Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital Skills night scheduled for April 4

Ten years ago a tradition started — the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital annual skills night.

The goal as stated in the first press release for the skills night was to help health nursing professionals keep up with the constantly evolving knowledge and techniques involved with the profession.

And for the past nine years they’ve done just that.

Each year there are new topics or skills presented, although some skill topics are everchanging so they may be featured again. The topics for this event are generated by the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital staff with some input from local LTC and VON.

This year’s skills night is planned for April 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion on Veterans Drive in Pictou. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The event has traditionally been held at the Sutherland Memorial Harris Hospital but they are moving to the Legion this year because of the large number of participants which continues to grow every year the event is held.

Nurses from all over Nova Scotia and even as far as New Brunswick have attended in the past representing all sectors including acute care, LTC, community and students.

This year will feature presentations from the Nova Scotia Health Authority and Nova Scotia Nurses Union as well as others in the health care industry such as wound care specialists, physiotherapy, pharmacy, nurse practitioners and researchers. As an incentive for nurses to further develop their proficiency, as part of the current contract with the Nova Scotia Nurses Union, nurses who participate in educational workshops and courses earn points.

If the criteria of achieving 70 points in one year are met, nurses can collect a monetary education premium. Nurses can also receive a premium for leadership skills. This event qualifies for points under this program.

Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Registration will be done at the door.