Global Perspectives, Local Impact

Four BCNU members recently returned from an inspiring journey to the National Nursing Forum in Cairns, Australia. Hosted by the Australian College of Nursing, this unique opportunity allowed them to connect with global peers, exchange ideas, and bring fresh perspectives back to British Columbia.

For members Awnie Lui, Cara Visagie, Gerrie Miller and Laura Cardwell, it was more than just a professional event — the conference was an eye-opening experience that reaffirmed their passion for nursing and commitment to patient care.

To be eligible to win one of four spots to attend, including one dedicated seat for an Indigenous member, all BCNU members were invited via eNews to submit a written expression of interest. Those who met the criteria were entered into a random draw, giving everyone an equal chance to participate.

“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity by BCNU to attend the forum,” said BCNU North East region member Cara Visagie. “The conference theme, 'Regenerate, Reinvigorate, and Reclaim—Sustainable Solutions for our Future,' inspired attendees like me with ideas on how to take action to improve our health-care system.”

Conference discussions focused on minimum nurse-to-patient ratios as a proven way to enhance patient safety, boost nurse morale, and reduce burnout. These ratios are already legislated in parts of Australia. While ratios are having a positive impact on patient outcomes in that country, nurses still experience recruitment and retention challenges echoing those in BC. To address these issues, conference participants explored ways of supporting the “next gen” of new graduate nurses. In particular, the conference identified the importance of paid student placements and mentorship for helping new graduates transition into practice, a concept BCNU has championed in BC.

BCNU East Kootenay region member Laura Cardwell praised the focus on mentorship, recognizing it as a vital foundation for supporting and guiding new nurses.

'Next gen' nurses are a large part of the proposed solution,” said Cardwell. “I spoke with several student nurses who told me about recently implemented paid student placements and a well-established internship-type transition to practice model. My impression is that new graduates are well-supported in this transition time in Australia.”

Presentations also highlighted Australian nurses’ community advocacy for a more sustainable system to support remote and rural nursing careers. Their advocacy resonates with BCNU’s ongoing calls for increased support for nurses working in BC’s rural and remote areas. With limited resources and ongoing staffing shortages, BCNU has called for systemic changes to ensure these communities are equipped with the necessary tools and nfrastructure to deliver quality care.

These calls recently bore fruit, as BCNU secured a provincial investment of $169.5 million in one-time funding to tackle specific staffing challenges in rural communities and to fill hard-to-staff vacancies in urban and metropolitan areas.

“The issues nurses raised at the Australian Forum sounded so familiar to me, given our remote populations and our lack of resources to manage these environments,” shared BCNU Pacific Rim region member Gerrie Miller. “We discussed at length a systemic review of rural and remote communities and what needs to be accomplished to influence change.”

Looking ahead, the conference pivoted to the digital innovations in health care that are transforming the way patients receive care and how providers deliver it. Advances in telemedicine, electronic health records and mobile apps allow efficient communication between patients and clinicians and increase access to care, especially in remote areas. These digital tools streamline workflows, making health care more accessible, accurate and responsive.

“The presentations on critical issues like digital innovations in health care and their potential to transform patient care were enriching,” shared BCNU Richmond Vancouver region member Awnie Lui. “I was particularly inspired by the focus on improving health-care access, especially in rural areas, through tools like telehealth, QR codes for best practices, and AI-driven documentation.”

The parting message of the conference was that empathy and caring are the foundational strengths of the nursing profession. The experience validated the shared challenges and privileges nurses face, and the power nurses hold as advocates for the profession and patients. As Lui, Visagie, Miller and Cardwell returned home, ready to resume their roles, they bring with them new knowledge and insights as well as lasting connections made in Cairns.s

UPDATE (Winter 2024)