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 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.

for the college of licensed practical nurses of alberta's CARE magazine

In the most recent issue of CARE magazine, I wrote the bit about the Dialysis Bus on page 11.  And I was humbled by my interview with Larry Leduc on page 16.

This photo was taken at the beach in front of Ke Iki Beach Bungalows on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawai’i.

I love to travel and I love to eat, so I’ve married the two in a new blog, called Foodie Suz Travels.

Travel and food writing?  You bet – email me:  sue.robins@shaw.ca.

Like this poem, which was rewritten and posted on the wall of Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Calcutta.

The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

grandview extended care

I’m thrilled to bits to announce that my latest feature written and photographed for CLPNA’s Care Magazine is now on-line.  It is called Myth Busting, and features photos and interviews from some of my favourite people in the world: nurses who work in the world of continuing care.

I have my own story about working in continuing care.  A long long time ago, in the decade they call the ’80′s, I worked part-time at the Mewburn Veterans Home as a nursing attendant, while I was going to the University of Alberta.  And studying Shakespeare and Art History.  Talk about a contrast in my life.  I used to go directly to my English classes on campus still wearing my nursing uniform.

Being a nursing attendant was hard work, but exceedingly rewarding.  I’ve carried the experience I had at the Vet’s Home into everything I do in the health system.

The folks that provide hands-on, bedside care to the most vulnerable are very dear to my heart.

I love this program.  Peer support is something very near and dear to my heart.  Associated with this program, we have the opportunity to speak to Perinatologists and Pediatricians about disclosing diagnosis – sharing an unexpected diagnosis with a family. This is kind of a big deal to me too, if you check out this Globe link.

from the glorious food shop olive et gourmando

The tables are turned, and I am the interviewee instead of the interviewer.

Aimee of the Montreal food blog Under the High Chair asks me the hard questions.  About food.  Glorious food.  Check it out here.

I met Aimee when I was in Montreal in July.  She generously took me on a private foodie tour of the city, which was a great amount of fun.  Lucky me…