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Celebrating Success: Announcing the 2024 WeRPN Education Trust Fund Bursary Recipients!

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2024 WeRPN Education Trust Fund (ETF) Bursary recipients! The ETF was created to provide financial support to practical nursing students, helping to alleviate some of the challenges they face during their academic journey. Each $1,000 bursary recognizes the dedication and commitment of these outstanding practical nursing students to the profession. WeRPN is proud to play a role in empowering students as they work toward their dreams.

Nominations Are Open for the 2025 Nursing Now Ontario Awards

Nurses across Ontario touch the lives of countless individuals daily. Despite the challenges facing our healthcare system, they remain committed to delivering exceptional care. The Nursing Now Ontario Awards (NNOA) honour nursing excellence by recognizing a registered practical nurse (RPN), a registered nurse (RN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, clinical expertise and compassionate care.

WeRPN Announces New Academic Research and Fellowship Grants

Over the past decade, WeRPN has worked to amplify the value and impact of RPNs in the healthcare system and support enhanced understanding about the RPN role. Since 2021, the association has funded research grants to expand RPN-focused knowledge. This year, we proudly announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Academic Research and Research Fellowship Grants. These initiatives further work to address the underrepresentation of evidence regarding RPNs' contributions in healthcare while paving the way for research excellence in the profession.

WeRPN Statement on Announced Closure of Supervised Consumption Sites

WeRPN is concerned about the recent Government decision to close the majority of supervised consumption sites across Ontario. As nurses, we recognize that the life-saving services provided at these sites play a critical role in protecting the health and well-being of individuals struggling with addiction within our communities.

WeRPN and Partners Receive Health Workforce for System Transformation Grant

We are excited to announce that WeRPN is part of a select group that has received federal funding for a groundbreaking collaborative research project funded through the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR): Strengthening the Health Workforce for System Transformation.

Survey reveals Ontario’s Registered Practical Nurses continue to face unsustainable conditions amid ongoing staffing shortages

The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN), the professional voice of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) across the province, has released findings today from its annual survey titled “The State of Nursing in Ontario: A 2024 Review.” This comprehensive report, reflecting the sentiments and experiences of over 1,300 RPNs over the past year, sheds light on the complex state of healthcare and the ongoing impact of the nursing crisis in Ontario. Though slight improvements have been observed in some areas, the impact of the staffing shortages continues to be evident, and the data is clear that further action is needed to better support nurses and ensure patients receive optimal care.

WeRPN Supports Bill to Legislate Nurse-to-Patient ratios

WeRPN proudly celebrates Nursing Week 2024, honoring nurses' invaluable contributions. Under the theme "Innovators: RPNs Shaping the Future of Healthcare," this year's focus highlights their dedication amidst the evolving healthcare landscape. Concurrently, WeRPN endorses the Patient-to-Nurse Ratios for Hospitals Act, 2024, aiming to establish manageable workloads for Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and ensure safe patient care. CEO Dianne Martin emphasized this urgency alongside bill sponsor MPP France Gélinas at a press conference. Research underscores the vital role of nurse-to-patient ratios in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. WeRPN urges government support for this legislation to enhance care quality across Ontario, fostering collaborative efforts for meaningful healthcare reform.

WeRPN Statement on 2024 Provincial Budget

WeRPN has been actively advocating to the government to take key actions in support the recruitment and retention of nurses across our health system. Today, the government released its 2024 budget, outlining key provincial investments for the coming year. WeRPN was pleased to see movement on key priorities for RPNs

WeRPN Statement on Federal Nursing Retention Toolkit

WeRPN welcomes the introduction of the federal nursing retention toolkit, an initiative announced today to improve the working lives of nurses to increase retention across Canada. It is reassuring to see the federal government recognize this urgent ongoing issue and provide resources specifically aimed at retaining dedicated healthcare professionals within the system.

Statement — February 12, Bill 124 deemed unconstitutional by appeals court

WeRPN is pleased to see that the Appeals Court of Ontario has upheld what nurses have long asserted — that Bill 124 was unconstitutional. Since 2019, this bill has unjustly capped salaries and prevented nurses from bargaining fairly through their unions. Coupled with the continued rise of inflation, Ontario nurses' wages have fallen well below what they rightfully deserve.

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