The Gerontological Nursing Association

www.gnaontario.org

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

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

What is Gerontological Nursing?

It is about Making a difference

It is about caring

We provide creative, compassionate and individualized care

We incorporate the concepts of prevention, rehabilitation and palliation

It is about Quality of Life

In the community, in hospitals, in long term care

We promote optimal health in older persons

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

It is about maximizing independence

We identify strengths, and work to enhance and maintain these

We identify limitations and provide support as needed

It is about being person-centred

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 respect and dignity

We respect the older person’s need for dignity and privacy

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

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.

GNA and CGNA

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.

CGNA

www.cgna.net

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

Perspectives

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. 

Gerontological NursingThe Essence of Nursing

Caring for the Older Adult is a

Privilege, Opportunity, Responsibility

Join Us!