1. Gerontological Nursing Association Ontario www.gnaontario.org

2. Who are we? The Gerontological Nursing Association Ontario serves a membership of over 1800 Gerontological Nurses in 11 chapters spanning the province of Ontario. Our Mission - To make a positive difference in the lives of older people and the nurses who care for them.

3. We believe that … each older person is unique the ability to function and maintain independence and mastery is essential for older persons sustaining relationships facilitates older persons in coping with health care experiences Gerontological nursing practice is derived from a specific and evolving body of knowledge As gerontological nurses we must advocate on behalf of the older adult

4. What is Gerontological Nursing? It is about Making a difference

5. It is about caring We provide creative, compassionate and individualized care We incorporate the concepts of prevention, rehabilitation and palliation

6. It is about Quality of Life In the community, in hospitals, in long term care We promote optimal health in older persons

7. Each has values, goals, strengths, limitations, rights and responsibilities Each older person influences, and is influenced by societal attitudes, culture, spiritual beliefs and the environment It is about recognizing that each older person is unique

8. It is about maximizing independence We identify strengths, and work to enhance and maintain these We identify limitations and provide support as needed

9. It is about being person-centred We promote mutual goal setting and decision making among older persons, family and nurse We encourage and provide opportunity for the older person to exercise rights and responsibilities

10. It is about respect and dignity We respect the older person’s need for dignity and privacy

11. More About Us The GNA was established in 1974 in Toronto Incorporated in 1979 - non-profit association Governed by our by-laws and board policies We are an affiliate group with the RNAO We are an interest group with the RPNAO Our membership is comprised of RN’s, RPN’s and associate members (students & PSW’s) Our members work in acute care, LTC, community, psychogeriatrics, academia

12. Our Structure Provincial Board – president, president- elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer, membership chair, professional advocacy chair, all chapter presidents Local Chapters - 11 across the province – all with an executive Hold regular meetings and educational events In addition, the annual conference is hosted by chapters on a rotational basis.

13. GNAO and CGNA Effective the 2011-2012 GNA Ontario will form a con-joint relationship with the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA) The voices of Ontario’s gerontological nurses will now be recognized provincially, nationally and internationally. CGNA www.cgna.net

14. GNAO Activities Annual conference Education and research funding grants Standards – statement of philosophy - 6 core standards – reviewed every 5 years Support nurses in achieving their GNC(C) Advocacy - involvement with government, community & partnerships with other nursing associations

15. Perspectives The peer-reviewed journal of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA) Published online four times a year and available to all GNAO members Issues that focus on topics identified as key to gerontological nursing practice We encourage our members to take an active part in submitting items for publication.

16. Gerontological Nursing The Essence of Nursing Caring for the Older Adult is a Privilege, Opportunity, Responsibility Join Us!