Human Right And Equity Q & A
Young nurses and nurses in the early years of their careers often face some unique challenges. But sometimes younger nurses' issues can get overlooked in a profession where members' average age is close to 50. It is this reality that led to the creation of the BCNU Young Nurses' Network (YNN). The group creates as space that allows young nurses and nursing students (age 35 and younger) to meet socially, share experiences, address issues of concern and get more involved in BCNU.
Sarra Fedick currently serves as YNN provincial chair. She graduated from the Thompson Rivers University Registered Nurse program in 2015 and landed her first nursing job at Penticton Regional Hospital. Fedick then relocated to Tumbler Ridge and eventually Fort St. John, where she currently works in the hospital's busy birthing centre.
Update Magazine recently sat down with Fedick to tell us more about what the YNN has been up to during the past year, and what the group hopes to accomplish in the coming months.
UPDATE How, why and when did you get involved with the YNN?
Fedick I was a BCNU student rep while attending TRU. I really learned a lot about the importance of unions from our regional chair Tracy Quewezance. I was also fortunate to attend several conventions while still a student.
Then, after moving to Fort St. John, I became the North East's YNN rep. In early 2017, I was elected as the YNN's provincial chair.
I decided to get involved with the YNN for a number of reasons. First, both my parents are union members, so I've always known the important role unions play in the workplace. Second, I've always had a bit of a social conscience, volunteering at a children's hospital in Guatemala when I was 16, and volunteering in Ecuador at 19. Finally, I wanted to make sure all new nurses get the support they need and deserve at the beginning of their careers. The YNN helps achieve that goal.
UPDATE How does the YNN improve the lives and working conditions of young nurses?
Fedick We help young nurses, age 35 and younger, connect with each other and with our union. We support them in the early stages of their careers, and that's important because research shows about 50 percent of new nurses quit the profession within the first five years. So we talk with young members who are thinking of quitting. We try to help them find a way to remain in the profession, perhaps by changing positions or working with a mentor.
UPDATE How often does your group meet and what do you discuss?
Fedick Our provincial group holds three meetings per year, twice at the BCNU office and once at convention. The provincial group is made up of representatives from each region, although a few regions still need to find reps.
Our three annual meetings are a great way for the regional reps to get together and learn what is and isn't working in different parts of the province.
Our provincial reps organize regional events throughout the year. It's a great time for young nurses to meet, share experiences, discuss common concerns and talk about issues such as understanding the collective agreement and what services BCNU offers.
For example, to help with work-life balance, some regions organize hikes, spin classes or bowling nights: anything that is fun and is outside the hospital. Those events also provide a perfect opportunity for young nurses to discuss common issues of concern.
UPDATE What are some of the projects your group is working on at the moment?
Fedick We're currently trying to organize a series of workshops that will help new nurses learn about some of the financial and contract issues that affect them.
There's a lot to learn when you go from being a university student living with your parents to becoming a new nurse living in the big, bad world.
We'd like the workshops to be similar to the current pension seminars, which are very popular with BCNU members. We'd like it to focus on lots of the little tricky things most young nurses don't know about at the start of their careers, such as rural signing bonuses, buying back maternity leaves, and student loan forgiveness programs.
UPDATE Why is it important for new nurses to get involved in the Young Nurses' Network?
Fedick The YNN provides a really great opportunity to learn more about all the things our union provides to members. It's also an easy way for young nurses to explore the possibility of becoming a steward, or joining one of BCNU's other human rights and equity caucuses.
Also, many new nurses get thrown into potentially dangerous situations shortly after they are first hired. It's not uncommon for a recent grad to be put in charge of a whole floor of patients. Or they may get constantly called in for overtime. They often don't get the support they need. They feel like they're drowning. That's when they need to contact the Young Nurses' Network. •
If you're interested in joining the YNN please contact the chair at ynn@bcnu.org, or check out the Young Nurses' Network Facebook group. You can also contact Hanif Karim, BCNU human rights, equity and health policy officer.
UPDATE (July - August 2018)