Nursing Professional Practice Advisory Council
Bringing RNs and RPNs Closer Together
When a group of Niagara Health System nursing staff and administrators came together six years ago, their goal was to form an advisory council that would improve the professional practice of two types of health care professionals – Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. A better working relationship between RNs and RPNs was needed to improve the work environment and patient care.
From then to now, Nursing Professional Practice Advisory Council (NPPAC) co-chairs Carol McDowell, RPN and Claudia Danyluk, RN, have seen immense improvement in breaking down the walls between the two groups. "We're really seeing a collaborative approach now with our RNs and RPNs working more closely together," the duo says. In fact, the Niagara Health System's successes in the NPPAC's model of bringing the two groups together meant Carol and Claudia were asked to present an update at the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario's 50th Annual General Meeting in April.
From left, Advisory Council Co-Chairs Claudia Danyluk, RN and Carol McDowell, RPN
The past year has been one of significant milestones for the Advisory Council – growth in membership, a new communication and reporting structure, and embarking on a new Strategic Plan for Nursing. In addition, the NPPAC is moving towards an advisory-driven model, one that clearly defines the responsibilities and accountabilities of this council.
"Today's nurses have a responsibility to work to their full scope of practice and our job is to help make that happen," Carol and Claudia say. "One of the key changes occurring on our units is the administering of medications. In the past, this was solely the responsibility of RNs, but the scope of practice for RPNs now includes medications and we are training our RPNs to add that to their work activities."
Of course, problems when change is introduced are to be expected, and one of the roles of the Advisory Council is to provide a forum for RNs and RPNs to be heard and to give input on the best solutions. "We've worked hard to provide a venue where the voices of both are being heard."
Bringing consistency to professional practice is a long road, particularly when there are up to four generations of nurses working together. "Over the years, the education requirements have changed dramatically for both RNs and RPNs, so we have to ensure that our older staff members are confident and have updated training," Claudia and Carol explain. "One example of how RNs and RPNs work differently together is in our Maternal/ Child Unit at St. Catharines General Site. Here, RPNs are responsible for the after-care for mothers when they have delivered their babies. Postpartum care is solely delivered by RPNs, but that is only occurring at St. Catharines General. With the nursing shortage continuing to be a concern, it is important that we are using our staff's abilities to their fullest to deliver the care our patients need."
The list of areas the Advisory Council works on is lengthy – everything from inter-professional relationships and policies/procedures/ protocols/clinical guidelines to patient safety and professional standards makes it on the agenda for discussion and planning at monthly meetings.
"We've found that the additional learning our nurses are undergoing is giving them more job satisfaction and ultimately improved care at the bedside, where it really counts," Carol and Claudia say.
