for Grappling With Moral Tension
Wendy Austin, University of Alberta
5. Interprofessional Angst: When Nurse and
Physician Don’t See Eye to Eye
Daniel Garros, Stollery Children’s Hospital and
University of Alberta
6. Why Are We Doing This? Moral Distress and Futility
Cynda Hylton Rushton, Johns Hopkins University
2:30 pm–2:45 pm Break
2:45 pm–3:40 pm Transforming Moral Distress into Healing
Cynda Hylton Rushton, Johns Hopkins University
3:40 pm–4:30 pm A Vision for Morally Healthy Workspaces
NEW Margaret Somerville, Samuel Gale Professor of Law;
Professor Faculty of Medicine; Founding Director,
Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law, McGill University

32
Sept. 19, 2008
Shaw Conference Centre
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Registration form

Reunions
Foothills Hospital School of Nursing
Class of 1978 • 30-Year Reunion
Oct. 3-5, 2008. Comox, B.C.
CONTACT: Shirley Revitt 403.238.3889;
revitt@shaw.ca
Foothills Hospital School of Nursing
Class of 1987 • 21-Year Reunion
Oct. 4, 2008
CONTACT: Gena Hoffer,
genantrent@shaw.ca
Holy Cross School of Nursing
Class of 1978 • 30-Year Reunion
Sept. 25-27, 2008
CONTACT: Sharon Iversen, 403.236.9242,
axsiversen@shaw.ca
Mount Royal College School of Nursing
Class of 1988 • 20-Year Reunion
Sept. 27, 2008
CONTACT: Viola Routly, 403.944.7800,
403.239.7833 or 403.860.5578,
viola.routly@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Red Deer College
Class of 1983 • 25-Year Reunion
Fall 2008
CONTACT: Sandy Bartoli, 403.343.1948,
sandybartoli@hotmail.com, Jacky McAfee,
403.782.5904, jackymcafee@hotmail.com.
Reunion organizers are requesting volunteer
assistance with planning.
Red Deer College
Class of 1997 • 10-Year Reunion
Spring 2009
CONTACT: Danielle Tkachenko,
403.329.0109, dtkachenko@shaw.ca.
Reunion organizers are requesting volunteers
for planning and updated personal contact
information.
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Class of 1983 • 25-Year Reunion
Are you interested in having a reunion
in fall 2008?
CONTACT: Treva Schultz (Nordby),
780.662.3956, tschultz@una.ab.ca
calendar
University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing
Class of 1983 • 25-Year Reunion
Fall 2008. Edmonton
CONTACT: Gwen Thompson,
780.439.5464, gwenthompson@shaw.ca
University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing
Class of 1978 • 30-Year Reunion
CONTACT: Cathy Loughlin, 403.239.2413,
rothbone@shaw.ca, or Susan Schafer,
403.239.2496, susanschafer@shaw.ca.
University of Alberta Hospital
School of Nursing
Class of 1968 • 40-Year Reunion
Oct. 3-4, 2008. Edmonton
CONTACT: Liz Bonneville, 780.435.6122,
rlbonn10@hotmail.com
Submission deadline for reunions listed
in Alberta RN September 2008 is August 1.
Go to www.nurses.ab.ca for an up-to-date
listing of reunions under Member Info.

54
In the midst of an unprecedented nursing
shortage, CARNA, educators, employers
and registered nurses (RNs), are navigating
through uncharted territory. As identified
by President Hadley in her message,
we are facing an increasingly complex
regulatory environment and the growing
emphasis by governments on global
competitiveness and economic drivers.
One of CARNA’s most pressing
regulatory challenges at the moment
is meeting the Alberta government’s
target date of April 1, 2009 for full implementation
of the Trade, Industry, and
Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).
This agreement between Alberta and
British Columbia is designed to remove
barriers to trade, investment and labour
mobility including for RNs. Since B.C.
and Alberta both belong to the national
Mutual Recognition Agreement for RNs,
there are relatively few issues related
to RN mobility. However, reconciling
registration and practice requirements for
nurse practitioners (NPs) under TILMA
presents greater challenges. The College
of Registered Nurses of British Columbia
(CRNBC) requires masters’ level preparation
for NPs, successful completion
of both a written examination and an
objective structured clinical examination
while CARNA currently does not.
In February 2008, an external report
commissioned by CARNA and CRNBC
highlighted other areas of significant
differences between the two provinces.
These areas include the definition of the
NP role, governing legislation, regulations
and policies, core competencies, streams
of nurse practitioner practice, continuing
competence/quality assurance requirements,
prior learning assessment, lapsed
practice and re-entry processes. CARNA
staff members are now undertaking the
Alberta RN July 2008 Volume 64 No 6 www.nurses.ab.ca
Closing Perspectives
Working Towards Harmony in RN Regulation
comprehensive review required to determine
the appropriate steps for meeting
the expectations outlined in TILMA by
April 2009. Much work remains to be done.
On the bright side, CARNA, through
consultation, has established that the
majority of its NP members, Alberta
educators and employers support CARNA’s
proposed changes to registration requirements
for NPs. In September 2007,
CARNA Provincial Council approved
changing the educational requirement
for entry on the CARNA register of nurse
practitioners from a baccalaureate degree
in nursing to a master’s degree in nursing
or education and experience that is
substantially equivalent. This decision
is congruent with feedback received in
stakeholder consultations coordinated by
CARNA, with recommendations proposed
by the Canadian Nurse Practitioner
Initiative and with educational requirements
in B.C.
In May, during a meeting with
President Hadley and I, the Minister
of Health and Wellness Ron Liepert
expressed his support for master’s preparation
as the entry to practice requirement
for NPs in Alberta. Applicants without
master’s level education would still be
considered eligible for NP registration
under the substantially equivalent process
if they provide evidence of competence
to practice as an NP. Council’s decision
does not require changes to educational
programs or additional funding for
educational seats as all NP educational
programs in Alberta are currently at the
master’s level. Having obtained this level
of consensus among our stakeholders,
CARNA anticipates that our request for
the necessary revisions to the Registered
Nurse Profession Regulation under the
Health Professions Act will receive prompt
attention from government.
On the other hand, we are sensitive
to B.C. government’s recent introduction
of Bill 25, the Health Professions (Regulatory
Reform) Amendment Act 2008, which
contains significant amendments which
have implications for CRNBC and nursing
in the province. It is too early to know
what the impact will be for RNs in Alberta,
but given the requirements under TILMA
for Alberta and B.C. to harmonize standards
related to RNs, B.C.’s proposed amendments
could impact measures being
considered by the Alberta government.
Given the degree of difference in
NP requirements between the two jurisdictions,
CARNA will face considerable
challenges over the next nine months
to realize the legislative, regulatory and
operational changes required to meet the
April 2009 deadline. However, CARNA is
also aware of the agreement’s significance
for registered nursing across Canada.
TILMA creates the second largest economic
region in Canada and its progress toward
implementation is being monitored by all
sectors nationally. Our success in meeting
the TILMA requirements may very well
lead to reconciliation of regulatory requirements
for NPs across the country. Alberta
RNs can take pride in taking a leadership
role in setting the direction for the future
of NP practice in Canada. Collectively, we
are adapting to the current economic and
regulatory environment while maintaining
a firm hold on the regulation of our
profession to ensure Albertans continue
to enjoy consistently competent, safe
and ethical registered nursing care. RN
Mary-Anne Robinson, RN, BN, MSA
Executive Director
Phone: 780.453.0509 or
1.800.252.9392, ext. 509
E-mail: mrobinson@nurses.ab.ca

a century of leadership
During 2008, Alberta RN will feature photos from the collection of the CARNA
Museum and Archives to mark the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Nurses Association.
Pediatric nurses dressing injuries, Royal Alexandra Hospital,
c. 1955
P-377 CARNA Museum and Archives
The CARNA Museum and Archives collections are available for research
and educational purposes. We maintain permanent and temporary exhibits
including a lamp that was used by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War
as well as two online exhibitions at www.nurses.ab.ca.
LOCATION: CARNA Provincial Office, 11620-168 Street, Edmonton
HOURS: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.