For Collette White, attending her first CFNU Biennial Convention was nothing short of transformative. Although she had participated in several provincial conventions in Newfoundland and Labrador, stepping into a national gathering of nurses was an entirely different experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was empowering just to be in a room filled with nurses from across the country who all face similar struggles,\u201d she said. \u201cThe energy\u2014even just getting up in the morning to wave signs\u2014was incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Collette was particularly moved by the opening session focused on Indigenous equity and reconciliation. The personal stories and calls to action resonated deeply.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt brought feelings of sadness, shame, and injustice\u2014but also a strong sense that we need to do better,\u201d she said. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be part of the problem. You want to be part of the solution.\u201d<\/p>\n
In her rural practice, these conversations hit home. She reflected on the need for cultural inclusion\u2014not just in policy, but in everyday patient care. She also saw parallels between the experiences of internationally educated nurses and Indigenous Peoples, especially in terms of belonging and respect.<\/p>\n
Workshops on emotional intelligence and climate change also left a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing more self-aware and learning how to regulate yourself\u2014it\u2019s not just helpful at work, it\u2019s something that affects how we relate to our families too,\u201d she said. \u201cWe often bring work stress home, and this session really helped me reflect on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
As someone working in rural Newfoundland, Collette also highlighted the importance of mentorship and support for new nurses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to invest in mentorship. If new grads had a seasoned nurse to work with for a year or two, they\u2019d be more likely to stay in rural areas. Right now, they\u2019re often handed the keys and told, \u2018You\u2019re in charge.\u2019 It\u2019s overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her candid account also touched on the realities of working in small communities, where boundaries between personal and professional life often blur.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople show up at your door, send messages at night, even approach you at funerals. It never stops,\u201d she said. \u201cYou isolate yourself to cope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite those challenges, Collette remains hopeful. She sees CFNU\u2019s work on recruitment, retention, and violence in the workplace as crucial, especially the impassioned calls to action from union leaders like Janet Hazelton.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat moment really struck me\u2014when she said nurses shouldn\u2019t have to decide whether to press charges after being assaulted at work. That should be the justice system\u2019s job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Collette volunteered as a marshal during the Elbows Up rally and says she\u2019s excited to share her experience back home with her branch.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just so thankful for the opportunity,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s an experience I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n
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For Collette White, attending her first CFNU Biennial Convention was nothing short of transformative. Although she had participated in several provincial conventions in Newfoundland and Labrador, stepping into a national gathering of nurses was an entirely different experience. \u201cIt was empowering just to be in a room filled with nurses from across the country who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1345,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[53,70,105,106],"class_list":["post-1344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rnu-in-action","tag-biennial-convention","tag-cfnu","tag-all-in","tag-106"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n