Taking a closer look at nursing

This is National Nursing Week, which coincides with the pioneer of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale’s, birthday, May 12th.

Nurses are community leaders, innovators and pioneers and nurses continue to improve the health of Canadians by charting the course for a stronger and more vibrant health system for all.

The theme of this year's National Nursing Week is 'Think you know nursing ... take a closer look' and each day the association is showcasing the profession by profiling their own.

Today combines the fourth and fifth instalment and features Nurses Carol Owens and Janet McLean.

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Carol Owens

Where do you work and what is your current title?

Victorian Order of Nurses North Bay, as a staff nurse, and as one of three Professional Practice Leaders in our branch.

What is your role?

Staff nurses provide nursing care to patients in their own homes, and in our clinic setting. This could range from pediatrics to geriatrics; from acute post-operative surgical dressings; from intravenous delivery and central venous line care, to end-of-life care for patients who have chosen to die at home. As a practice leader, I assist my peers in troubleshooting patient issues, and addressing clinical issues, so we can provide nursing care based on the most current evidence-based practices. As well, the practice leader is the liason nurse working with our local Community Care Access Center Case Managers.

How long have you been in the nursing profession?

32 years this summer.

What is the most satisfying aspect related to your area of nursing?

Being involved one-on-one with patients, and their families. When patients are in their own home, as opposed to being in a hospital, there is a different dynamic to the nurses ability to interact not just with the patient, but the family members as well.

What is one thing that might be surprising or unknown to others about nursing, which you'd like to share (e.g. something that makes the role more satisfying, challenging in a positive way)

We often are involved in assisting dying patients at home, and most people think this must be a terrible part of the job. There are certainly days when it’s the worst part, but it’s also the best part more often. Being able to share that most vulnerable period of time with a patient, and with their family members is often such a privilege. To be able to help someone achieve their last goals, and to include you in the intimate circle around them keeping them comfortable, is something that not only keeps me awake some nights, but also helps me to sleep peacefully.

What other roles in nursing have you undertaken in your nursing career?

I have worked in southern Ontario at a Cancer treatment center, and I have worked several years in a general hospital, on Obstetrics, and on a Medical unit.


What would you say to someone who was considering entering the nursing profession?

You will work hard. You will cry harder. You will be frustrated beyond belief. You will wonder why you did it. BUT you will also laugh hard, and feel you’re very lucky to have a satisfying career, and the best job in the world.

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Janet McLean, RN, BHS(N), COHN©

Where do you work and what is your current title?

I am employed at the Northeast Mental Health Centre – North Bay Campus as an Occupational Health Nurse.

What is your role?

In my role as an Occupational Health Nurse I am responsible for developing and implementing health programs for our staff, volunteers, and students. This includes physical assessments, immunization clinics, wellness counselling, modified work programs and many more services to keep our people healthy throughout their career with us.

How long have you been in the nursing profession?

Amazingly it’s been 22 years. I graduated in 1985 as a Diploma Registered Nurse, then in 1991 I obtained a diploma in Occupational Health Nursing. In 2005 I completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing science.

What is the most satisfying aspect related to your area of nursing?

The ability to be creative and develop programs and services that best meet the current needs of the clients we serve. Being an Occupational Health Nurse has allowed me a great deal of autonomy as a nurse. This position also involves being able to effectively work collectively with people at all levels of the organization. Often times you can be faced with challenging situations. The fact that every day brings a different challenge is also very satisfying. No excuse to be bored in this field.

What is one thing that might be surprising or unknown to others about nursing, which you'd like to share (e.g. something that makes the role more satisfying, challenging in a positive way)

The opportunities for different careers in nursing may not always be evident. Nurses Week certainly provides an opportunity to highlight all these different areas of nursing. The thing I find most satisfying in my career is seeing a goal or a positive outcome achieved with a client. It is not only rewarding to me as a nurse but has resulted in making a client’s health better.

What other roles in nursing have you undertaken in your nursing career?

Other roles have included, psychiatric nursing, infection control nurse, Critical Incident Stress Management team member, and Employee Assistance Program Peer


What would you say to someone who was considering entering the nursing profession?

The opportunities for nursing careers are only going to grow as health care technology continues. With the governments current focus on increasing the number of nurses the timing couldn’t be better. The future of our health care system is dependent on the future of the nursing profession.

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