Op Ed: The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our dedicated nurses. To retain them, we need to offer fair compensation

Of late, there has a been a common and recurring theme to my conversation with nurses. Quite a few are seriously considering leaving the profession, and others are feeling burnt out, frustrated and undervalued. It’s understandable given the heartbreak and pressure nurses have faced. COVID-19 was a reality-check for Ontario’s health system, particularly its long-term care (LTC) sector.

WeRPN welcomes recommendations from LTC Commission and calls for immediate action

For years, Ontario’s Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) have advocated for changes to long-standing issues plaguing the province’s long-term care (LTC) sector. Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission’s report highlights how pervasive recruitment and retention issues, inconsistent application of infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices, and a lack of clear public health guidance to the sector exacerbated the already dire situation in the province’s long-term care homes. 

Opinion: Ontario’s registered practical nurses deserve ‘fair compensation’

Read our CEO's opinion piece about why RPNs deserve to be fairly compensated and recognized for the valuable care they provide.

WeRPN is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ontario RPN

The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) is extremely saddened to hear the passing of an Ontario Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).

Health organizations ask everyone to mark the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic with a candlelight vigil

This Thursday marks the one-year anniversary since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In a display of solidarity, 20 health organizations across the province are asking the public to remember those who have died from the virus by honouring their memory and reflecting on the hope that lies ahead.

Health Care Associations Express Gratitude to Those Working Today to Keep Us All Safe

Today thousands of nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals and staff are working in hospitals and health care settings across Ontario, providing the urgent and life-saving care we all rely on.

Ontario RPNs support urgent action to curb the spread of COVID-19

Ontario Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) support immediate government action to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. We are calling on Ontarians to do their part. With the number of COVID-19 cases growing by the day and the holidays fast approaching, nurses are pleading with Ontarians to stay at home and adhere to public health guidelines to keep everyone’s families, friends and communities safe.

As New Modelling Confirms ICU Cases Climbing Toward Devastating Levels, Health Organizations Re-issue Plea for Tougher Government Restrictions and Help from Each Ontarian

Given the alarming projected rise in hospitalizations outlined in today's modelling, and as the holiday season approaches, the association representing Ontario's hospitals and the professional associations representing the province's nurses, physicians and respiratory therapists are re-issuing our joint statement from earlier this week calling for immediate action.

RPNs join health partners in urging Ontarians to have a safe holiday season

As COVID-19 cases reach record highs and the pressure on our health system grows, RPNs and health colleagues are urging Ontarians to do their part and celebrate the holidays safely this year.

WeRPN statement in response to launch of Independent Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission

The Ministry of Long Term Care announced the launch of an Independent Commission, led by Associate Chief Justice Frank N. Marrocco, Angela Coke and Dr. Jack Kitts to examine how COVID-19 spread within long-term care homes, the impact on residents, staff, and families, and the overall response by the province and other parties to prevent, isolate and contain the virus. In response, WeRPN has issued the following statement.