The importance of mental health and well-being has received national attention this week during the Bell Let’s Talk Campaign, which is bringing greater awareness to mental health and the need to end the stigma of mental health. Nurses are not immune to mental health and addictions; while they actively support patients and families with mental health and addictions in their daily practice we know that some nurses may also need support.
WeRPN has been actively involved with the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario and the Ontario Nurses’ Association in developing a Nurses Health Program. When launched, the Nurses Health Program will be available for all nurses in Ontario (Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)) suffering from substance use and/or mental health disorders.
WeRPN recognizes that nurses have many stressors in their work environments, and making sure that nurses have access to the appropriate supports in practice is essential. When nurses need care for mental health and addictions the Nurses Health Program will provide the required support for a successful recovery. The Nurses Health Program will be a voluntary and confidential program for nurses seeking treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. It will provide support for nurses in their recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders as well as their re-integration back into safe nursing practice.
WeRPN will continue to work with our nursing partners in the development of this program for the benefit of Ontario’s nurses.