her own words What is the function of the Regis- tered Nurses Association? ‘“‘The association has a number of man- dates such as licensing nurses to practise nursing. Ancther concern is about public protection — we, ensure that nurses give competent care. The association, on behalf of nurses, plays a major role. as advocate for patients, families and . communities in helping redefine how the health-care system can better meet the needs of the popu- ':Jation. The RNABC also takes positions on. issues like termi- nally-ill patients who want to re- main in the home but can’t afford to. And it also addresses the needs of nurses.”’ . . Statistics show that poor people ‘die. earlier and suffer more disabilities than people with higher -Incomes. Whai’s the RNABC’s position on this? ‘“‘That the eco- nomic needs of the individual must. be addressed. A high per- ‘ centage of single moms heading families have-an annual income below the poverty level. They're hot getting enough from welfare and that. is putting them at risk -for things like malnutrition, inad- equate shelte?. The RNABC feels individuals, families and the community need to be better - -educated about what they can do INGE SCHAMBORZKI meets with the board _ ‘MEWS photo Neil incente of the Registered Nurses Association of B.C. Schamborzki belleves we need to take a fresh approach to improving the quality of health care. to take greater responsiblity for health.” In wheat areas do nurses watt greater say? ‘They want greater -say-in the community and in the schools where they can inform young people about health issues. . They want more,.say in hospitais. Nurses perceive that ic many set- tings, organizations are not set up ‘so they can havea direct say on how hospital funds can be spent more effectively. They also need more say on how decisions are be- ing made for patients, That’s not to suggest doctors aren’t doing a good job, but part of it is up to nurses to explain why we ought to have that say.’” ° What can you tell. me about the “burnout’’ factor: among nurses? ’ “Burnout to me reflects a nurse’s frustration. and sense of -heiplessness:'when they feel they ‘ean’t chafige things in their set- ting. When nurses feel that over a period of time some of them describe feeling burned-out, expe- tience depression, apathy. What they need is a break, or they need to change their work setting. We (RNABC) support those individu- als and work with them.”* Sunday, October 6, 1991 - Nerth Shore News - 35 More men and women are joming nursing each year From page 34 home-care nursing. Right now, 70% of B.C.’'s nurses’ work ‘in hospital settings, but Schamborzki believes that will change. That means nurses must be given greater say and more re- sponsibility. “Right now people go to emergency departments, to their doctors, because there’s nowhere else in the community to go. But that gets very expensive. What we need is more community facilities manned by nurses.”” . Schamborzki is particularly concerned about the plight of the mentally ill, who are being discharged into communities that are ill-equipped to provide them with the necessary support. “We perceive there are more of these people needing care. If the support is not there (in the com- munity) they end up in (hospital) emergency rooms, and if support can’t be found there, they wind up back in acute care beds. It’s like a revolving door.’’ These are some of the - issues that Schamborzki and the RNABC have addressed in their paper, New Directions for Health Care, comprehensive reforms to the health care system which is now in the hands of the Royal Commission on Health Care. Changing an institution like health care isn’t without problems, and it won’t happen quickly. There are other dif- ficulties that stand in the way of progress, such as ongoing cut- backs to nursing. : Schamborzki points out «that hospital nursing positions have been slashed significantly in the last year. — “Now there are virtually no nursing vacancies in B.C., _par- ticularly the Lower Mainland. Graduating nurses are having a tougher time. In some cases, up to 12 people are applying for one position.” - co, And the cutbacks, she says, have made recruitment tougher... . Schamborzki. can't...deny . that nursing is a demanding career. And she is often asked. why anyone would want to become a_ nurse, oe -The rewards to be found: in helping people is the answer she most often gives. Despite the Stress and rigors of shift’ work, more and more men and. women are joining the profession every year: oy : Lonsdale Quay Market is che natural place to pick up all the fixings for your delicious holiday dinner. What better place to start than KRW Turkey? Brand new at the Market, they have lots of big, juicy, ’ to choose from. To order by phone call 987-7775. - ; You'll find our popular vegetable stands are chock-a-block with ‘everything you'll need for those succulent side dishes. And to top off a great meal, may we suggest a scrumptious pumpkin pie from the Acme Pie Co? They're located across from the Infor mation Desk. For phone orders call 984-2984. fresh turkeys (and turkey roasts) One last item: Lonsdale Quay Market is open on Thanksgiving 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. , as Have a lovely holiday. — Two hours free parking underground, or welll give you a Market dollar when you park at nearby Inpark lots and the ICBC parkade (sce the Information Desk for detaiis). Or call us at 985-6261. Open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Friday ‘til 9:00 p.m. Restaurants open after Market closing.