Hello and greetings to my mental health nursing colleagues! As I write this column we are in the throes of some hot July weather. Summer is always a great time to reflect, enjoy some needed vacation, and take a bit of a breather before the hectic pace of the fall begins. Summer has given me the chance to reflect upon my two year term as your President of the Mental Health Nurses Interest Group. It has been a very professionally rewarding experience to represent you and the clients we serve provincially at the RNAO Interest Group table. This will be my last report to you in an edition of our newsletter. My term as President ends at our AGM on October 1, 2005.

You are going to be left in the wonderfully capable hands of Valerie Grdisa, who as President-Elect, takes over the helm at that time. Sadly, no member had been nominated by the June 30th deadline to replace Valerie in the position of President- Elect/Newsletter Coordinator. We stand strong at 748 MHNIG members. Please think of putting forth your name or the name of a colleague who you feel represents our vision and objectives of MHNIG and is able to commit to six years on the Executive (2 as President-Elect, 2 as President, 2 as Past-President). Please contact me by email or phone if you wish to know more about these positions.

Great plans are underway for our AGM which will be held in beautiful North Bay on Saturday, October 1, 2005. Registration details will be found inside this newsletter. Many thanks are extended in advance to our hosts, the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital who, along with Selinah Sogbein, Chief Nursing Officer, and Aline Lauzon, her Administrative Assistant, will ensure our AGM is met with success. I look forward to connecting with many of you there. Students and non-members are welcome to attend.

It is my pleasure to announce the winners of our two sponsored awards. Celia Li received the Hildegarde E. Peplau Award through the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO). She was recognized at the RNFOO Gala on May 4, 2005 with Naomi Mudachi, Student Representative and Valerie Grdisa in attendance. The Jasmine Williams Memorial Nursing Award through Ryerson University was awarded to Emily Fung. She was recognized at the 2004/05 Awards Ceremony on May 26, 2005 with Naomi Mudachi representing MHNIG Executive again. Congratulations are extended to these very deserving award recipients and thank you Naomi for representing MHNIG Executive!

We now have another new student representative on the Executive. Archna Patel, a 4th year Nursing student from Ryerson has agreed to provide the student voice for MHNIG. Please extend a welcome to Archna if you get to meet her in the coming months and congratulations to Naomi for completion of her undergraduate studies. Good luck in your nursing career.

The Executive continue to meet by teleconference every two months. We welcome satellite chairs/reps to take part as well as any other MHNIG members. There are still areas of the province where we have no key contact nurses. The following satellite areas are open for representation: Satellite 5 area (Bruce, Grey, Huronia, Muskoka, Parry Sound, South Simcoe), Satellite 8 (Durham, Northumberland, Quinte, Victoria), Satellite 9 (Champlain, Grenville, Kingston, Lanark, Seaway), and Satellite 12 (Dryden, Kenora, Lakehead, Rainy River, Sioux Lookout).

Congratulations are extended to those nurses who successfully passed the certification exam on psychiatric/mental health nursing this spring and to those elected to recertify to keep their certification current. It is a daunting process, but it is one that demonstrates your commitment to the profession of psychiatric and mental health nursing.

I look forward to connecting with many of you in North Bay on October 1, 2005. Have a safe and happy summer!

Tricia Stiles, MHNIG President

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Welcome Archna to the MHNIG Executive

3 Mental Health Policy

3 When Something’s Wrong: Ideas for Families

4 Mentorship in Nursing

5 Winnipeg Conference 2005

5 Conference Notices

6 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Programme: Valedictorian Address

8 Awards & Recognition

9 MHNIG Nomination Form

10 MHNIG Conference & AGM

11 MHNIG-AGM Accommodations

12 The Back Page

Summer 2005

MHNIG IS AN INTEREST GROUP OF

AND AN AFFILIATE OF THE CFMHN

UPFRONT

Updates • Education • Links

www.mhnig.orgyour complete websitefor keeping you connected

MHNIG NEWSLETTER

Report from the President

2 MHNIG SUMMER 2005

Please join us in welcoming Archna to the MHNIG Executive!

Hi everyone!

First off, Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be part of the MHNIG Executive; and hence the opportunity to get involved in the mental health facet of Nursing. I am honored and excited to be part of this group. I look forward to this enriching learning experience that will contribute to my goals of building leadership, knowledge and interpersonal skills. I just completed my third year of Nursing at Ryerson University and will be entering my fourth year this September 2005.

My interest in mental health was first sparked during my studies at the University of Western Ontario. At Western, I received a double major degree; Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Psychology. During this time I was a peer counselor, Residence Advisor and supervisor for first year students living in residence. This is where I encountered students with various psychiatric illnesses and mental health issues that were for the most part overlooked, kept hidden, and/or not recognized as real health problems by various school services. At this point, I began to think about issues in mental health, capacity building and mental health awareness in the community. I also had an interest in women’s health from experiencing and observing many of the gender inequities first hand and through the students I counseled.

My studies also played an integral role in deciding to go into Mental Health Nursing as well. Most of my courses focused on biopsychosocial issues, mental health and neurophysiology. As well, throughout the Nursing program my interest in women’s mental health has further increased because of various experiences and activities that I have been involved in. More recently, I have been working as a research assistant for Nursing Faculty at Ryerson University. Since September 2004, I have been assisting with their studies which focus on women’s health, psychosocial issues and group interventions.

As for maintaining my own mental health and well being, I practice yoga and meditation to alleviate stress, maintain a calm state of being and promote relaxation! I have also been volunteering since May 2002 as a dancer in a group called the Bhangra Divas! Our group has performed at various social activism events throughout Ontario and in Montreal. The purpose of our dancing is to promote social activism, advocacy and empowerment in areas such as women’s rights.

In the future I hope to provide services in mental health settings that work to advocate and care for young women, women from different populations and/or children.

Warmest regards and looking forward to meeting you at the AGM. ■

Archna Patel, Student Representative BScN Year IV, Ryerson University

The Mental Health Service at St. Michael’s Hospital in downtown Toronto is seeking registered nurses to work with an innovative interdisciplinary team integrating leading edge evidence based advances in mental health care. The Mental Health Service provides a comprehensive range of services for individuals living with severe mental illness in the inner city.

Currently there are great job opportunities in the Psychiatric Emergency Services [PES]. Nurses in PES play an integral role in mental health crisis assessment and intervention, treatment and support, crisis prevention, follow-up, referrals and linkages to community services.

St. Michael’s Hospital realizes that new graduates have unique needs when starting work in an acute care hospital. We understand that many want to practice in a hospital setting yet are diverted to other areas of nursing to avoid feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. Our Mental Health Service offers a unique specialized education / training program and clinical support with the Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Submit your resume to: Joanne Walsh Clinical Leader/Manager, Mental Health Service – PES St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street – Ground Floor Shuter Wing E-Mail: walshj@smh.toronto.on.ca, Tel: 416-864-6060 ext. 6396 Fax: 416-864-5560

NEW GRADUATES AND EXPERIENCED R.N. .....Great Job Opportunities in Psychiatric Emergency Setting in Toronto!!!

MHNIG SUMMER 2005 3

Mental Health Policy: Canadian Collaborative Mental Health InitiativeBy Valerie Grdisa

As President Elect, I look forward to beginning my term as President at the October 1st AGM. On behalf of the MHNIG Executive and its membership, I want to sincerely thank Linda Nasato, Past President for her dedication and commitment to the MHNIG Executive and I want to recognize Tricia Stiles’ transformational leadership during the past 21/2 years as she finishes her term as MHNIG President. I look forward to continued collaboration with both of you on the MHNIG Executive! Also, please consider submitting your name for the open positions on the MHNIG Executive or Satellite Chairs/Representative. If you have any questions related to the President Elect/Newsletter Coordinator position, my contact information is on the back page. I hope to see you at the AGM in North Bay in October! The registration, accommodations and travel information has been provided

I am sharing a letter regarding the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative (CCMHI), a two-year initiative funded by Health Canada’s Primary Health Care Transition Fund. I have no doubt that many of you attended the Ontario consultations. The CCHMI goal includes:

To improve the mental health and well-being of Canadians by enhancing the relationship and improving collaboration among health care providers, consumers, families and caregivers; and improving consumer access to prevention, health promotion, treatment/intervention and rehabilitation services in a primary health care setting.

The key deliverables for this Initiative include:

• A comprehensive national strategy on collaborative mental health care that includes treatment, prevention and health promotion components.

• Easy-to-use models and information tools (e.g. toolkits, guidelines) for clinicians and planners.

• A “Charter” or agreement that commits partner organizations to a set of principles and an approach to collaboration.

• More awareness and appreciation of the benefits of collaboration.

• Collaborative mental health care models that can be adapted to meet the needs of specific populations.

• New training protocols for future practitioners. • A listing of further research priorities (http://www.ccmhi.ca/

en/our/)

The final report is expected at the end of the summer, so please refer to the CCMHI website at www.ccmhi.ca or share your thoughts by e-mail to info@ccmhi.ca. As mental health nurses and members of the CFMHN, we are key stakeholders of the Initiative and integral members of collaborative mental health services. ■

July 11, 2005

Dear Ms. Grdisa

On behalf of the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative (CCMHI), I would like to thank you for assisting us in making the cross-Canada Expert Advisory Forums a great success.

We received thoughtful, honest feedback and excellent advice on the draft Charter from over 200 participants in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Victoria, St. John’s, Quebec City and Val d’Or. Participants represented a wide range of backgrounds and experiences including all professions represented on the CCMHI Steering Committee. Approximately 18% of attendees identified themselves as consumers or family members/caregivers.

On the whole, there was general agreement on the Charter Principles and strong support that the Charter Commitments be specific and actionable to ensure the Principles are implemented.

The focus group facilitators, One World Inc., will be issuing their final report by the end of August, 2005 and you may obtain copies on request.

Sincerely,

Scott Dudgeon Executive Director, CCMHI ■

When Something’s Wrong: Ideas for FamiliesBook Review by Jan Lancaster, RN, BAAN, MHS (c)

A new reference handbook has recently been published by the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF) that is an excellent resource – not only for families but for professionals working in the field of children’s mental health. It was written as a companion handbook to an earlier booklet entitled, When Something’s Wrong: Ideas for Teachers. The handbook was designed to assist parents and caregivers with the strategies they need to cope with children and youth who are experiencing mood, behavioural or thinking difficulties. One of its purposes is to help explain what “normal” behaviour is for a particular stage of development and give parents ideas as to how to manage problematic behaviour in a consistent way. The handbook then assists parents in understanding when it is time to seek outside professional support and gives many additional organizations and resources for further information.

This is not a diagnostic tool, but instead encourages families to work closely with health care practitioners. The many chapters include overviews of anxiety disorders, autism, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, impulse control disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, suicide and Tourette Syndrome. The behavioural characteristics are described in each of these areas along with specific coping strategies, treatments and finally resource information. This is an easy to read, easy to refer to and extremely “user friendly” guide that can be purchased for $20.00 with the proceeds going to CPRF to further their youth project work and their research. You can obtain a copy by contacting CPRF at 416-351-7757 or ordering online at www.cprf.ca. ■

See the CPRF advertisement on page 2 of this newsletter.

4 MHNIG SUMMER 2005

During my four years in undergraduate nursing education, I believed that the placements I had were the most important determinant of becoming a nurse in the field of community mental health and addictions. Though as students we hope for the perfect placement that fits in with our goals and area of practice, it is through our relationships with others that we may also learn lessons important to our practice. In hindsight, it was interactions with mentors in and outside of the profession of nursing that had the greatest influence on my own personal and professional development.

Mentoring is a relationship between an individual with experience who provides guidance, emotional support and knowledge to a protégé with less experience, in order to facilitate the protégé’s movement into the profession of nursing (Johnson, Huwe, & Lucas, 2000; Stewart & Krueger, 1996). This relationship lasts for an extended period of time and requires a considerable commitment by both parties (Stewart & Krueger, 1996). The role of mentorship in nursing is to provide the student with career as well as psychosocial support (Johnson et al., 2000). An important component of the relationship is choice, where the parties join on the basis of common interest, recognition of developing professional competence as well as an interest in the progress and well-being of the student (Andrews & Wallis, 1999). Though their interests may not be identical, mentors and students share enthusiasm for what they value in common and their relationship (Stewart & Krueger, 1996).

Opportunities for mentorship relationships may occur in many different settings with a variety of professionals. In practice-based environments students learn from front-line staff, administrators and nurse educators (Andrews & Wallis, 1999), while in the academic environment students learn from professors. Students may also encounter learning opportunities from nurses while participating in their professional organizations. Each of these learning environments has their own unique set of conditions that surround the student and affect their functioning and learning (Papp, Markkanen, & Von Bonsdorff, 2003). Mentors of nursing students understand the complexities of the differing environments and can facilitate student’s learning (Papp et al., 2003) by providing both the psychosocial support and experiential knowledge to the student (Johnson et al., 2000). Though many of the environments in which nurses practice and learn are uncontrollable, it is the supportive relationship between mentor and protégé that ensures a safe space where the student is able to extract the critical lessons from any experience (Papp et al., 2003). Nursing students are able to discuss and work through their feelings about events as well as devise alternative actions with their mentors. This may promote psychological acceptance of even difficult clinical situations, as students are able to identify important lessons for personal and professional development.

Role modeling is one method by which mentors provide nursing students with invaluable lessons for future practice. Throughout the relationship and its interactions, students are able to listen to mentors as they go through the process of critical thinking and problem solving (Stewart & Krueger, 1996). In their continual pursuit of knowledge, nursing mentors are open to new ideas as well able to recognize when their knowledge is limited and follow-up appropriately (Johnson et al., 2000). Nursing students, especially when engaged in the practice environment,

encounter many difficult interpersonal and ethical dilemmas. It is within the relationship with supportive and caring mentors who role model ethical and professional behaviour, nursing students are able to use problem-solving skills to address even the most adverse clinical and professional situations (Johnson et al., 2000; Stewart & Krueger, 1996).

Mentors have been described as striving for excellence, intelligent, confident in their skills and knowledgeable in their field (Johnson et al., 2000). However, it is not superior knowledge or intelligence that makes an excellent mentor, as just being with a qualified or capable professional does not ensure learning or a positive mentoring relationship (Andrews & Wallis, 1999). Mentors truly inspire learning and a connection with students as they acknowledge that they are as fallible as any human being and are able to communicate this to students (Johnson et al., 2000). Nursing is the type of profession where there is continuous room for growth and development. There are times when both experienced nurses as well as nursing students make mistakes or act in a manner that is less than completely professional. Although mentors strive for excellence and have high standards, exceptional mentors are those who role model both excellence and an acceptance of fallibility (Johnson et al., 2000). Nursing mentors are able to accept their student’s mistakes, as they understand that it is difficult for students to acquire skills and gain the confidence required to act as an independent practitioner (Johnson et al., 2000). It is through a mentor’s ability to maintain a level of humanness through acceptance of students despite their weaknesses and an acceptance fallibility that facilitates a have a healthy concept of the meaning of professional practice (Johnson et al., 2000).

Nursing students identify the role of supporter as an imprtant component of the mentoring role (Andrews & Wallis, 1999). Mentors have key role in helping students achieve their own professional goals (Johnson et al., 2000). Mentors are able to strike the fine balance of providing students with the appropriate amount information and support while affirming their ability to make independent professional decisions (Johnson et al., 2000; Papp et al., 2003). Mentors facilitate the problem solving process by helping students realize their own solutions rather than providing the solutions for students (Papp et al., 2003). It is in this manner that nursing mentors are able to build the confidence of nursing students in their strengths as well as facilitate the process by which nursing students gain their professional identity (Johnson et al., 2000). As students are particularly critical of themselves, nursing mentors acknowledge student efforts as important, even when performance was not ideal (Johnson et al., 2000). It is through positive reinforcement that mentors empower students to make continuous efforts at integrating themselves into the professional environment.

The mentorship relationship is highly valued by students. It is with the deepest gratitude that I thank all mentors and supporters of nursing students, particularly my own, for your commitment to nursing students. It is a mentor’s passion and enthusiasm that empowers nursing students to strive for excellence in individual practice and participation in the profession. It is a mentor’s ability to support, challenge and inspire new nurses that influences practice by passing on an ethic of caring, continuous pursuit of knowledge and dedication to the future. (Please see references, page 11) ■

Mentorship in Nursing: A Student’s Perspectiveby Naomi Mudachi, MHNIG Student Representative

MHNIG SUMMER 2005 5

Winnipeg Conference 2005

Ontario mental health nurses, many of them MHNIG members, attended and presented at the Ideas as Endless...as the Prairie Sky, International Mental Health Nursing Conference on May 26-28, 2005 in Winnipeg, MB. Please review the enclosed letter of thank you from the Manitoba Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses Interest Group. The red and royal blue conference bags sponsored by MHNIG were a hit!

The conference began with a fabulous presentation by Professor Cindy Peternelj-Taylor who identified three themes to Uncovering the Hidden Work of Mental Health Nursing which impact on our professional role development, including i) the diversity of mental health nursing; ii) interdisciplinary collaboration; and iii) professional stigma. Throughout the three marvelous days, presenters from across Canada and beyond provided evidence-based and clinically relevant poster presentations and concurrent educational sessions.

Conference highlights included Stylings by Big Daddy Taz; Big Daddy Taz is a consumer of mental health services and is living with bi-polar disorder and Sisters of the Holy Rock; a nondenominational volunteer group of chorus singers who rocked the house! They have donated over $2-million to local charities since they established the group ten years ago. Also, Jane Burpee who works for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society performed a magnificent play entitled “One in Five”, based on the statistic that 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental health problem at some time in their life. Please read your CFMHN newsletter for a more detailed report.

If you were unable to attend this excellent conference but would like further information regarding the presentations please contact the CFMHN Newsletter Editor and MHNIG Past President, Linda Nasato (see back page).

April 7, 2005

Ms. Linda Nasato

Past President, Mental Health Nurses Interest Group, RNAO

Dear Linda:

Thank you for your sponsorship of the May, 2005 conference which is being planned by the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses.

Your willingness to sponsor the conference at the level of $2000.00 is very much appreciated and will be recognized at the conference. We are planning to highlight the contribution of the RNAO interest group by using the funds to purchase the conference bags and noting on the bags that they are courtesy of your group.

Thanks again. I look forward to seeing you at the conference and meeting many of the nurses from your group.

Yours truly,

Linda Hughes

President, Manitoba PMHNIG ■

Conference Notices

Women’s Mental Health: A Life Span Perspective. September 23, 2005 The Old Mill Inn - Toronto

This program is mounted through the effort of the staff of the Department of Psychiatry, the Mental Health Program, at Humber River Regional Hospital.

For more information, contact: Mary Pistilli, Humber River Regional Hospital 2175 Keele Street, Suite 243AToronto, Ontario M6M 3Z4Tel: 416-658-2067

Custody & Caring. International Conference on the Nurse’s Role in the Criminal Justice System. September 28 - 30, 2005 Delta Bessborough Hotel - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Presented by the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan

In collaboration with the Regional Psychiatric Centre/Regional Headquarters (Prairies), Correctional Service of Canada

Pre-Conference workshop:Partnerships in Prevention: Working with High Risk Youth

For more information, contact: Denise Nowoselski, Conference Coordinator Continuing Nursing Education University of Saskatchewan Box 60000 RPO University Saskatoon, SK S7N 4J8Tel: 306-966-8365; Fax: 306-966-7673E-Mail: nowosel@duke.usask.ca

Standards and Innovations: The Balancing ACT in Ontario. October 5 - 7, 2005 Delta Toronto East - Toronto

Plenary Speakers

• Lisa Dixon MD MPH, Professor, School of Medicine, University of Maryland

• Terry Krupa PhD, Associate Professor and Chair, Occupational Therapy Program School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University

• Mary Seeman MD DSc, Professor Emerita, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto

This conference is intended for all who are involved and interact with Assertive Community Treatment [ACT] programs and any care providers who work in the community. Consumers and family members welcome.

The conference offers plenary speakers and panel presentations. Concurrent workshops provide a range of diverse topics related to everyday activities and issues encountered by ACT team members.

For more information, contact: Allison HoTel: 416-756-6442 E-mail: cme@nygh.on.ca

This conference is organized by the Ontario ACT Association [OAA] and the GTA ACT Network.

6 MHNIG SUMMER 2005

The Pre Adventure

One winter’s day, 2 years ago, a woman opened her mail to read an article in the Mental Health Nursing Interest Group Newsletter. The article tweaked her interest. It was about a new Certificate course in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing being offered by McMaster University, a creditable source. Alas it had been sometime since she had taken any courses other than the day workshops and in-services here and there to improve her nursing practice. She had not even found the motivation to spend the money and make the effort to write the CNA Certification exam for this specialty in nursing. She thought the course sounded interesting and gave it no further attention.

Her children were grown and out working. Her husband and she had worked to give them a University education and wings of their own to fly with. Her husband and she were home alone. Since she had started working full time in 1999, her church volunteer work had taken a back seat to her vocational work as she felt she had no time to make that commitment. She was comfortable with her job as an inpatient staff nurse on a psychiatric unit within a Community Hospital.

One day a friend/colleague at work asked her if she had seen the article and expressed an interest in the course. It sparked the interest in her and as she valued her colleague’s opinion and judgment, this was enough motivation for both of them to apply to take the course. Thank God her work mate/ friend was motivated. They would be taking this course together; a shared experience to support and encourage each other. In spite of the self doubt she became excited and filled with anticipation. When this woman heard that a classmate from her School of Nursing was to be the coordinator of the course, she felt some reassurance.

The Journey Begins

Such anticipation and excitement was in the air of that McMaster Health Sciences room where the nurse candidates were combined with the Oncology certificate candidates. This course was fashioned after the successful Certificate course in Oncology Nursing. The first day had finally arrived. It was a good, affirming and reassuring start as she realized the nurses had similar feelings to her and the intro to Problem Based Learning confirmed there weren’t right or wrong answers but a group effort to collect what was known about a person and what was needed to be known so that a critical appraisal could be made. What were even more reassuring were the articles about being a mature student and adult learner – naming the feelings and pitfalls that were often generic to these people and to this woman in particular – the obsessive nature to their work, striving for excellence and perfection and just feeling so damn slow at everything and never having enough time.

The Journey

The 13 members of the class were welcomed warmly by

the staff of St. Joseph’s Health Services, Mountain Campus. Winnie Doyle, Chief Nursing Officer, led the parade of staff members who received us and welcomed us. The thoughtful gift of a good pen was impressive as it is essential tool for a Psychiatric nurse and student. The class home base became the Board Room and the hospital was most certainly a welcoming environment.

As the course progressed the welcome faded but the hospitality didn’t. The classmates worked, shared, ate, grew and learned in that room. The chairs that we sat in for the 8hrs every Tues. became quite uncomfortable but bearable as we were learning and participating in our learning. The class began to realize that learning was a lifelong journey and by the winter of 2004 when invited to apply, the woman made the decision to continue her education and go for a degree in Nursing. The nurse was gaining confidence in herself as a student and a member of a learning group.

Oh the journey is not without its frustrations. This trip included frustrations with herself; her classmates; battles with the clock – the amount of time spent on reading, researching and doing assignments when working full time; the computer, her research skills and awkward word perfect skills; the students’ accounts office and the University Nursing Program Office; and the course itself in discerning what the expectations of the assignment were and fulfilling these expectations. This trip was self affirming and full of discoveries for the woman and nurse.

During peer feedback, essay and performance evaluations the comments enriched her and her role as a nurse. The discoveries included the importance of hearing the person’s story and their illness beliefs to enhance the person’s treatment and recovery; of the research skills to develop an evidence based nursing practice; of the values nurses embrace within their nursing practice; the discovery of the importance of relationships and connections to other people when instilling hope for a person recovering from an illness; the discovery that it was not how much one knows but the journey and the wisdom a person acquires along the way.

People on the Journey

The nurse trip guides and facilitators were impressive in that even though they are so learned and wise they are genuinely nice people, comfortable people, people that you enjoy being with and sharing the

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Programme: Valedictorian Address by Carol Cooper, RN, 1st Graduating ClassCollaborative Programme by McMaster University & St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

MHNIG SUMMER 2005 7

journey, peers in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing who were on a similar journey of discovery and learning. Please stand, Helen Kirkpatrick, Donna Tweedell, and Dr. Jan Landeen- thanks to each of you for a job well done and for sharing your journey with the class. The class is indebted to you with gratitude. Without your creative energy, support, encouragement, caring, clinical expertise, passionate wisdom and your patience the woman’s journey and that of her classmates would have been lacking in discovery and richness.

There is also a big thank you given to the various tour attractions and operators that were a part of the class’s journey. It might be sounding like the credit list for the production of the Amazing Race: Judi Padunsky, the program secretary, whose influence and liaison work with the university had many challenges and she faced them with such good humour; the Librarian at St. Joe’s, Anne Devries who was always willing and able to give of her time, expertise and paper to aid the students; Cheryl Evans, Clinical Nurse Educator at St. Joe’s who was a great resource person and had such enthusiasm to share of her expertise and teach; Mary Lou Martin, clinical nurse specialist, who facilitated the class members becoming intimate with Best Practice Guidelines and becoming RNAO’s Best Practice Champions; Pat Nashef, Tanya Lysiak-Globe, and Jennifer Dorrsum who brought their passion for the Tidal Model for Mental Health Professionals into the room and shared their clinical experience of this nursing theory/model with the students. Thank you to all including those people whose names did not make it into this story but reside in the thoughts of the classmates. Each one of these people contributed to the success and the landscape of each person’s journey.

A huge part of the woman’s journey and that of her classmates was the support, encouragement and the sacrifice that friends, family, nursing colleagues in the student’s respective workplaces, and each student made for one another. These gifts were often negotiated, asked for, and usually given to allow the student their journey. Their toleration of the changes and diminishment of roles within the family, workplace and classroom allowed each person to meet the demands of being a student. These gifts were remarkable, priceless and freely given. The 9 remaining members of the class, the Graduates, are so ever grateful to one another and to these important people in their lives and fellow travelers on their journey.

GRADUATES PLEASE STAND FACE ONE ANOTHER AND YOUR SUPPORTERS ACKNOWLEDGING THEM WITH ROUSING CHEERS OF THANK YOU.

Aah Lest She Forget

• The value of sharing ju jubes, timbits and laughter that induced tears.

• Resisting self-directed learning, wanting to be told what to do.

• Discovering Nursing Theorists and having the privilege of meeting one and hearing two in person.

• Being lost in the woods and finding the way back was a restful and enjoyable experience.

• Take and make time for yourself amidst the chaos • The power of one to change nursing policy. • The importance of contributions and submissions from

frontline Psychiatric Mental Health nurses for research and dispelling myths

• To appraise how creditable is the resource and always acknowledge where you got your information.

• The Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Model of nursing and caring for the client within the Family context and the Illness Beliefs Model

• Less is more and keeping it simple were repeated throughout the 18 months course.

The End

All endings have new beginnings as each beginning has an ending. The woman is indebted to her 8 members of the first graduating class of the McMaster University Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Certificate Course for sharing themselves and their passion for their craft. Ah the passion for her craft! She leaves this course with a Certificate and yet much much more! She is privileged to see and hear the power of the metaphor in a person’s story. How that power can be transformed, unleashed to alleviate a persons suffering and empower the person to recover.

The self doubt will linger but this journey thru this certificate course has emboldened and empowered the woman, the nurse, with more confidence to take the risks required to challenge the status quo in psychiatric mental health nursing, the medical establishment and the health care system and continue to obtain her BScN. Her spirit for her work has been rekindled and most days she looks forward to work. She looks forward to continuing her journey of life long learning boosted and supported by the people she has met on this part of her journey. The woman, the nurse bids you... FAREWELL. ■

Workshop: Risk Assessment of ViolencePresented by: Dr. Phillip J. Resnick, MD

One of the most important assessments that mental health practitioners must make today is the client’s potential for violence. Different psychiatric disorders and diagnoses carry different levels of risk and history of personality traits and childhood antecedents will provide additional clues as to whether someone will become violent. During this one-day workshop, techniques and procedures will be discussed as will video case examples and case histories of persons who have committed violent acts.

http://www.nursinglinks.ca/frameset_workshops.html

Where? Cost?Toronto, ON On or before Sept. 6th: $191.53 ($179 + GST)October 17, 2005 On or before Sept. 26th: $202.23 ($189 + GST)Hilton Toronto Airport After Sept. 26th: $212.93 ($199 + GST) 5875 Airport Road

8 MHNIG SUMMER 2005

Canadian Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Certification – CPMHN(C)

Congratulations to all the nurses who wrote the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing certification exam on April 2, 2005! Kudos to you for making this commitment to psychiatric/mental health nursing excellence!

For nurses who are interested in acquiring certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing and would like more information, talk with colleagues who are certified or your MHNIG representative. Contact the Canadian Nurses Association for the 2006 Certification Program Application Process at 1-800-361-8404 or review the website at:

http://www.cna-nurses.ca/CNA/nursing/certification/default_e.aspx or e-mail with questions to: certification@cna-aiic.ca

Dr. Hildegarde E. Peplau Award

This award provides an opportunity to a registered nurse to pursue further education in mental health/psychiatric nursing at the master or doctorate level. Congratulations to Celia Li, 2005 recipient who was recognized at the RNFOO Gala with Naomi Mudachi and Valerie Grdisa in attendance.

Celia is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Ottawa. Her long-term career goal is “to help advance the delivery of quality psychiatric and mental health care to persons and families living with mental illness.” Celia is a champion and leader of the implementation of the Tidal Model © of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing at Royal Ottawa Hospital and she plans to “become a strong voice and effective advocate for the vulnerable, stigmatized and marginalized groups of persons in mental health care.”

Jasmine Williams Memorial Award

This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated academic proficiency and nursing practice excellence with a genuine interest in the well-being of the mentally ill. Congratulations to Emily Fung, 2005 recipient who was recognized at the 2004/05 Awards Ceremony on May 26, 2005 with Naomi Mudachi representing MHNIG Executive again.

Emily is entering her 4th year of the BScN program and she shares her interest in the well-being of the mentally ill below:

“Over the past years, I have developed a strong desire to work with individuals suffering from mental illness,

chronic illness, long-term disabilities, or people in palliative conditions. I believe that patients in such circumstances and conditions can find happiness and peace. Many individuals obtain happiness and peace with relative ease, while others struggle with great difficulty. As I near the completion of my nursing degree, I hope to be a catalyst in helping clients’ search/journey for peace, joy and happiness while as a student and in the future as a licensed practitioner.

Over the past years, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals of which I now have a strong commitment to their recovery. For example, the summer prior to entering Ryerson University’s School of Nursing, I had the opportunity to work at a camp for individuals with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. In my most recent experience, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with mental illness and/or those who find themselves homeless. This has been the most rewarding experience – to see them obtain peace and happiness given the circumstance of which they find themselves in and to see them rebuild their lives.”

MHNIG Education Award

Congratulations to Donna Romano and Valerie Grdisia, recipients of the MHNIG Education Award for April 15th application process. Several applications were received for this deadline. A blind review process as described in the policy guidelines occurred. It was difficult to narrow the award to only one recipient as all applicants exceeded the eligibility criteria and were participating in educational activities to advance psychiatric and mental health nursing practice. Therefore, the MHNIG Executive approved funding two recipients for this term.

The next deadline for application of the Education Award is September 15, 2005.

Please refer to the eligibility criteria and submission information provided in the Winter 2005 MHNIG newsletter OR contact Kathy Wong (see back page) or mailing address:

Kathy Wong, MHNIG Education and Membership Officer 30 Bond Street, 17th Floor Cardinal Carter Wing Toronto ON M5B 1W8

Awards & Recognition On behalf of the MHNIG Executive, congratulations to award winners and newly certified MHNIG members!

Please use application formincluded in the Winter 2005 newsletter.

MHNIG SUMMER 2005 9

Please consider joining the MHNIG Executive or Satellite Positions!

2005 MHNIG Open Executive or Satellite Chair/Representatives: (Check one only)

❒ President-Elect/Newsletter Coordinator

❒ Socio-Political Action Officer

❒ Student Representative (1)

❒ Chair/Rep for Satellite 5 ...... (Bruce, Grey, Huronia, Muskoka, Parry Sound, South Simcoe)

❒ Chair/Rep for Satellite 8 ...... (Durham, Certhia, Northumberland, Quints, Victoria)

❒ Chair/Rep for Satellite 9 ...... (Champlain, Grenville, Kingston, Lanark, Seaway)

❒ Chair/Rep for Satellite 12 ... (Dryden, Kenora, Lakehead, Rainy River, Sioux Lookout)

Candidate Information: (please print)

Name: _______________________________________ RNAO Membership # _____________________________

Street: _______________________________________ City: _____________________________________________

Postal Code: _________________________________ Home Phone: ____________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Nominator(s): I nominate the above person for the position of:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The individual has agreed to allow his/her name to stand for the position indicated.

Name: ______________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________

Home Phone: ________________________________

Email address: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Please submit this form by September 16, 2005 to Tricia Stiles, President by fax at 519-823-8682 OR e-mail: tricia.stiles@wd.ccac-ont.ca

NOMINATION FORM 2005

10 MHNIG SUMMER 2005

The Mental Health Nursing Interest Group of Ontario 2005 Conference and Annual General MeetingSaturday, October 1, 2005 • North Bay Psychiatric Hospital • North Bay, Ontario

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet with Mental Health Nurses from across Ontario to share experiences and network, while contributing to the ideas that will shape the directions of the Mental Health Nursing Interest Group of Ontario.

Who should attend: Registered Nurses working in the area of Mental Health/Psychiatry, Registered Nurses working in other areas who are interested in Mental Health, nursing educators and nursing students.

Fees: MHNIG Members & Non-Members – No Charge. All are Welcome

Morning Session

0830 – 0900 Registration

0900 – 0915 Opening Remarks

0915 – 1030 Business Meeting

1030 – 1045 Coffee Break

1045 – 1200 Business Meeting

1200 – 1300 Lunch provided

Afternoon Session

1300 – 1330 Rural Nursing and Mental Health in Northern Ontario – Mary Anne Lamothe, Clinical Coordinator, NBPH

1330 – 1430 Mental Health Outreach – overview of services by the Regional Specialized Outreach Services in the Northeast Region – Various speakers

1430 – 1445 Coffee Break

1445 – 1545 Mental Health Outreach – overview of services by the Regional Specialized Outreach Services in the Northeast Region – continued

1545 – 1600 Closing Remarks

Hosted by: MHNIG, Satellite 11, in partnership with the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital Nursing Resource Centre

Seating is limited - pre-registration is a must to ensure adequate catering.Registration deadline is Thursday, September 15, 2005.

Please Print: ❒ MHNIG Member ❒ Non-Member:

Name:

Title: Organization:

Address: E-mail:

City: Postal Code:

Phone: Ext: Fax:

Return registration form to: Aline Lauzon, Administrative Assistant North Bay Psychiatric Hospital Box 3010 North Bay, ON P1B 8L1For further information: Phone: (705) 474-1205 ext 2010; Fax: (705) 495-7893 E-mail: aline.lauzon@nbph.moh.gov.on.ca

MHNIG SUMMER 2005 11

References (continued from page 4)Andrews, M. & Wallis, M. (1999). Mentorship in nursing: A literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 29(1), 201-207.

Johnson, W.B., Huwe, J.M., & Lucas, J. (2000). Rational Mentoring. Journal of Rational- Emotive & Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 18(1), 39-54.

Papp, I., Markkanen, M., & Von Bonsdorff, M. (2003 Clinical environment as a learning environment: Student nurse’s perceptions concerning clinical learning experiences. Nurse Education Today, 2003 (3), 262-268.

Stewart, B.M. & Krueger, L. E. (1996). An evolutionary concept analysis of mentoring in Nursing. Journal of Professional Nursing, 12(5), 311-321.

MHNIG-AGM AccommodationsLocation booked for MHNIG Executive: Travelodge Airport North BayWeb site: http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/map?brandInfo=TL&pid=09778&MQZoom=8

Travelodge Airport North Bay Group Code: RNAO – 10 rooms blocked (Rate: $112.49 for Queen + pull out OR $122.49 for 2 double beds) 1525 Seymour Street, North Bay ON P1B 8J4 CA Toll Free:1-866-337-9195 Fax: 1-705-495-1540 Phone: 1-705-495-1133

Please contact Travelodge at provided toll free number or fax number by Friday, September 16, 2005 if you plan to use Group Booking rate. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Grdisa (see back page).

Please review this website: http://www.northbayhotels.worldweb.com/ for other accommodations.

Driving Directions

South From Toronto, Take 400 North to Highway #11 going North to North Bay. At the first set of Traffic lights in North Bay, Exit right onto Seymour Street, Turn right at Pioneer Gas Station into our drive way.

West From Sudbury coming from the west once you are in the city Hwy. 11/17 South at the sixth set of lights this put you at the Seymour St. location at this set of lights you will need to turn left onto Seymour St. and at the third driveway turn right and you are here.

East From Ottawa Exit Highway #17 East to Highway #15 at the set of Traffic light Exit right onto Seymour Street, Turn right at Pioneer Gas station into our drive way.

North From Timmins, Take Highway #11 South, we are the first set of lights coming from Timmins. You will pass in front of our hotel so at the lights into the city you will need to turn right and at the third driveway turn right and you are in our driveway.

Jack Garland Airport Stay on Highway - Turn left at the sixth set of lights into the city (set of lights after Northgate Mall) onto Seymour Street. Turn right at Pioneer Gas Station and follow Laneway directly to Hotel

11Nfrom North

Bay

Parking Lot

Pavillion 4

Pavillion 2

K & O

Pavillion 1

Pavillion 3

AdministrationBuilding

Directions to North Bay Psychiatric Hospital from Airport Travelodge North Bay

From Hotel: Take Hwy 11 North to HospitalArrival at Hospital: Park across from bus stop in Pavillion 1. Meeting in Conference room of Pavillion 1.

12 MHNIG SUMMER 2005

#1 Elgin, Essex, Kent, Lambton Steven Holbert 519-631-8510 ext. 49361

#2 Huron, Middlesex, N & S Oxford, Perth Lois Jackson (W) 519-455-5110 ext. 47298 lois.|ackson@sjhc.london.on.ca

#3 Brant, Haldiman-Norfolk, Hamilton, Niagara Joanne Bosnjak (H) 519-449-5999 it.bosniak@sympatico.ca

#4 Halton, Peel, Waterloo, Wellington Cheryl Gustafson (H) 905-639-3128 cherylqustafson@coqeco.ca

#5 Bruce, Grey, Huronia, Muskoka, Parry Sound, OPEN South Simcoe

#6,7 Toronto Angela McNabb (H) 416-686-6282 angela1mcnabb@hotmail.com

#8 Durham, Certhia, Northumberland, Quints, Victoria OPEN

#9 Champlain, Grenville, Kingston, Lanark, Seaway OPEN

#10 Ottawa Andrew Sharpe (W) 613-945-6877 sharpe.acv@forces.gc.ca

#11 Algoma, Kirkland Lake, Nipissing, Northland, Selinah Sogbein Porcupine, Sudbury (W) 705-474-1205 selinah.sogbein@nbph.moh.gov.on.ca

#12 Dryden, Kenora, Lakehead, Rainy River, Sioux Lookout OPEN

MHNIG is an interest group of RNAO and an affiliate of the Canadian Federation of Mental Health Nurses (CFMHN).

1. To provide a forum for communication and the exchange of ideas.

2. a) To promote the health and well-being of people who are at risk of experiencing mental illness and/or emotional distress. b) To promote the development of mental health services that are responsive to the needs and wishes of consumers and the community.

3. a) To collaborate with consumers/survivors and family groups. b) To collaborate and clarify our roles with mental health professionals.

4. To lobby on behalf of mental health nursing for the recognition of, and positive image of mental health nursing.

5. a) To promote the awareness of the practice of mental health nursing. b) To serve as liaison with RNAO and CNA and certification of mental health nurses.

6. To promote professional growth and best practices in changing mental health care trends.

7. To support participation of mental health nurses in education and research.

SUBMISSIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER ARE WELCOME!This newsletter can be your voice. Please share your stories, ideas

and thoughts. Due date for articles for the next newsletter is

January 6, 2006.

Submit items to:Newsletter Coordinator:

Valerie Grdisa167 Glenview Drive, Mississauga,

ON L5G 2N5valerie.grdisa@utoronto.ca

(W) 416-978-1327

PresidentTricia Stiles(W) 519-823-2550 ext. 2206(F) 519-823-8682(H) 519-822-6452tricia.stiles@wd.ccac-ont.ca

Past-PresidentCFMHN Rep.Linda Nasato(H) 905-843-2447linda.nasato@sympatico.ca

President-Elect / Newsletter CoordinatorValerie Grdisa (W) 416-978-1327valerie.grdisa@utoronto.ca

Financial OfficerKatie Ungar(W) 519-434-9666(F) 519-434-9952katie.ungar@sjhc.london.on.ca

Communications OfficerSteven Holbert(W) 519-631-8510 ext. 49361(F) 519-631-2512steven.holbert@sjhc.london.on.ca

Socio-Political Action OfficerHelen Henry(W) 613-722-6521hhenry@rohcq.on.ca

Membership & Education OfficerKathy Wong(W) 416-864-6060 ext. 6418(F) 416-864-5480kwong@smh.toronto.on.ca

Student RepresentativeArchna Patel(H) 905-660-1622archnap@gmail.com

Satellite Chairs/Reps

Vision & Objectives