Anne Simmonds, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; Leeanne Lauzon, RN MSc PNC(C), Perinatal Nurse Consultant, Reproductive Care Program of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS; Karen MacKinnon, RN MScN PhD, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC; and Pertice Moffitt, RN PhD, Manager/Instructor, Health Research Programs, North Slave Research Centre, Aurora Research Institute, Yellowknife, NT

Session Description:

Nurses who care for childbearing families in Canada’s rural, remote and northern communities practice in a unique environment influenced by geography, population health needs and more limited access to resources. This interactive workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss current and emerging issues, share experiences of working with childbearing families in small communities, and build networks that support excellence in nursing practice, research, and education for rural, remote and northern communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine current and emerging issues in providing nursing care to childbearing families in rural, remote and indigenous communities.
• Explore strategies to enhance nurses’ competence and confidence in this care environment, and improve outcomes for families.
• Provide opportunities for networking among CAPWHN members interested in exploring issues related to nursing practice, research and education within these communities.

NOTE: A joint lunch with workshop 1 participants will be provided from 1300 to 1400, followed by the session from 1400 to 1830.