Congratulations on finding your way to the ARNBC webpage! By cruising through the website and reading blogs you have already taken your curiosity from thought to action. I also took that step exploring ARNBC online a few years ago and now I find myself privileged to sit on the Board of Directors representing the diverse voices of nurses working in northern B.C. This blog is my story of taking action which I hope will inspire some of you who have been thinking about becoming more active in your profession to find ways to take the next steps.
A professional high-point for me was having the opportunity to attend and present at the Canadian Nurses Association 2012 Biennial Conference. Attending that conference, soaking in the words of Canadian nursing leaders was an awe-inspiring event. I encourage all nurses to endeavour to attend at least one CNA conference for the simple yet profound sense of professional pride you will enjoy. Of particular interest was the sharing of the report A Nursing Call to Action: The health of our nation, the future of our health system. It filled me with hope and a sense of purpose that nurses throughout the country were capable of contributing to solutions to better the health of Canadians.
In early spring of 2014 I received an email notification that nominations for the ARNBC Board were open. I wanted to have my name put forward but at the same time I was very nervous and reluctant to compete for a Regional Director position. I overcame my fears only because I knew my regrets would haunt me if I didn’t try for the position. I am so happy that I took that risk. As a Board Director, I have attended meetings which occur approximately five times a year face-to-face and a few times per year by teleconference. The time commitments for connecting with nurses in the regions vary for each Board member. At every meeting and teleconference I am continually inspired by the passion that fellow Board members exhibit in representing nurses throughout the province. I am proud to think that time spent on Board activities Board allows me to contribute my voice to influencing positive change on social and health issues in British Columbia.
So if you are like I was a few months ago, thinking about being more active in representing the voice of nurses, take the time to familiarize yourself with the webpage, explore becoming a network lead or consider contributing your voice on the Board of Directors. Nominations for Directors are open, so visit our website for more information http://www.arnbc.ca/agm/index.php and consider letting your name stand for nomination. It’s a decision you won’t regret.
ABOUT LINDA AXEN, RN
Linda started with Northern Health in October 2011 as the Nursing Research Facilitator and is currently the Northern Health Cardiac Triage Coordinator. Prior to the Nursing Research Facilitator role, Linda worked for many years in clinical research in Vancouver including five years in Cardiology Research at Vancouver General Hospital. In completing her Master of Nursing in 2011 from the University of Victoria, Linda gained a greater understanding of the contributions nursing makes to health policy development and the complexities of the social and environmental forces within which nursing has developed as a profession.
Concurrent to working in Northern Health as the Nursing Research Facilitator, Linda co-taught the Introduction to Nursing Research course at the University of Northern BC. Working with the students afforded Linda insight into the amazing strength, energy and professionalism that newly graduated nurses bring to our ever-evolving work environments. Linda is passionate about encouraging practicing nurses to develop expertise in research and research-related activities and evidence-informed practice. Linda has been actively involved in the BC Ethics Harmonization Initiative and is a certified member of the Society of Clinical Research Professionals. She is well aware of the powerful economic contribution the north makes to the overall fiscal strength of our province and recognizes that this economic contribution requires a healthy and robust workforce.
A little inspiration to nurses from a nurse of your stature will surely boost their self-confidence and inspire them to becoming more active in their career.