The Gerontological Nursing Association

1. www.gnaontario.org The Gerontological Nursing Association

2. Who are we? • The Gerontological Nursing Association of Ontario serves a membership of over 1800 Gerontological Nurses in 11 chapters spanning the province of Ontario. • Our Mission - To advocate for a high standard of nursing care and related health services for older persons and to promote professionalism in gerontological nursing practice through ongoing education, research, and support for members

3. We believe that … • each older person is unique • the ability to function and maintain independence and mastery is essential for older persons • sustaining relationships facilitates older persons in coping with health care experiences • Gerontological nursing practice is derived from a specific and evolving body of knowledge • As gerontological nurses we must advocate on behalf of the older adult

4. What is Gerontological Nursing? It is about Making adifference

5. We provide creative, compassionate and individualized care We incorporate the concepts of prevention, rehabilitation and palliation It is about caring

6. In the community, in hospitals, in long term care We promote optimal health in older persons It is about Quality of Life

7. Each has values, goals, strengths, limitations, rights and responsibilities Each older person influences, and is influenced by societal attitudes, culture, spiritual beliefs and the environment It is about recognizing thateach older person is unique

8. We identify strengths, and work to enhance and maintain these We identify limitations and provide support as needed It is about maximizing independence

9. We promote mutual goal setting and decision making among older persons, family and nurse We encourage and provided opportunity for the older person to exercise rights and responsibilities It is about being person-centred

10. We respect the older person’s need for dignity and privacy It is about respect and dignity

11. More About Us • The GNA was established in 1974 in Toronto • Incorporated in 1979 - non-profit association • Governed by our by-laws and board policies • We are an affiliate group with the RNAO • We are an interest group with the RPNAO • Our membership is comprised of RN’s, RPN’s and associate members (students & PSW’s) • Our members work in acute care, LTC, community, psychogeriatrics, academia

12. Our Structure • Provincial Board – president, president-elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer, membership chair, professional advocacy chair, all chapter presidents • Local Chapters - 11 across the province – all with an executive • Hold regular meetings and educational events • In addition, the annual conference is hosted by chapters on a rotational basis.

13. Effective the 2011-2012 GNA Ontario will form a con-joint relationship with the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA) The voices of Ontario’s gerontological nurses will now be recognized provincially, nationally and internationally. GNA and CGNA CGNA www.cgna.net

14. GNA Activities • Annual conference • Education and research funding grants • Standards – statement of philosophy - 6 core standards – reviewed every 5 years • Support nurses in achieving their GNC(C) • Advocacy - involvement with government, community & partnerships with other nursing associations

15. Peer-reviewed journal of the Gerontological Nursing Association of Ontario Published on-line four times a year (effective in 2011) Issues that focus on topics identified by our members as key to gerontological nursing practice We encourage our members to take an active part in submitting items for publication.  Perspectives

16. Gerontological NursingThe Essence of Nursing Listen, Honour, Respect, Value Caring for the Older Adult is a Privilege, Opportunity, Responsibility Join Us!