A new public awareness campaign launched by the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) urging the public and government to ‘care now’ about long-term care is informed by a report produced by York University researchers.
ONA commissioned York University to compile a report that profiles the experiences of long-term care registered nurses (RNs). Researchers Pat Armstrong (distinguished research professor of sociology at York), Jacqueline Choiniere (associate professor of nursing at York), Ruth Lowndes (research associate at York) and Hugh Armstrong (professor emeritus at Carleton University) authored the report, titled “RNs in Long-Term Care: A Portrait,” which was released in July.
ONA’s campaign paints a portrait of the nurses who work in the long-term care sector, telling their stories through radio ads, and videos that will be shared on ONA’s website and on social media.
ONA represents more than 65,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.
“As registered nurses, we are committed to providing the best care possible for our patients and residents,” said ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. “RNs working in long-term care love what they do, but are simultaneously aware of the shortcomings of this underfunded and understaffed sector of health care. Despite challenges, RNs remain dedicated to their residents and provide incredible value and care.”
Campaign materials, the report and the call-to-action to advocate for increased funding and staffing levels can be found on ONA website.
“As the province is poised to receive the report of the inquiry into long-term care, ONA’s report focuses on the stories of our RNs,” said McKenna. “Ontarians in our long-term care homes not only need but deserve the best care, respect and dignity. The RNs who provide that care love what they do and their deep commitment to the well-being of those in their care shines through.”