A Holiday Message to our Members

We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake.

On behalf of your provincial councillors and staff members at AARN, we wish registered nurses across Alberta and around the world the warmth and love of good friends and family this holiday season. We appreciate your professional commitment and dedication to those who benefit from your skilled and compassionate care throughout the year.

We know that most of you will be working throughout the holidays and are not immune to the holiday madness. Wc sigh as we wonder how we are going to "get it all done." The additional stress that often accompanies the holiday season may cause you to question the common phrase, "Happy Holidays!" Scheduling time off requests and setting a budget for gifts are only a few of these seasonal stress factors. Patients under your care may become increasingly depressed by the thought of spending the holidays in the hospital or in long-term care.

We hope you will make time to spend with family, friends, and colleagues. Take a moment or two to feel the joy and love that only a gathering of close family and friends can bring. We encourage you to remember the special perspective all nurses enjoy-during this season of giving, you share your gift of skilled and knowledgeable nursing care. You offer your gifts freely and without prejudice to all who need it, demonstrating a dedication to helping those in need, giving hope to those in despair and spreading peace and understanding.

The Alberta Association of Registered Nurses looks forward to working with you, other health-care professionals and the public in the year ahead. We are committed to building on the trust earned by the profession of registered nursing to ensure Albertans continue to receive safe, competent and ethical nursing care. Together, we can offer truly meaningful gifts valued by all Albertans - health, well-being and compassionate care.

JEANNE BESNER, RN, PhD

E-mail: aarn.president@calgaryhealthregion.ca

Phone: 403.943.0181 [office]

DONNA HUTTON, RN, M.Ed.

E-mail: dbutton@nurses.ab.ca

Phone: 1.800.252.9392 ext 509

Copyright Alberta Association of Registered Nurses Dec 2004
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