Author Archives: sue robins

sue speaks

Posted on by

0

I feel fortunate to be asked to speak at upcoming conferences about the patient and family perspective in the health system.  I also write and co-own a communications company – but sharing stories to motive and inspire health professionals is one of my favourite things to do.  It lights me up.

Coming up next week is the 6th International Conference Neonatal and Childhood Pulmonary Vascular Disease.  I’m excited to share stories and tips about effective partnerships between health professionals and families who have a child with Down syndrome.  I use quotes, and photos and absolutely no data.  What I talk about is this:

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;  what is essential is invisible to the eye. - Antoine de Saint Exupéry

a warm blanket

Posted on by

0

Image

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…

the northern advantage

Posted on by

0

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 9.20.10 AMI 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.

 

a good farewell

Posted on by

0

IMG_0915I 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.

musical chairs

Posted on by

0

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.

transforming care

Posted on by

0

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.

it’s easy being green

Posted on by

0

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…