RNAO A Welcome to Ontario’s Nursing Students

 College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO): Governing body for 156,000 RNs, RPNs and Nurse Practitioners (NP) in Ontario  Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA): Union representing 60,000 RNs and allied health professionals working throughout Ontario Three Nursing Organizations for RNs in Ontario:

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO): The professional association representing RNs in the province of Ontario 41,000+ members Influence and action Communications and outreach Self-development Networking Financial assistance for education Opportunities to get involved Legal protection for RNs

What does RNAO have for Students? So…

 Nursing workforce & scope of practice  Retaining and hiring additional RNs  Hiring 9,000 additional RNs by 2015  Ensuring 70% of all nurses work full- time  Ensuring all existing NP-led clinics are funded to operate at full capacity Influence that Strengthens Ontario Nursing

“RNAO is a strong voice that works for change”  Meeting with high-ranking politicians  Provincial election  Social determinants of health  Fighting to decrease toxins and carcinogens  Strengthening Medicare Within Health Care at Large:

Communications and Outreach “Empowering the profession”  Action Alerts  Recruitment and retention of nurses  RNAO Recognition Awards & RNAO Media Awards   Registered Nurse Journal

 Raising the profile of RNs  Nursing Week campaigns  RNs as media contacts  Media releases; letters to the editor  Provides a nursing perspective Speaking to the Public

Self-Development Information for Emerging Professionals:  Conferences and workshops  Nursing Best Practice Guidelines  Interest groups  Knowledge of the profession

 Careers In Nursing: careersinnursing.ca  Permanent Education Fund  Discounts on RNAO events  Career Fairs  Leadership skills development  Career Services Help with Your Career and Finances!

Networking Opportunities With RNAO members and nursing professionals  RNs from a multitude of fields  Interest Groups  Local RNAO Chapters  Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO)‏

Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO)‏  Student wing of RNAO  Automatic and free membership  Ensures the future strength of the nursing profession  Educational and social events

RNAO Embraces Nursing Students  In Chapters and Interest Groups  At colleges and universities  At RNAO events  At RNAO Home Office  Through the Student of Distinction Award

Getting Involved Makes Membership Even Better  Board Committees  Chapters and Interest Groups  Student Liaisons  Nursing Week  Political action  Get published

“Speaking out for nursing. Speaking out for health.”

Undergraduate Nursing Student Membership “A taste of your professional association”  Fee of only $21.60  Student membership welcome package  Commitment to professionalism  Jumpstart your career, as a student

How to Sign Up for RNAO Membership  S ee me after the presentation for a membership form or download one from  Use the on-line registration at Then check out the rest of the RNAO site.  Call RNAO Home Office at or toll-free at

Thank You for Your Interest in RNAO! Contact RNAO Phone: Toll-free: Fax: Web: