SASKATCHEWAN NURSE NOMINATED TO NATIONAL POSITION

Congratulations to Dr. Marlene Smadu for her nomination to President-elect of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). Smadu is currently the Associate Dean, Regina site of the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan.

As President-elect, Smadu brings a depth of clinical experience in medical, surgical, emergency and community nursing, as well as leadership experience, to her new position. She is Vice-chair of the Quality Council. Smadu has also served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Saskatchewan Health, Saskatchewan's principal nursing advisor, and Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association.

"Dr. Smadu represents the excellence and dedication of nurses in this province, and I commend her on her national honour," Health Minister John Nilson said. "As we recognize her achievement, we also recognize the commitment of all our nurses who offer their expertise and compassionate care to the people of Saskatchewan."

"I am honoured to assume the position of President-elect of CNA, an organization that strongly advocates for a publicly-funded, not-for-profit health system based on primary health care, and a vibrant nursing workforce to sustain this highly-valued system," Dr. Marlene Smadu said. "My experience as a nurse and educator in Saskatchewan and my work with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association and the Department of Health provide me a rich background for assuming this role with CNA."

Dr. Smadu's nomination builds on a strong foundation of commitment to nursing care in Saskatchewan. As outlined in the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, released in 2001, the provincial government is strongly committed to keeping and attracting nurses. Highlights include:

· Since 1999, the number of funded seats in the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) has increased from 180 to 300, an increase of more than 65 per cent.

· Amended regulations this spring that will enable registered nurse–nurse practitioners to practice to the full scope of their license, a move furthering the government's strategy to improve Saskatchewan residents' access to basic front-line health care.

· In 2004/05, targeted more than 220 new bursaries to Saskatchewan students studying to be registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered nurse-nurse practitioners, and those wishing to re-enter nursing. As well, a bursary will be offered to seven nurses in graduate studies who agree to teach at one of Saskatchewan's post-secondary educational institutions upon graduation.

· Established a Provincial Nursing Council in 2000. Since its establishment, a total of $860,000 has been provided for projects related to quality workplaces and retention of nursing students.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083