On Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, nurses at Providence Manor, Providence Care’s long-term care (LTC) home met with local politicians as part of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Take Your MPP To Work political action event.
Kingston politicians in attendance included: MPP Ted Hsu, MP Mark Gerretsen, Deputy Mayor Jimmy Hassan, and Kingston City Councillor Gregory Ridge. During their visit, they met with residents and dedicated nurses to discuss the evolving landscape of LTC nursing in a post-COVID-19 environment
“LTC homes are for seniors who can no longer fully care for themselves, and who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect during their final years,” says Andrea Keller, registered nurse (RN) and RNAO’s Kingston Chapter president. “This event allows our political leaders to interact with and hear from residents, nurses and other health professionals, and administrators about the challenges that LTC homes are facing post-pandemic.”
Providence Manor is home to 18 RNs and 23 registered practical nurses (RPN), whose unwavering commitment goes beyond basic care. These professionals foster a nurturing community for the 243 residents at the home, prioritizing dignity, well-being, and a sense of family.
“Nurses in long-term care are the backbone of care, bringing dedication and expertise to every resident they serve,” says Providence Care Vice-President, Community Programs and Long-Term Care Terry Landry. “At Providence Care, our nurses don’t just provide care; they foster a sense of family and community, ensuring each resident’s dignity and well-being are upheld every day. Events like this, where we engage with local politicians, are vital in shedding light on the critical importance of their work and the long-term care sector as a whole.”
By facilitating direct interaction between nurses and political leaders, this initiative strengthens advocacy for meaningful improvements in the nursing profession and the broader healthcare system by underscoring the importance of career development and workforce retention, as outlined in the RNAO’s Nursing Career Pathways report.
The Take your MPP to Work political event serves as a reminder of nurses’ vital role in long-term care and the need for continued advocacy to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the profession.
