As a nursing professional who advocates for both patients as well as my profession, I recognize the importance of belonging to organizations who can collectively make an impact and guide change to improve healthcare at all levels. The following are organizations I am either a member of or actively participate in, in order to advance patient care and advocate for nursing as a professional.

Local

• Member – Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Nurse Advisory Council
  • Review policies and procedures and provide input into organizational practices which impact patients within the organization.
• Member – Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Product Evaluation and Standardization Committee
  • Review products which are  brought into the organization and provide professional input as to their practice implications and cost effectiveness.
• Member – North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network Wound Care Steering Committee
  • Provide regular input and participate in discussion with other clinicians and leaders within the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN regarding wound care.

Provincial

• Governance Committee Member – CNAOntario
  • Assist in leading the design, monitoring and evaluation CNAOntario goals and objectives such as leadership processes and organizational policies. CNAOntario is developing in order to provide Ontario nurses with a voice at the national level.
• Member – Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
  • Participate in RNAO events when requested such as speaking at a local RNAO Champion event.  Participate on expert panels such as the second revision of the RNAO Ostomy Management Best Practice Guideline. 
• Member – Ontario Wound Care Interest Group
  • Attend annual symposium and participate in working groups such the development of an inter-professional framework for skin health and wound care practice specializations

National

• Inaugural Advisory Panel member – Communications Lead – Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel
  • As an inaugural advisory panel member and communications lead for CPIAP, I assist in and provide guidance on organizational development, and lead the communications team organizing the associations social media, media releases, and internal document development.
• Past Treasurer – Executive Board of Directors – Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Canada
  • As Treasurer of the organization I monitor and ensure the financial well being of the organization so that it may continue towards it’s objectives. As a member of the Executive Board of Directors I participate in advocating for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy & Continence and high quality care provided to wound, ostomy and continence patients. I assist in guiding the organization in setting and meeting goals, objectives, and evaluating outcomes in order to lead, educate, and enhance the specialty.
• Member – Canadian Nurses Association
  • Joined as an independent member of the organization in order to provide input on nursing at a national level.

International

• Member – World Council of Enterostomal Therapists
  • Attend WCET meetings held during Canadian conferences.  Membership supports the Enterostomal Therapy/Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing specialty.