I was honoured to be asked to be the closing motivational speaker at the Every Nurse Symposium at MacEwan University on February 1.
This was my chance as a patient, and as the mom of a pediatric patient, to say thank you to nurses. I also took the opportunity to share how nurses make a difference to families: it is through the kindness, the gentle words, the gesture, the warm blanket.
The presentation felt like a love letter to nurses. It was a joy to write and deliver…
I had a new writing and photography feature published in CARE magazine, about the nursing program at Northern Lakes College. I so enjoyed my time up north, visiting Slave Lake, High Prairie, Valleyview and Grande Prairie. I experienced such warm hospitality and was impressed by the nurses’ passion to bring education to the people in rural and remote areas.
I recently resigned from my contract as Consultant, Family Centred Care from the Stollery Children’s Hospital. On Thursday, these gorgeous flowers appeared at my door, along with a beautiful card, with handwritten thoughts from a number of families and staff.
It reminded me that there’s leaving and then there’s good leaving.
And as a dear friend said to me:
Pay attention to what is going on around you; it will lead you to where you need to be.
My Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management from Royal Roads University appeared in the mail today. It was 8 months of hard work and one particularly challenging residency. But it is done – hurrah!
There’s been musical chairs in my world on the Internet. This website, http://www.suerobins.com is now my personal professional website for freelance writing, speaking and consulting.
Bird Communications has evolved into a crackerjack collection of health communications freelance professionals, nurtured by me and my partner, Mike Waddingham. Bird is also on Twitter @birdcomm.
I still eat and travel at Foodie Suz Travels. And for those looking for my old food blog? Foodie Suz is here.
Confused? Email me and we’ll sort it out: sue@birdcommunications.ca.
my bird communications business:
www.birdcommunications.ca
travel & eat: www.foodiesuztravels.wordpress.com
I am doing a lot of corporate writing, so I’m very happy to keep my finger in the freelance writing world. I just had an article and photographs published in the CLPNA’s CARE magazine, called Transforming Care (page 9).
This piece is about an initiative that is expanding the role of the LPNs at the Medicine Units at the University of Alberta Hospital. What really struck me when I came in to take photos and conduct the interviews was the sense of teamwork within the nursing group and the pride of accomplishment from all members for the LPNs’ new role. It was heartening to see such camaraderie on a nursing unit – and I’m sure that reflects in the quality of care that patients get too.
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in a workshop organized by Amanda and Tim at Lightside Photography. We learned about their creative process, philosophy and lighting. The day was topped off with a photo shoot with a lovely couple – here are my favourite shots.
On pages 14-16 of the new CARE magazine, you’ll find my article ‘It’s Easy Being Green’. Yes, that’s a reference to the Kermit the Frog song.
I didn’t take the photos this time, but I did learn a lot about environmentalism – from two historically un-green industries: printing and event planning.
Kudos to Ion Print Solutions and Oomph Events for their innovative business practices. And the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta for choosing vendors who have a green lens…
I love writing profiles. Everybody has a story to share, and it is my job to let that story shine.
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPNA) just published a story I wrote and photographed called Rhoda Blooms. (page 16).
It is the story of a remarkable nurse named Rhoda, who shared her story of addiction and recovery.
