SRNA working to ensure safety during COVID-19
Established in 1917, the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (SRNA) is a profession-led association and regulatory body. The SRNA is accountable for public protection by ensuring its members are competent, as well as promoting its members’ professional interests.
As registered nurses (RN) and nurse practitioners (NP), SRNA members are on the frontlines in diverse roles. They care for Saskatchewan residents and work together with their health care counterparts.
Cindy Smith is executive director of the SRNA and a “proud registered nurse.” She has dedicated her career to leadership in the nursing profession. Based out of Regina, Smith has 35 years of professional experience in health care in various settings under her belt.
“We acknowledge the critical role that registered nurses and nurse practitioners play in our province’s health care system, particularly during a global health crisis. There are more than 12,000 RNS and NPS in Saskatchewan and we know that some may be feeling fearful and anxious. We recognize the immense pressure our members face each day and we’re grateful for the important role they play on the frontlines during this unprecedented event,” said Smith.
Smith earned her nursing diploma in 1985 and her post-registration Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1998. In 2008, she obtained a Master of Nursing degree from Athabasca University.
Smith’s past professional roles include manager of Adult Rehabilitation at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina and associate dean of the School of Nursing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
It is worth noting that RNS and NPS already represent one of the highest employed health professions in Saskatchewan, even when there is not a pandemic taking place. There are more RNS and NPS licensed to practice in our province than any other related profession, such as physicians, pharmacists or paramedics.
“The SRNA is pulling together and working parallel with the unions, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health to ensure RNS and NPS are hopeful, resilient and equipped to adequately care for their clients and their clients’ families. It is critical, now more than ever, that our members are equipped with personal protective equipment and can safely keep coming to work each day,” said Smith.
The SRNA has adapted during COVID-19 with bylaw changes for emergency licensure, to establish a bank of nurses at-the-ready. Categories that are eligible for emergency practicing licensure include non-practicing and retired RNS and NPS based in Saskatchewan. Smith estimates 1,000 SRNA members fall into the non-practicing or retired category that are eligible for emergency licensure. The emergency practicing licensure process is taking place across Canada as a precautionary measure.
The SRNA is also establishing new ways to connect with its members during this crucial time. One example is a virtual Annual General Meeting, scheduled for May 7, which Smith describes as “a first for us.”
The year 2020 was declared Year of the Nurse and the Midwife by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its global partners. “Nurses and midwives are the backbone of every health system: in 2020 we’re calling on all countries to invest in nurses and midwives as part of their commitment to health for all,” said Dr.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-general of the WHO.
“It is significant that 2020 is the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and that we are facing a global pandemic. RNS everywhere are tasked with the ultimate challenge, and they have shown up to fight the fight. We are thankful for the low rate of COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan and remain hopeful, but cautious,” said Smith.
International Nurses Day is celebrated globally every May 12 on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth in 1820. Smith points out that COVID-19 has provided a powerful demonstration of the outstanding contributions of nurses and midwives around the world.
“This year we are celebrating 200 years since Florence Nightingale’s birth, but the world is also experiencing a pandemic. How can we still acknowledge and celebrate nurses? It is a tough time for everyone. We encourage our members to access mental health resources if needed and take time to care for themselves. This is an unprecedented event in all our lives,” concluded Smith.
The SRNA continues to work closely with its partners to monitor developments relating to COVID-19 and take direction from provincial, federal and global health care authorities.
It is significant that 2020 is the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and that we are facing a global pandemic. RNS everywhere are tasked with the ultimate challenge, and they have shown up to fight the fight.
- Cindy Smith, SRNA executive director