(Champion Traveler, n.d)
The role of the Registered Nurse in Canada is widely varied. As a Registered Nurse in Case Management (NCM), I am uniquely positioned outside of bedside nursing. As I continue my education and career development, I am exploring new depths in my professional identity, values, and function within the Canadian health system.
Role in the Canadian Health System
My role as an NCM is to offer navigation services to the population of the Qikiqtaaluq (Baffin, Nunavut) region, primarily when accessing health care in Ottawa, Ontario. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) discusses the vital role of NCMs within the Canadian health system in regards to improved health outcomes, reducing financial strains, improving quality of care, reducing strain on inpatient or emergency departments, and reduction in the rates of chronic disease (CNA, n.d.). The CNA further highlights the importance of the NCM’s role with regard to Indigenous populations, new Canadians, and those with lower socioeconomic status (CNA, n.d.). I collaborate with health facilities and all health-related professions, government bodies (such as the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program or Child First Initiative) grassroots organizations (such as Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), Elders, and patients. I also liaise across provincial and territorial boundaries and collaborate with professionals beyond the circle of care, such as airlines and medical boarding homes. This network ensures quality care with a culturally appropriate approach and delivery.
My non-clinical role involves project management, development, and evaluation. Having gained knowledge through my “clinical” role, I hold a thorough understanding of the health system and how it directly affects patient outcomes. For example, having recently launched a pediatric mental health program, I was facilitating the project in conjunction with fulfilling my role as NCM for those patients.
Professional Identity
Through reflection, I ascertain that my digital identity has historically swayed toward personal use, containing sparing professional identity markers. While I do maintain a LinkedIn account, it often goes neglected. Tasked with further developing a professional digital identity, my ePortfolio is born, brimming with opportunity. My ePortfolio will serve as a means to educate others about my role, demonstrate professional and educational achievements, explore goals, values, and areas of interest, provide access to curated resources, and offer a digital medium to engage and collaborate.
With collaboration being the most crucial aspect of my presence in the health system, I am learning the importance of a of a strong professional identity, both online and offline. I am eager to see my online presence grow through Twitter, LinkedIn, and my ePortfolio. These tools will allow me to further engage with collaborators and facilitate professional socialization.
Professional Values
As a Registered Nurse, I am held accountable to the standards of the nursing profession and the professional bodies of Ontario and Canada. I am regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) who are responsible for the entry to practice requirements, practice standards and conduct, quality assurance, representation in matters of public policy, promotion of excellence, and empowerment within the Canadian health system.
My professional values align with the professional nursing bodies of Ontario. The CNO describes the ethical values of nursing in the Standards of Practice to include “promoting client well-being, respecting client choice, assuring privacy and confidentiality, respecting the quality of life, maintaining commitments, respecting truthfulness, and ensuring fairness in the use of resources” (CNO, 2006). The population I serve requires, not just health care, but culturally competent healthcare. In my role, I must match the ethical values of the nursing profession, while also meeting the competing needs of a culture different than my own. I have had to learn about the culture, respect the differences, and promote my patients’ well-being in a culturally appropriate manner. For example, seeking to preserve the dignity of an Elder by advocating for a hospital release to facilitate death in the remote home community (in opposition to Ontario-based palliative care). I value and empower my patients to make informed decisions about healthcare, promoting client choice.
Reflections
With collaboration being the most crucial aspect of my presence in the health system, I am learning the importance of a strong professional identity, both online and offline. I am eager to see my online presence grow through aches to progressive health policy. My ePortfolio will substantiate my professional identity and values as a Registered Nurse Case Manager, and demonstrate how I support and participate in the health system for the betterment of all Canadians.
References
Canadian Nurses’ Association. (n.d.). Case Management and Navigation. Retrieved from https://www.cna-aiic.ca/-/media/cna/page-content/pdf-en/caring_ahead_case_management_e_final.pdf?la=en&hash=3532D8429F301CBD96A2ED4272767F8DF98EDBA7
Champion Traveler. (n.d.) [Map of Flight Path Between Ottawa and Iqaluit]. Retrieved June 1, 2020, from https://championtraveler.com/flights/yfb-to-yow/
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2006). Professional Standards: Ethics. Retrieved June 01, 2020, from https://www.cno.org/globalassets/4-learnaboutstandardsandguidelines/prac/learn/modules/profstands/slides/ethics.pdf
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