W E D N E S D AY, J U LY 13 , 2 016
CARNA commemorates Centennial Anniversary
(left to right) EdWieclaw,Community Board Member of St.Joseph’s Hospital Covenant Health, Anthony Brannen, Administrator for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sharon Popowich, RN, Katelyn Evans, RN, Nadeth Palmer, RN, Jeanne Hare, Provincial Councillor for CARNA, Laura Barber, RN, Memory Chimbase, RN, Cindy Mulherin, Senior Director of Operation for Rural Acute Care for Covenant Health. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Rosanne Fortier College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) abide by standards and requirements to make sure that Albertans receive safe and ethical registered nursing care. On July 5, CARNA visited St. Joseph’s Hospital as part of their tour which launched in May and is now half-way through to 33 hospitals in Alberta to celebrate 100 years of registered nurses in Alberta in 2016 with speeches, a historical display which included nursing artifacts, photos and an interactive digital media centre that explains the history from past eras till recent times. Jeannie Hare, Northeast Region Provincial Councillor for CARNA presented her address then where she said that RNs are the largest group of health professionals in Alberta with approximately 37,747 RNs. “Registered nurses are leaders who are dedicated to improv-
ing the health of Alberta communities like yours.” Cindy Mulherin, Senior Director of Operations for Rural Acute Care for Covenant Health brought greetings on behalf of Covenant Health. “I want to congratulate CARNA on their centenary and to also recognize our RNs in Vegreville and area and the 100 years of exemplary care and service to Albertans. Covenant Health also has a history of providing quality care in Alberta. Health Care in Alberta was founded by the sisters who traveled across the prairies caring for the sick and vulnerable. Nursing was at the core of the sisters and this continues to shape how we understand, deliver and shape healthcare in our province and across the country. Nurses improve outcomes and the quality of life for our patients, residents and families and nursing plays a vital role in reducing hospital infections, reducing
hospital stays and managing wait times. Registered Nurses will help us in Covenant Health achieve our vision of transferring health care and creating vibrant communities of health and healing throughout Alberta. To the RNs in St. Joseph’s Hospital and surrounding communities, we want to congratulate you on the outstanding work and professionalism you bring to your work every day.” Hare also provided the history of nursing. “Vegreville’s hospital history began with the Rolland M. Boswell Hospital (1906-1937) established by the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church. In 1911, construction on a larger, more modern hospital was undertaken and Vegreville’s second hospital was established and staffed by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Evron. The School of Nursing operating as a vital part of the Vegreville General
Hospital, later renamed St. Joseph’s General Hospital, was established in 1915 and continued until the last class graduated in 1971. “Vegreville’s students received several items unique to their school which included a class ring, lapel pin, cap and blue and red wool cape originally with ‘VGH,’ then ‘StJGH,’ embroidered on its collar. “RNs in Vegreville, and in all parts of Alberta have been a big part of Alberta’s history, walking beside Albertans, step by step, in good times, and in challenging times (examples are the Slave Lake Fire and the Fort Mac fire). “The past century has been 100 years of accelerating change. From mudsoaked treks into the largely rural pioneer landscape of Alberta in 1916 to provide some of the only health services
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