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.
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.
WeRPN is pleased to be able to provide you with a toolkit to assist you in taking action to advance the policy priorities we have identified in consultation with the RPN community in Ontario.
The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (RPNAO) is committed to supporting excellence in healthcare. Today, RPNAO was very encouraged by the release of the Long Term Care Home Public Inquiry Final Report and the recommended actions put forward by Commissioner Gillese.
Everyday throughout Ontario, RPNs provide direct care to thousands of patients across a wide range of healthcare settings. With an estimated 43,000 RPNs currently practicing, Ontario’s RPNs constitute the second largest group of regulated health professionals in our health care system, and about one third of our province’s nursing workforce. In some sectors like long term and home care, RPNs make up even larger proportions of the nursing workforce.
As nurses we are familiar with current practice of controlled substances where medical cannabis is prescribed, but legalization of non-medical cannabis will require nurses to have a greater understanding of our role and the patient implications of non-medical cannabis.
