The Blue Band - Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical

The Blue Band
Fall 2015
Celebrating 50 years of practical nursing!
ANBLPN Executive Directors—Past and Present
Left to right: Kevin Symes, JoAnne Graham, Inez Smith and Normand MacDonald
Inside this issue…
 Highlights from the History of ANBLPN
 Holiday Hours
 Reflecting on the Past 50 Years
 Important Registration Information
 Condolences
 Message from Francine Bordage, CNO
 50th Anniversary Celebrations
 Nursing Excellence Award Recipients
 Working Together
 Role Optimization Forum
 Moving Forward in Practice
 Celebrating Practice - Interviews of LPNs
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The Blue Band is published biannually by the Association
of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses.
384 Smythe Street
Fredericton, NB E3B 3E4
TEL: 506-453-0747 /1-800-942-0222
FAX: 506-459-0503
www.anblpn.ca
www.facebook.com/anblpn
www.twitter.com/anblpn
Highlights from the History of the Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
1940’s
 The result of a joint training agreement between the provincial and federal governments was a 39-week practical nurse program that consisted of three consecutive months of theory followed by nine months of clinical.
 The very first NB practical nurses graduated from the Moncton Canadian Vocational Training Center in 1947
(now NBCC Moncton).
1950’s
 In 1955 there was a nursing shortage. Practical nurses were viewed as a solution.
 What was decided by an RN study into the situation was that practical nurses should become a regulated profession and have a longer program. It was recommended that the title be changed from practical nurse to
Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA).
 Practical Nurses in NB, as in the rest of Canada, were unregulated. The New Brunswick Association of Registered Nurses (NBARN) sought an amendment in 1958 to their act to include RNAs.
 NBARN formed standards, by-laws and made recommendations for salary and working conditions.
1960’s
 Finally, in 1960, NBARN was ready to register nursing assistants.
 Throughout the 60s, work began by seven RNAs and two RNs to form an association for RNAs.
 In 1963, RNA chapters were formed around the province. This was a necessary communication network to
organize an association.
 In June 1965, at the very first organized meeting of RNAs, the question was asked “If you want an Association
of RNAs, will you please stand”. All 199 RNAs in attendance stood and the Association of Registered Nursing
Assistants was born! (ANBRNA)
 In 1969 ANBRNA had an income of less than $4,800.00
1970’s
 The first national registration exam was given in March 1972
 In 1974, the Association began to investigate the possibility of becoming an independent self-regulated organization with its own legislation.
 The bill for the RNA Act was submitted for 1st reading, then hearings were held. NBARN expressed their opposition, but ANBRNA was supported by other groups. The Act was proclaimed on June 16, 1977.
 Inez Smith became the first Executive Director of ANBRNA.
1980’s
 In 1988, Inez Smith retired and Normand McDonald began as the Executive Director.
2000’s
 In 2001, Normand McDonald resigned as Executive Director of ANBRNA and Kevin Symes began.
 In 2002, name change legislation was put forth again. This time it was granted in spite of opposition from
NANB. Finally, we were all LPNs in Canada!
Holiday Hours - ANBLPN Office
December 24th - CLOSED
December 25th - CLOSED
December 28th - CLOSED
December 29th to 31st - OPEN - 8:30AM- 4:30PM
January 1st, 2016 - CLOSED
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Reflecting on the past 50 years
During the past 50 years we have seen challenges and successes and the appointment of four Executive Directors. The Association was formed in 1965 and functioned purely as an Association. Registration was administered under the umbrella of
the Nurses Association of New Brunswick until June of 1977. In June of 1977 an Act
of Incorporation was assented to in the New Brunswick Legislature which gave the
Association of New Brunswick Registered Nursing Assistants the responsibility of administering the education, registration and discipline of Registered Nursing Assistants. Proposed changes to that Act which would see the name changing to Licensed
Practical Nurse were taken to the New Brunswick Legislature in 1987. This attempt
was unsuccessful and it was taken back again in 2000 again with no success. Finally
in June of 2002 the Association was successful in their attempt to have changes to
the Act and the Association became the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses.
JoAnne Graham, LPN
Executive Director/Registrar
Since then, we have seen the education programs change from certificate to diploma with a more enhanced scope of
practice. Also, in an effort to address competency gaps and provide all LPNs with consistent specific skill sets and to
bring uniformity to the practical nurse profession within Canada we have implemented mandatory upgrades for Adult
Physical Assessment and Mediation Administration. We have also revised our Act to reflect current practice in New
Brunswick and this revision was completed in 2014. Online registration started on the ANBLPN site in 2013 for the
2014 Registration year with the Service New Brunswick component being introduced in the fall of 2014 for the 2015
Registration year.
Looking forward
The Association continues to persevere by promoting our profession and advocating for the optimization of a full
scope of practice. On the other hand, our regulatory role is protecting the public by promoting the provision of safe,
competent, ethical, and compassionate nursing services. The near future will bring the introduction of Computer base
testing, a Jurisprudence exam and Continuing Competency Program.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank past and present Board Members, Executive Directors, staff and members for
their time and devotion. It was certainly a proud moment to see over 500 Licensed Practical Nurse students, instructors, stakeholders, and special guests come to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. The room resonated with a sense of
professionalism, a positive passion for learning, collaboration and respect. This all made me so proud to be a Licensed
Practical Nurse.
Mission Statement – The Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses ensures the public of their commitment to safe, competent, and compassionate ethical care by regulating and enhancing the profession of practical
nursing.
Vision - Licensed Practical Nurses are an integral member of collaborative health care, respected for their skills and
expertise, compassion, and unwavering ethical standards.
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Farwell from the Past President
Being an ANBLPN Board Member for the past 16 years has been a highlight of my career
as an LPN. The past four years as President certainly have been very rewarding and I
have been very honoured to have been elected by the membership.
Establishing Full Scope of Practice and to be more recognized by other stakeholders in
healthcare have been the highlights for me as President. I am a proud member of an
association that has become a solid foundation with the hard and dedicated work of past
and present Board Members, past and present Executive Directors, general membership
and support staff. We have become a vital link in the Healthcare of New Brunswick.
Linda McHatten, LPN
Past President
I wish the very best to our newly elected President, Hélène LeHouillier and the Board of
Directors for continued success in the growth of ANBLPN.
Always an LPN at Heart,
Linda McHatten
Greetings from the President
Dear LPN Members,
Allow me to first give thanks to the President and other outgoing members for their outstanding contributions to the ANBLPN during their respective terms. I want to congratulate all executive members who serve on the board of directors, and I wish a warm welcome to the new members who joined the team.
For those who do not know me, I obtained my diploma in 1995 at the CCNB – Edmundston. I have pursued my career at the Edmundston Regional Hospital since my graduation.
I worked as a float RNA for three years, then I received a part-time position in long term
care, and later I had a full-time position in surgery, which I loved. After several years, I
took up a new challenge by working in the emergency department, which helped me grow
as an LPN.
Hélène LeHouillier, LPN
President
I served on several committees at both the local and provincial level to promote and support the LPN profession. During my first two-year term, I want to help the LPNs to become more vocal and more visible, whether it concerns the
effectiveness of the care given by the LPNs or their optimized skills, and the manner in which they can contribute to
the ongoing viability of the health system.
I would also remind you that this is your association. We would like to see you bring forth suggestions; imagine giving
a bit of your time, either at the local level or through involvement in committees, to represent the LPNs. All remarks
will be heard, and I hope that you are aware that the members of this board of directors as well as the Executive Director/Registrar of this association are representatives who are devoted to the ongoing development of the LPN profession. Let us all work together to ensure the full optimization of our role as LPNs.
Let us all be together, in full unity and solidarity!
Hélène LeHouillier, LPN
President, ANBLPN
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Board of Directors—ANBLPN
Executive Committee
Hélène LeHouillier, LPN
President
Kelly Barter, LPN
Vice President
JoAnne Graham, LPN
Executive Director/Registrar
Jean-Philippe Losier, LPN
Treasurer
Kim Steeves, LPN
Secretary
Regional Board Members and Members-at-Large - To be introduced in the Spring 2016 Blue Band
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New Office Staff
Angela Canney
Office Manager
Angela is a graduate of Fredericton High School, UNB and Atlantic Business College in
Fredericton. She has been with ANBLPN since June 2015. Angela replaced Carol as Office Manager and says that she has some big shoes to fill! She is responsible for overseeing the day to
day operations of the ANBLPN office and looking after the accounting and records management
systems along with maintaining essential IT systems. She serves the needs of the LPNs, the
Board and the Executive Director. Angela is bilingual and has over 18 years of experience in various areas of administration. She and her husband live in Lincoln, NB with their three children,
cats, dogs, and various other family pets. When not working she enjoys reading and spending
time with her family.
2016 REGISTRATION PROCESS
There are two sites you will need to access to complete your 2016 registration – the first one is the ANBPLN site and
the second one is the SNB site.
#1 Review and up-date your registration profile with ANBLPN
1) Please go to www.anblpn.ca
2) Choose “Registration”, then “Member Registration”.
3) Next enter your registration number and year of birth and answer the questions to update your information.
#2 Follow the link “Please click here to complete the registration process” to get to the SNB registration site to
finish your 2016 registration. You can also access the SNB site at https://spd-bdsf.gnb.ca
1) Enter the username that you had sent to ANBLPN and your password.
2) Click on… Renew 2016 Registration
3) Then click on… Renew Registration Information
If you have an @horizon or @vitalité account and username you should use your current password.
If you have forgotten your password you can retrieve it by calling the help desk at Horizon or Vitalité
If you created an SNB account and username and have forgotten your password then you should contact
1-888-832-2762.
Payment: Once you have submitted your registration information please follow the link to complete payment. Click
“Back to Welcome Page” - then click “Proceed to SNB to pay your dues”
NOTE: if you are on payroll deduction or have sent your cheque or money order directly to ANBLPN office skip the
payment step
If you have provided a valid email address during the registration process, you will receive and email from SNB confirming that you have completed the process. You will receive a second email from SNB once your registration has
been processed by ANBLPN staff, you will then be able to follow the link below to print your registration and receipt.
Please note that if you are on payroll deduction or have mailed your payment, your registration cannot be completed by ANBLPN staff until the payment is received and verified.
To print your registration and receipt
Once the process is complete please return to the web site https://spd-bdsf.gnb.ca and enter your username and
password to login in and print your receipt/registration.
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General Information
2016 Renewal Fees, including HST: Active $254.25 Inactive $28.50
Reinstatement Fees: Completed renewal for active or practicing/inactive registration must be received on or before
December 31, 2015 or they will be considered lapsed and a reinstatement fee of $100 plus HST will be charged in
addition to the active fee of $254.25.
Resignation: If you don’t require registration for the upcoming year, you have the option to resign while in good
starting before December 31st. If you resign before that date, there will be no financial penalty if you decide to
reinstate your license.
Non-Sufficient Cheque Charges (NSF): Although the number of NSF cheques that we receive each year continues to
decrease, we still receive them every year. Please remember that there is a $25 administration fee associated with
NSF cheques.
ANBLPN Payment Plan for Registration Fees: This plan is being offered to Licensed Practical Nurses who are not
eligible to participate in an existing plan, and wish to do so please contact the ANBLPN office for details.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING REGISTRATION FEES
Effective 2017 registration fees will be increased to $325.00 (including HST)
At the October 2015 Board of Directors meeting, a decision was made to increase ANBLPN registration fees. This decision was not made lightly. Members can be assured that expenses were carefully reviewed. The frequently asked
questions (FAQs) that follow are designed to provide members with an overview of the fee increase and answer key
questions about the increase. This increase will align us with other provinces in Canada as we were well below the
average fee prior to this change.
What will the annual registration fee be after the increase comes into effect?
The annual registration fee will be $325.00 of January 1st, 2017. For members, this translates to a $2.72 increase on a
bi-weekly basis. It is important to remember that as professional registration is a requirement for practice in this
province, these fees are tax deductible.
Why does ANBLPN need a fee increase?
 An increase in the overall cost of operations. The number of LPNs has increased since the
implementation of regulation and this has resulted in a corresponding increase in operating costs as ANBLPN
needs to keep pace with the growth.
 Additional staff required to manage growth.
 An increase in the number and complexity of complaints against practice. Discipline expenses are increasing
every year.
 Ongoing education required to manage changing scope and practice for LPNs.
 Advocacy for LPNs in New Brunswick as we move towards a fully optimized scope of practice.
 Development of a Continuing Competency Program is required.
 Development of a Jurisprudence Exam.
 New projects require additional working groups and focus groups.
 Increased Provincial and National involvement.
 Cost of liability insurance.
 Increased cost of annual general meeting and conference.
*Employers that offer payroll deduction of registration fees to the LPNs in their employ will be notified immediately
of the fee increase.
What do other provinces charge for registration fees for 2016?
Prince Edward Island - $350.00 / Manitoba - $370.00 / Alberta - $400.00 (early bird discounts) / Saskatchewan $400.00 / Nova Scotia - $325.00
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Honorary LPN Ceremony— 50th Celebration Banquet
Arthur Slipp, Public Board Member ANBLPN—9 years
Carol Kennard-Clark, Office Manager ANBLPN—28 years
Condolences
Always Loved… Never Forgotten… Rest in Peace…
Amanda Gulliver - November 4th, 2014 - Graduated LPN NBCC Miramichi 2009
Brian O’Toole - March 23rd, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC Moncton 1975
Jamie Scott - March 27th, 2015 - Graduated NBCC Woodstock 2013
Norma Cleveland - June 15th, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC Moncton 1962
Erin (MacDonald) Bishop - July 5th, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC Moncton 2003
Sheila Crone - July 8th, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC Woodstock 1976
Heather Shonaman - July 13th, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC Saint John 1986
Mary MacArthur - September 2nd, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC St Andrews 1974
Monique Godin - September 28, 2015 - Graduated CCNB Campbellton 2002
Edna Robichaud - October 15, 2015 - Graduated RNA NBCC Moncton 1975
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Francine Bordage, Chief Nursing Officer
Government of New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s Chief Nursing Officer Francine Bordage is extending congratulations to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as they observe their 50th anniversary
of service to New Brunswick this year.
“I have been so impressed with LPNs I’ve worked with—their ability to take
care of their patients and convey their caring, they are very present in their
role,” says Bordage, based on her own experiences from bedside nursing to
managing a unit. Encouraging LPNs to feel proud of their expanded competencies and their value to the province, Bordage points out that New Brunswick’s
health care system needs more of every professional group. There is a lot of care that needs to be given day-today, and there aren’t enough people to do it, she observes.
“We need to utilize every health care professional in the right way, using the right skills at the right time if we are
to have a quality health care system that is sustainable, performing ethically, safely and meeting the needs of patients, now and in the future. The system is under so much pressure, we need everybody on board. It doesn’t matter what your role, we need all hands on deck,” she observes. “How we make that happen is critical.”
Bordage believes part of the reluctance of different health care professionals to accept others into the team may
be due to a lack of understanding of what the other professional, such as an LPN, brings to the team’s strength.
“The Association of New Brunswick LPNs is doing a good job of increasing awareness among employers of LPNs,
their full set of competencies and what they can bring to the employer and patients,” says Bordage, “but it is also
important for ANBLPN members to be active and support their association in this effort.”
At the same time, she adds, the system, employers, associations and individuals also have a responsibility to make
the needed behaviour and attitude changes to achieve the needed collaborative team environment. “Collaboration
sounds great on paper,” says Bordage. “But if I don’t understand what another professional group is able to do,
what they can contribute, I may feel resistance to their presence on my team. We know there is still resistance in
some health care situations in the province to accept other professionals onto the team.” She says there is also
some confusion over what functions an LPN is trained and certified to perform, such as distributing medications
and drawing blood, as opposed to what a particular employer needs the LPNs to do in that workplace.
It depends upon where you are in the province, explains Bordage. In some locations, some professionals have just
accepted others and everyone makes it work. It may be how you build the team, how you transition them to working together, observes Bordage. Failure to use each health care professional in the right way at the right time has a
financial cost and can impact patient care. “So, we all need to step up, to be accountable to the system and the
population,” she adds. Tackling the serious challenges facing our health care system today, will require everyone
concerned to get on board. “If everyone focuses on the patient as we approach these issues, we can’t go wrong,”
she believes.
When asked what she would tell young adults if given the opportunity to attempt recruiting them to the LPN field,
Bordage becomes reflective. “I would tell them this is a great profession. If you want to help people and enjoy human interactions, there is so much opportunity now within the LPN profession. You can work with patients or in a
specialty area with a variety of health care providers. You can be at the bedside, be a mentor, an educator - the
variety and opportunities for LPNs today is excellent. It’s a place to start where you’re not going to be limited. You
can branch out into all sorts of different working environments and the rewards are great.
“People will never forget the care and compassion you gave them at a time when they were most vulnerable. How
can you not feel good about being an LPN when you are part of something like that?” Bordage concludes.
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MEET & GREET - 50TH ANNIVERSARY
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50TH CELEBRATION BANQUET
MAY 7TH, 2015
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LPN EDUCATION DAY
MAY 7TH, 2015
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NURSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS—2015
Our awards recognition ceremony took part during our 50th anniversary celebration banquet at the
Delta Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Presenting the awards to recipients was Linda
Excellence in Nursing Education
Excellence in Health Care Team
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Interprofessional Award
Debbie Churchill, LPN
4CN Internal Medicine
Marty Hood, LPN
Marise Furness, RN MN
NBCC Miramichi Campus
Horizon Health Network
Special Care Home Owner
Instructor - ANBLPN
Foster Greenlaw Scholarship
Audrey Galbraith Award
Inez Smith Scholarship
Excellence in Preceptor Role
Kelly Lagacy daughter of LPN
Carla Lagacy
Susan Hunt, LPN
Debbie Seyler, daughter of LPN
Cindy Seyler
Deborah Demonye, LPN
Client Care Manager - Shannex
Excellence in Preceptor Role
Stewart Keoghen, LPN
Horizon Miramichi
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ANBLPN & NANB “Working Together”
Our new “Working Together” document was released in late October! Christie Ruff, Practice Consultant
ANBLPN and Virgil Guitard, Practice Consultant for NANB collaborated on this new document for the past
year. The webinar can be found at www.anblpn.ca and presentations will be offered across the province
by Practice Consultants from NANB & ANBLPN.
The Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB) and the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN), the professional regulatory bodies for RNs and LPNs respectively, believe that to
optimize patient-centered care and positive patient health outcomes there must be open and ongoing
intraprofessional collaboration between nursing care providers and a clear understanding of their respective scopes of practice.
Intraprofessional collaboration is evident when RNs and LPNs work as a team utilizing individual skills and
talents to reach the highest of patient care standards. This requires that RNs and LPNs:
* communicate with each other, share perspectives, plan together and provide care;
* be clear about their roles and the roles of other health care providers; and
* support and assist each other in the interest of providing the best possible patient care.
“Nursing is a profession that is focused
on collaborative relationships that
promote the best possible outcomes
for clients. “ (CNO, 2014)
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Joy
NEW BRUNSWICK ROLE OPTIMIZATION FORUM
MAY 5TH, 2015
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Moving Practice Forward in New Brunswick
This past May, ANBLPN brought speakers from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to present at a forum discussing the optimization of LPN’s in the province of New
Brunswick in all care settings. Invited guests included practice professionals from Horizon,
Vitalite, Social Development, Nursing Homes, CUPE, NANB, Government of New Brunswick
and LPN’s from different practice areas.
As a result of this forum and continued effort on the part of the Association, many of the
facilities that employ LPN’s are inquiring regarding the optimization of practice in their organization. There have been many advances in practice in the past year, such as; intravenous initiation, saline lock management, wound packing and irrigation, management of
nasogastric tubes, and an increased leadership role for LPN’s in the long term care setting.
Christie Ruff, LPN
All of our members have received the medication administration education required to
Practice Consultant
maintain their licensure. We have updated our medication administration guideline to incorporate medication administration in any practice area; acute or long tem care. As a result of this achievement, Vitalité and Horizon are committed to moving forward with optimization of Licensed Practical Nurses in the acute practice settings.
It is vital that LPN’s in this province work to their full potential after graduating from our 2 year program to ensure adequate labour mobility. If a LPN graduates in New Brunswick from our program, we want them to be able to work
anywhere without lacking the skills required to transition smoothly. The educational program of Licensed Practical
Nurses (LPN) in the Province of New Brunswick meets the national standards and competencies to provide safe, ethical and competent care to patients.
ANBLPN is committed to working with any organization that moves forward in practice to ensure confidence and
competency for our members.
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ROYAL BLUE & WHITE PRIDE
LPN Clothing for SALE!!
T-Shirts, Zip Up Hoodies, Pull
Over Hoodies, Long Sleeve TShirts and Lab Coats.
To order: Call our office
at 1-800-942-0222
or go to our website at
www.anblpn.ca
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Celebrating 50 Years of Practice in New Brunswick
Licensed Practical Nurses in New Brunswick
ANBLPN is pleased to feature 23 Licensed Practical Nurses
who all work in different practice settings across our
province. These individuals are making an impact in their
workplace and we are proud to celebrate their success in
clinical practice through these articles.
Cathy Parlee, LPN – Dialysis
Patients receiving dialysis don’t take a “holiday” from their treatment; Cathy
brings the holidays to them in the dialysis department at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She leads the social committee in the department. Their
fundraising ensures the patients who come here enjoy a holiday even when
receiving life saving treatment. The special little touches she provides for this
unit create a heart-warming personal atmosphere; treat bags on Valentine’s
Day, dressing up on Halloween, Christmas Trees, and random draws throughout the day with prizes for patients. “I love doing these little things for our
patients! They get excited and look forward to every holiday throughout the
year. Not only giving to the patients, but to the community; every Christmas
they decorate a tree with gifts provided by staff and patients giving to charitable organizations such as Romero House and Hestia House.
Cathy has been a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the dialysis department since 2006 and providing excellent care is a
source of pride to her. She has seen the role of the LPN expand and grow during her time in the dialysis department.
One of the areas that she considers herself an expert in is completing a dressing change on the dialysis line of her patients. “Several years ago when LPN’s assumed this responsibility in the unit, we experienced the lowest rate of infections in Canada. We were all very proud of that! I am often asked to assess a line for infection or remove sutures if
required – it is rewarding to have them respect and trust my judgement as a LPN and their colleague.”
She begins assessing her patients from the moment she starts talking to them; noting any changes in speech, mobility,
and how they are feeling. Due to the established relationship she has with many of her patients, something simple
like saying “my wife is sick” would lead to collaborating with the team and determining if any social supports are necessary to help the patient at home. From priming the lines, to monitoring vitals and adjusting machines when required to ensure safe delivery of treatment to the patient, her role is diverse and challenging.
As an expert in her field, she is highly regarded by her colleagues and her retirement in October will create a large void
in the nursing profession. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence in practice and caring for her patients that we can
only hope others will aspire to.
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Wayne Brown, LPN – New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions (CUPE)
Beginning his career as a resident attendant in long term care, Wayne was quick
to respond to the opportunity to upgrade to become a Licensed Practical Nurse
in 1997 when the government was pushing for more LPNs to be trained.
From the onset of his career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Wayne was involved
at the local level with his union. He worked on various committees, served as a
Member at Large (CUPE), Secretary (ANBLPN) and finally as President
(NBCNHU—CUPE). Wayne is serving his third term as President for the New
Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions, which represents approximately
4,100 employees with 23 different classifications.
Gathering information from the 46 homes that are a part of the Nursing Home
Council, Wayne is helping to negotiate a collective agreement with the assistance of a provincial bargaining team. It can take up to 2 years to negotiate a
contract with employers.
This position allows him the opportunity to work in a long term care facility in order to keep his skills current and to
gain perspective in representing the members of the Nursing Home Council. Serving as President of NBCNHU, he represents them provincially and nationally and this has been rewarding and challenging for him. However, he still enjoys interacting with clients at the nursing home where he works; putting smiles on their faces and watching hockey
games with them. Passionate and dedicated to his work, he represents the nursing profession with pride and continues to advocate for his colleagues and members.
Rob Burnett, LPN - Oulton College, Coordinating Instructor
When Oulton College opened its doors in 2012, Rob was one of the first instructors
hired. He assisted in reviewing curriculum and developing programs in order to
meet the standards set by ANBLPN for the College’s first Practical Nursing class.
As an instructor, he taught Surgical Nursing, Care of the Elderly and Nutrition. This
past year, Rob was promoted to the position of Education Advisor for the Practical
Nursing and Health Care Support Programs.
Overseeing the day to day operations of the program requires Rob to wear many
hats. Administrative responsibilities such as balancing a budget, scheduling instructors and ordering lab supplies are only a part of what his job entails. He plays
a critical role in ensuring that high standards are met in the delivery of the program
through classroom, clinical and lab settings by reviewing instructor lesson delivery.
He provides counseling to students and instructors, redirecting them to professional counseling if appropriate and
required. When there is a persistent disciplinary concern that is not able to be resolved by the instructors, Rob recommends appropriate disciplinary action and meets with the students to agree on a plan for moving forward.
“It’s exciting to be able to have a different impact on the program, I can dream up new ideas and implement them. I
have some great new ideas, like more scenario based lab times. I’d also like to pull in participants from other faculties at Oulton to help us with the scenarios; paramedics, medical secretaries, and personal support workers.” His
position at Oulton requires him to draw on his past experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse, as well as learning new
skills everyday. Although most of his time is now spent in an office, he still makes it a priority to teach one course
per semester. His favorite day of the year is graduation! “I feel like a proud parent watching them cross the stage
and receive their diplomas… nothing beats that feeling”
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Brett Delong, LPN – Instructor NBCC
Teaching full time in the nursing department of New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a dream come true. Investing in the new generation of Licensed Practical Nurses
in our province is his full time job. When students “get it”.
When they start to understand and apply practice into
their own profession Brett has had a good day. “I absolutely love my job. Working with an incredible collaborative team of RNs and LPNs, I draw from their experience
and knowledge as well as my own.” When he accepted the
position of instructor with NBCC Brett completed a 30
credit Instructor Development Program. He continues to
learn every day he goes work, staying relevant in practice
takes effort and continuing education.
His workplace
offers support for him to attend conferences and take part
in learning opportunities that enhance his ability to teach effectively and move forward in his career at the college.
“My job changes every day – I could be developing curriculum, in a lab teaching how to catheterize, or in a clinical
setting showing students how to put what they have learned into practice” This flexibility keeps his work at NBCC interesting. In the classroom, he has an opportunity to drawn on his own education and experience to provide the students with the tools that are needed in this profession. In the clinical setting, he has an opportunity to assess and
watch the students apply the tools they have been provided. His favorite moments are those “light bulb” moments
when you know everything is coming together for students.
As an LPN, he is proud to be able to demonstrate to his students that there are many career opportunities in practice
and that learning is a lifelong rewarding process.
Brigitte Albert, LPN – Correctional Facility
Brigitte arrives as work in plain clothes and no name tag. Her identity is confirmed by a security
camera and, as she enters, the doors lock behind her. Her vehicle keys are turned in and kept in a
secure box by the officers at the correctional facility where she works.
Bilingual in English and French, she is able to meet the needs of the inmates in their language of choice. “It’s different providing nursing care here. We have a tendency as nursing professionals to be close to our patients, to touch
an arm for reassurance. That is not possible here. When I see an inmate for a medical reason there is always one or
sometimes two officers with me depending on the security level that the inmate requires.”
She administers medications as scheduled, performs dressing changes, phlebotomy, and assesses the inmates when
they put a request in for medical attention. When an inmate has a medical concern, Brigitte determines the appropriate stock medication and follows standing orders provided by the facility physician to treat the patient. If there is
a situation that requires further intervention she is able to collaborate with a Registered Nurse, Physician and/or
Pharmacist for follow up or additional care.
“I am able to work autonomously within my scope of practice, making decisions and relying on my educational
knowledge. It is very rewarding to be able to use the skills I was trained in.” Brigitte is one of the first Licensed
Practical Nurses to work in Corrections, paving the way for her LPN colleagues in New Brunswick.
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Aileen Anderson, LPN OR TECH
Assisting in the OR for a cesarean section in Haiti, Aileen was given the gift
of a Godchild – named after her by the Haitian couple to whom she provided support during the birth of their daughter. She is currently planning her
5th mission trip to Haiti with a team of surgeons, family doctors, pharmacists and nursing professionals.
Training as an Operating Room Technician in 1993, she was in the first
group of LPNs that obtained this education in our province. This high
paced role requires her to be knowledgeable in multiple specialties as she
never knows which surgeons she will be assisting until she arrives at work.
Scrubbing in to the operating room (OR), she reviews her list of surgeries and begins to prepare the instruments and
supplies for the first surgery of the day. Anticipating the needs of each surgeon can be tricky but also incredibly rewarding when the operation goes smoothly and she is able to provide fast and efficient assistance. From cutting
sutures, to holding retractors and counting every sponge that goes into a body cavity, she has to think quickly and
pay attention to every detail of the surgery.
Her expertise has allowed her to branch out and offer her skills voluntarily through mission teams in Haiti. “Once
you’re comfortable in an OR, you can work in an OR anywhere – the same principles of sterile asepsis apply and the
instruments are similar. Even the language barrier in Haiti disappears in the OR… there is just a universal understanding.” Being able to bring a surgical team to this third world country has been beyond rewarding for Aileen. The
team treats cases such as prosthetecomies, hernia repairs, and myomectomy to name a few. The cases depend on
which surgeon accompanies the team. Aileen is thankful for the opportunity to continue to coordinate mission work
in Haiti and we certainly are proud of her accomplishments and her desire to give back as an OR Tech in New Bruns-
Bev Harper, LPN – Rehab Worker
Working collaboratively with a team of Speech Therapists, Physiotherapists and
Occupational Therapists Bev has provided rehabilitation services to clients at a
Spencer’s Nursing Home in Moncton for the past nine years. Going to work is not a
job to her, it is the most rewarding thing she has ever done.
“We had a client admitted to our home that had contractures and was immobile.
Working with our rehab team, this client now gets up every day and takes a walk.
Those moments feel amazing!” Taking the rehab course from the New Brunswick
Nursing Home Services gave her the foundation for a job that has allowed her to
continue to learn every day she goes to work.
Working closely with the rehab team they put a plan in place to meet the individual mobility needs of each client.
They determine what staffing is required for transfers and what size sling they will require for use with a ceiling or
standing lift. Developing goals and strategies to meet the mobility needs of the clients, Bev reviews the charts carefully taking into consideration such things as medication, their level of alertness and what will motivate them to succeed.
Incorporating something as simple as getting up to the bathroom every day in a care plan can have a significant impact to the mobility of the client. Talking with staff to determine what is “reachable” and getting their input makes
them feel like they are a part of the plan and it is more likely to succeed.
In addition to her work with the clients, Bev is also responsible for maintaining all safety equipment such as the bed
check system, alarm belts and sentinel belts. She also provides health and safety training to all new hires at the nursing home. “I love my job because it changes every day – I may have a plan in place, but it could all change based on
what happens that day. It keeps me on my toes!”
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Christine Adams, LPN – Long Term Care
Sitting beside one of the elders in the Kings Way Care Center in
Quispamsis is Christine’s favourite place to be. Looking through photo albums and listening to the story that goes with each picture gives
her a glimpse into the lives of those she cares for. She has learned so
much about her residents by just taking the time to listen and they
absolutely love to talk about fond memories from the past.
Creating an atmosphere that feels like home is the priority of Kings
Way and the philosophy is impressed on each and every staff member . “This is their home. If they want to sleep in or stay up late, it is
their choice. They deserve our respect, they have earned it.” Christine jokingly calls herself “old school”, attention to detail and crossing
all of her Ts and dotting all of her Is, is how she has earned the respect
of her colleagues. As a result of her work ethic and experience, she
often finds herself in a mentor role with students and new staff. She
encourages new staff to take one room, one resident at a time and reminds them that the more time passes the
more their confidence will grow. Her one pet peeve: “Never say I’m too busy! Say phrases like – I’ll be back in a moment, or I need to finish something up. Saying you’re busy tells the resident you don’t have time for them,” said with
a smile in her voice she jokes she is diplomatic about how she gets this message across to students.
Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse in this facility involves working with a team of Care Attendants and a Registered Nurse. There are times she provides direction and education to the Care Attendants regarding interventions
that benefit the residents. For instance, for a resident that is at risk for skin breakdown, she would show them appropriate ways to offload for pressure reduction and prevention. Her primary role throughout the day is medication
administration, dressing changes, catheter care and helping the team care for residents any chance she gets. Using
her skills as a LPN and being a part of a collaborative team to make residents comfortable and feel at home is what
she is most proud of.
Gwen Bezeau, LPN – Acute Care
Diverse and challenging are the two words that best describe the Internal Medicine
acute care floor that Gwen works on at the Saint John Regional Hospital. “Each patient is a giant puzzle that everyone is trying to piece together”. Working collaboratively with her nursing colleagues, Gwen is an integral part of the nursing team
which includes RNs, LPNs & PCAs. She cares for patients with kidney failure, liver
failure, AIDS, heart failure, addictions and overdoses to name a few of the complex
conditions.
During emergent situations, as a LPN, she works side by side with an RN colleague to
provide the support required; one on one care, vitals, frequent assessments, documentation and the initiation of life saving CPR if required. “I love being able to learn
something every shift I work. This floor has allowed me to expand my practice to
advanced competencies in wound care and peritoneal dialysis”. If there is an opportunity to use a new skill, this busy floor embraces opportunities for LPNs to learn
how to apply it.
Encouraging the patients to make positive lifestyle changes and providing them with
education to manage and come to terms with their illness prior to discharge is integrated into her everyday role working with patients on this floor.
From the rewarding moments where an incredibly ill patient makes a full recovery to the devastating moments where
a young person’s life is cut tragically short. Working in this setting requires you to come to terms with life and death
daily.
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Jackie Phinney, LPN – Labor & Delivery
For the past 24 years, Jackie has paved a path for her career in Labour & Delivery (L &
D). She has given 100% to the development of expanding roles for Licensed Practical
Nursing in this area of practice, working on policies and orientation manuals for her
colleagues. With a passion for learning, she has obtained education in offering breast
feeding support, a car seat technician course and has mentored for the role as an OR
scrub nurse for Labor and Delivery.
She pursed the opportunity of working in L & D, willing to develop a pilot and an orientation to this area of practice. In the beginning of her transition to L & D she was
known as the “post-partum clean up girl”. As time passed, her abilities were recognized and respected and she moved into working with staff in the assessment room,
and assisting with anything needing to be done. In this role, she often helps assess
mothers entering L & D by obtaining vitals, assessing contractions, and gathering pertinent information for the team.
Then it is passed on to the RN who would takes over the assessment and speaks to the Physician.
Continuing her progression of practice in this department, she’s now in the Operating Room in a scrub role. “I absolutely love working in the operating room! Seeing the birth of babies is beyond exciting… being there with the parents and being a part of their special day.” Jackie ensures that all necessary equipment is prepared and in stock for all
of the operating rooms in L & D. She prepares what the anesthetists require for both spinals and epidurals and assists
the physicians as they perform these procedures. She is also involved in mentoring new staff in the operating room,
creating learning scenarios and providing clinical evaluation to the nursing staff preparing for this role.
Jackie has worked hard to get where she is today in nursing. “I love that my path has brought me where I am today. I
always have put myself out there grabbing hold of any opportunities presented to me to move forward in practice.
It’s exciting to see how my role as a Licensed Practical Nurse has grown over the years and I’m looking forward to
more change in the future.”
Julie Solomon, LPN – Health and Wellness Clinic
Julie’s position at the Elsipogtog Health and Wellness Center doesn’t stop when
she goes home. She takes pride in her role in the community and is sometimes
even called after hours to attend to palliative clients or those who have recently
discharged from the hospital and requiring equipment.
Working at the clinic requires many areas of specialty; foot care, wound care,
and assessments of palliative patients or those returning home post operatively.
“I love helping people when they are most in need, making them safe… knowing
they have what they need,” she indicated that she reviews their medication, conducts fall risk assessments, acquires equipment required and provides referrals
to occupational therapy, physiotherapy or Red Cross as needed.
Taking on this leadership role required her to take management training so that
she could effectively manage the Personal Support Workers (PSW) that follow a
care plan for each client. She also schedules and supports the PSWs as they care
for clients in the community.
When offered this position, Julie felt uncertain that she could accomplish all that was required. With the support and
encouragement of the RN supervisor she works with, she has gained the confidence and ability to perform her job
with great integrity and pride. She has truly valued the mentorship that has been provided to her throughout her
time employed at the Health and Wellness Clinic.
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Lauren Glaspy - Oncology Clinic
For the past 15 years, Lauren has been coordinating the Outpatient Oncology Clinic at
the Saint John Regional Hospital. Dressed in Royal Blue and White with her nursing cap
proudly in place, she juggles from 70 - 90 patients, up to 12 physicians at a time, and
works with her two LPN colleagues to ensure that the 11 room clinic runs smoothly. Patients from all over the province come to Saint John to see their Oncologist in the clinic.
At first they have frequent appointments, then every year until they reach their anniversary. “Seeing the patients conquer cancer and reach their 5 year anniversary cancer free
is fantastic!” As well as celebrating the successes, Lauren provides compassionate care
to families or patients who are struggling with cancer, always reminding herself that they
have so much to deal with through the treatment process.
The fast paced, ever changing environment of the clinic is what Lauren loves most about
her job. When a patient arrives at the clinic, Lauren and her colleagues show them to
the exam room and conduct an initial assessment including height, weight, review of medication and overall status.
Following physician’s orders, she coordinates follow up appointments, schedules tests, performs blood work, inserts
saline locks and provides PICC line care if required. These are only a few of her many responsibilities.
Communicating directly with the physicians, Lauren transcribes verbal, written and telephone orders for the clinic. She
provides follow up calls to both physicians and patients with test results. When presented with a situation that is beyond her knowledge or skills, she has a team of nurses in the Chemo room as well as her unit manager to lean on for
clinical guidance. Lauren has earned the respect of the physicians, nurses and her LPN colleagues in her time at the
clinic and she is proud to be part of the evolution of practice in the utilization of LPNs in her position.
Lisa Daye, LPN - Neonatal ICU
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a medical condition that presents in the newborn that has been exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Lisa
cares for newborns with NAS in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Assessing the newborn by using a research based withdrawal scoring tool to quantify
the severity of NAS symptoms and determine treatment, Lisa collaborates with the Registered Nurse who then administers the appropriate amount of Morphine to the newborn and monitors the newborn’s response. She observes varying degrees of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, shaking, sensitivity to light and sound, unstable body
temperatures, and loose watery stools causing skin breakdown, difficulty feeding and
even seizures in the newborns she cares for.
“I spend a lot of time getting to know the family and developing a rapport with them. Treating them with respect and
caring is important so that they feel comfortable asking questions before they go home.” Lisa teaches the parents
with NAS newborns about basic skills such as bathing, feeding, techniques to sooth their newborn, swaddling, the use
of soothers and dark rooms with reduced stimulation to calm them. In addition to caring for newborns with NAS, Lisa
also cares for less complex and more predictable newborns greater than 32 weeks gestation. She performs capillary
blood work as well as assisting Registered Nurses and Neonatologists with procedures such as insertion of IVs.
Rounding with the Physician and team, Lisa is accountable to know the status of her newborns and identifies any areas of concern. Working with an incredibly experienced team of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Neonatologists, Lisa is grateful for her colleagues who challenge her and increase her knowledge every shift that she
works.
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Marilyn Wells, LPN – Entrepreneur, Foot Care Clinics
Marilyn decides when she is going to work and how much she is getting
paid! It sounds simple; however it has taken her years of hard work and
determination to build a base of 150 – 175 foot care clients. Answering
her phone in the evening, on the weekends and being prepared to meet
the unexpected needs of her clients has been challenging but worth every
minute according to Marilyn. “Every day I go to work, I love my job. I
have the time to talk to clients while I perform foot care and getting lots of
hugs brings a smile to my face every time I work.”
Several years ago, she was approached by Dr. Sarah J. Lord, Ph.D., Health &
Wellness Coordinator, Jean Coutu Pharmacy with an invitation to participate in a national initiative for foot care specialists and those affected by
Diabetes. “PEP” Peers Educating Peers was formed by the Canadian
Wound Care Association and the Canadian Diabetic Association with the
intent to teach diabetics how to care for their feet. Marilyn quickly
jumped at the opportunity and went to Toronto for the one week training that certified her to offer this program in the
Southern part of our Province. “I learned more that week in Toronto than I did in my life! It was a nationwide program
– LPNs and RNs from all over the country participated.” She spent an incredibly rewarding year travelling with her colleague Joanie Peddle, RN and two diabetics who told their stories to those who attended.
She currently practices foot care from Alma to Moncton, collaborating with other health care professionals to meet the
individual needs of her clients. Her clinics are in pharmacies, senior complexes, communities and even in physiotherapy
clinics.
Marty Hood, LPN – Special Care Home Owner/Entrepreneur
Ground has broken in Oromocto for the construction of a new 55 bed special care home
with a pharmacy and medical clinic attached that will serve the local community. Marty
Hood, LPN and his business partner Dr. Paul Smyth have teamed up once again to open a
second special care home in New Brunswick.
Marty has been an LPN since 1995 but has traded in his bedside care for a more administrative role in the ownership and management of special care homes in New Brunswick.
Currently, his 31 bed facility is full to capacity with a waiting list of 14 individuals.
Meeting with families and taking a certain amount of the burden away from them as far
as the decisions they have to make is one of his most rewarding roles. “They are transitioning from living in a home, to a room – we want the families to trust us to look after
their loved one as well as or better than they would have at home.”
This is no easy task! Marty rolls his sleeves up and dives into practice every day helping with the morning med pass,
serving at meal times, reviewing charts and acting as a liaison with physicians, pharmacists, and Extra Mural. In order
to keep his staff current and up to date with practice, he does daily teaching in areas such as review of how to complete vital signs, what certain meds are for and what to watch for, diabetic teaching, Alzheimer’s and the list goes on.
Marty prepares for 11 different inspections a year in order to ensure his home is licensed, recognized and safe for the
residents. “It’s a place for seniors to live and be revitalized. We encourage new interests and try to provide opportunities for them to explore those interests. Horseback riding, swimming, playing pool, volunteering at bottle drives for
the community, going to the legion, in house dances, crib tournaments to name a few of the opportunities we provide. We even had our own fireworks show on July 1st!” His goal is for his residents to do as much for themselves as
they can for long as they can. He is excited about the second home that he says should be opening by the end of this
year.
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Mary Paul, LPN – Methadone Clinic
Carrying a locked box and navigating through two security doors, Mary settles
down in her office behind a steel door and plexi glass. She locks the door behind her as she prepares for the clinic day. Mary works for The Medicine
Shoppe Pharmacy at a Methadone clinic located just outside of Miramichi at
Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq First Nation. Working under the direction of a pharmacist she spends every day from 1000 – 1300 administering Methadone and other prescription medication to native and non-native residents of this community.
Even though she provides medication through a slot in a plastic wall it does not
stop her from developing long lasting relationships with the clients that she sees on a daily basis. “I feel like I’m helping, if I can help just one person then – yeah – I’m happy. Many times when they come in we will also have a conversation, they tell me how they are feeling and what is going on in their lives… you really get to know them.” Mary admitted that when she first began her work in the clinic she struggled with “judging” the clients requiring methadone
and did not have a full understanding of the benefits of this clinic.
After receiving orientation and education at the clinic, Mary understands that people coming off of opiates are in actual physical pain (muscle aches and pains); Methadone fills in the gap for them and allows them to adjust to life without the drug they were dependent on. The physician finds the appropriate amount for each individual and then
weans them off until they no longer require it. Mary has seen some success stories in her time at the clinic. It makes
her feel incredible when she is approached by a former client who no longer requires Methadone and has succeeded.
“I’m proud of them”.
Paula Breen, LPN—Environmental Services Manager/Program Coordinator
Paula began her career in health care in 1981 as a resident attendant. She
trained as an LPN in 1996 and since that time has worked in various roles at
Rocmaura Nursing Home, including a rehab position she held prior to taking
on her new role. Although there an official title for her position, she jokingly refers to herself as a “Jack of all trades!”
Her key role is managing 25 housekeeping and laundry staff. She also coordinates orientation and education for all staff at the nursing home, works as
the claim coordinator between Worksafe NB and Romaura, purchases
equipment required for the nursing home and is actively involved in the Infection prevention and Control and the Fire committees which includes the
development of policies and procedures.
The diversity in her role is what she finds most rewarding, she thrives on it. “Every day is a new challenge for me. I
never thought it was possible for me to be in this kind of role.” As a manager to support staff, she feels her experience
in health care has given her a valuable perspective in mentoring them. She emphasizes to the staff that their roles are
critical in the health and safety of the residents and holds them accountable to a high standard of safety.
Even though most of her days are spent in an office buried under paperwork, she still enjoys the occasional visit from a
resident when they wander in and sit down. Conducting inspections around the facility and ensuring the building is
cleaned well also gives her an opportunity to interact with the residents and the staff. “I try to remember to thank staff
every day and instill a pride in them for what they do. Every person employed at our facility has a part to play in caring
for the residents. I remind them that they are an important part of the overall care of each resident, emphasizing our
commitment to the nursing home’s mission statement; Community of Caring People.”
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Serge Dignard, LPN – Orthopedic Tech
When Serge arrives at the Orthopedic clinic at the George Dumont Hospital, his
first order of business is ensuring the charts are in order and the rooms are set
up for the day. Years of experience have afforded him the benefit of anticipating the needs of the patients and his priority is maximizing the time of the
physicians involved in the clinic.
In order to work as an Orthopedic Tech, Serge had to possess a professional
designation (LPN), he then mentored with an experienced Ortho Tech for 850
hours of clinical experience. He was provided with course objectives and spent
extensive time studying and preparing for the oral exam, practical exam and
national exam required to be a certified Orthopedic Technologist.
An extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems are essential for the Orthopedic Tech. The art of “casting” can
make or break the successful healing of a fractured bone. Following a physician’s order, Serge takes into consideration the degree angle of the cast, the
type of cast, the mobility and the fracture he is casting. What happened,
where the bone was and where it went are questions Serge needs the answers
in order to provide the best options for the patient he is casting.
“Seeing a person with a fracture, providing the cast and removing a cast at the appropriate time is so rewarding because you are able to see the success of what you have done. I love being a part of the team caring for these patients”
Sharon Green, LPN—Community Support Worker, Mental Health & Addiction Services
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in any given year,
one out of five Canadians experience a mental health or addiction issue.
Sharon had a new career challenge when she started her role as a Community Support Worker for Addiction and Mental Health Services for the
Province of New Brunswick in the fall of 2008.
She started by spending some time at Ridgewood Addiction Services in
Saint John, and continued her education through the mentorship of the
excellent clinical team and courses specifically designed to give her the
tools required to help clients.
At Ridgewood, a person can either reach out for help or refer themselves (self-referral). Children and youth are referred by parents or
teachers and a preventative approach is taken. Once the clinical team
assesses the individual, a case plan is created. Sharon receives requests
to meet identified areas of concerns. She takes those requests and
teaches her clients coping strategies and skills required to overcome what is preventing them from living life without
addiction, stress and anxiety.
“My job is so diverse; I could be taking someone with extreme social anxiety grocery shopping or modeling appropriate behavior to a teenager who is angry about a family circumstance.” Sharon also co-facilitates sessions in the
schools such as “Mindfulness Groups”, “Kids Have Stress Too” and “Social Skills”, as required.
Although it is a challenging job, the rewards come when clients move on and get through their difficulty – bring their
addiction under control, or have figured out how to navigate life by overcoming their anxiety and stressors. It is rewarding to have played a part in their recovery.
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Susan Hunt, LPN – Client Service Manager, Shannex
“Don’t ask your staff to do something that you’re not willing to do yourself” is the philosophy that Susan bases her management style on. As the Client Service Manager (Nursing
Manager) for Shannex Parkland Corporation Assisted and Hospitality & Wellness living
divisions at Parkland in the Valley, now Parkland Saint John, Susan was responsible for 72
independent living and 60 assisted living clients. She leads a team of 50 plus clinical
staff, Licensed Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers and Wellness Coaches.
Recruitment and hiring, performance management, coaching and mentoring employees
are some of the top priorities of her position. Having the right people involved in the care
of clients and giving them the tools to do their jobs with excellence is what earned the
team an above average score in client and staff satisfaction according to a poll Shannex
has conducted.
Susan is the liaison with (DSD) Department of Social Development and client families, advocating for all clients, she
is responsible for all intake assessments and the development of care plans for each client brought into the areas she
manages. Daily involvement and feedback from staff allow her to modify and adjust care plans to meet the needs of
clients and, continued assessments ensure clients are in the correct service lines and level of care.
“I love making a difference in our clients’ and families’ lives, everything I do is to make a difference in people’s lives.
Being a part of the transition from their home or hospital to a new environment –a compassionate and understanding shoulder to lean on is what truly makes my job rewarding making the difference” Well respected by her colleagues and staff, Susan was nominated by her peers and became the 2015 recipient of the “Audrey Galbraith Excellence in Practice Award” presented to her by the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses.
Tammie Turner, LPN – NB Organ & Tissue Bank
Tammie Turner, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from the Saint John
Regional Hospital, has been working in cornea retrieval since 2006.
Responding to a job posting for the NB Organ and Tissue Bank was a
decision that changed Tammie’s life.
“Being a part of something that helps people through the process of
loss and grieving, showing them that there can still be life within that
death has been life changing for me. It gives me a feeling of being part
of something incredible….knowing that what I am doing is giving people sight. They can read, see faces… walk down the aisle and see their
bride”.
Responding to the job posting was only the first step, once appointed to the position, Tammie took part in a week long
training program and wrote a national exam. Following the exam, she mentored with another qualified LPN or Registered Nurse to successfully complete five retrievals prior to working on her own. It is also an option for LPNs to take
an additional course to include skin, bone and or tendon retrieval. One of Tammie’s colleagues has obtained this level
of education and it is something she herself would like to pursue in the future.
Being on the team requires her to take her turn being on call and wearing a pager. When the pager goes off, no matter
what time of day, she responds to the call and completes the retrieval. Prior to the retrieval she meets with the family
and interviews them as well as reviewing the chart of the potential donor to ensure safety and suitability. If the donor
is suitable and safe, the retrieval process begins and she goes into the morgue and, under sterile technique, retrieves
the cornea.
Congratulations to Tammie on being a part of this amazing life giving process!
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