CJCCN, Volume 25, Number 4, Winter 2014

As the days grow shorter and a chill is in the air, Canadians begin bracing for our celebrated winter season. CACCN heralded in the changing season with yet another successful fall celebration of Canadian critical care nursing in September. More than 380 nurses from coast to coast, and beyond our borders gathered in beautiful Québec City for Dynamics 2014: Speaking from Experience: Integrating Excellence as a Culture, which was set against the splendour and history of Québec City,

CJCCN, Volume 25, Number 3, Fall 2014

With the changing of the weather outside it seems fitting that our thoughts drift towards preparing for fall. Of course, with the renewal of the seasons we are faced with the realignment, reprioritizing and revitalizing of our lifestyles, responsibilities and even our priorities.

CJCCN, Volume 25, Number 2, Summer 2014

It is with much excitement I begin my term as president of our association. The health care environment in Canada is shifting and changing all around us. The Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses is prepared and positioned to meet the challenges that will come. We have successfully created a space amongst all the other voices and are heard above the din. We found our voice, we speak from our convictions and we are poised to influence the future of critical care in Canada.

CJCCN, Volume 25, Number 1, Spring 2014

It is with mixed feelings that I sit down to write this, my last, critical thinking column. It is hard to believe that my time leading this organization has come to a close. Two years ago I chose the theme Speak with Conviction, as I believed that critical care nurses must speak with conviction and have a united voice to ensure that our critically ill patients receive the best care possible. As care providers we are influential in driving evidence-based services across units,

CJCCN, Volume 24, Number 4, Winter 2013

Having returned from attending another successful Dynamics in Halifax, I find my passion for critical care nursing rejuvenated. I was fortunate to speak and network with many of you at the conference. Some may recall I spoke of the benefits of belonging to a professional organization. I believe that belonging and contributing to a community of practice with other nurses is one of those benefits. I have been frequently asked how I have continued my practice in critical care for so many years and how I have managed not to burn out.

CJCCN, Volume 24, Number 3, Fall 2013

As we move from summer to fall, I have been reflecting on the importance of the relationships and connections we make as critical care nurses. Dynamics is always a wonderful venue to catch up with friends and colleagues past and present and introduce yourself to friends and colleagues of the future. This year’s Dynamics will be a bit bittersweet, as it will be my last as president of CACCN. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the army of volunteers who have helped to make each Dynamics a success.

CJCCN, Volume 24, Number 2, Summer 2013

I would like to share the activities of the national board this past year. As I begin my second year, our theme, “Speak with Conviction”, continues to underpin my commitment to leading our organization into this the last year of my term. Speaking with Conviction necessitates that critical care nurses readily share their knowledge and embrace the responsibility of making our unique perspective available to the health care community.

CJCCN, Volume 24, Number 1, Spring 2013

As the end of my first year as president is drawing near, I am amazed at how quickly the year has passed. The Spring Board of Directors meeting is upon us and we will welcome two new members to the board. These members may be new to the Board of Directors, but are certainly not new to the association, as they are both longtime members and supporters of CACCN. Along with the current Board of Directors I am delighted to welcome Marie Edwards,

CJCCN, Volume 23, Number 4, Winter 2012

Dynamics of Critical Care 2012 in Vancouver welcomed 454 critical care nurses from September 23 to 25, 2012. As a result of the conference, I am happy on behalf of CACCN to welcome approximately 200 new members to our Association. For those who attended Dynamics 2012, you may remember from my opening address that I acknowledged how
present and previous National Board of Directors and Chapter President involvement in CACCN has made it the strong organization that it is today.

CJCCN, Volume 23, Number 3, Fall 2012

CACCN is busy preparing for Dynamics of Critical Care 2012 in Vancouver, B.C. This year’s conference theme, “Voices of Conviction from Sea to Sky: Speak Up, Speak Out, Be Heard” is extended from our national theme, “Speak with Conviction”. The robust academic program offered at Dynamics 2012 is full of exceptional projects and activities where critical care nurses are speaking with conviction about the provision of evidence-based patient focused care.