It's Ok to Not be Ok: Mental Health is Health! - Online Course

Almost 17 months into the pandemic, our mental health is not getting better. Throughout COVID-19, nurses have been there for patients’ best days, worst days and all the days in-between. Who will be there for us? How do we ensure that our needs are being taken care of? It's time to take some of the power back into our own hands and advocate for the mental health supports we actually need. In this presentation we will examine the pre-pandemic levels of burnout, and the impact it has had on nursing during the pandemic. We will also explore options for how you can best advocate for better mental health support for yourself and your nursing community.

This webinar is a part of Sigma's Casualties of Caring: Nurse Suicide Awareness Series

This course will retire after 2 September 2024.

Learning Outcomes:

After participating in this course, learners will be able to:

• Discuss the pre-pandemic levels of burnout and mental health in nursing
• Recognize the impact the pandemic has had on nurses’ mental health
• Understand the role organizations have in employees’ mental health
• Identify takeaways and how you can advocate for better mental health supports

Speaker Bios:

Amie Varley, RN, BN, MScN-CP

Amie is a dynamic speaker, advocate and activist for nursing as a profession, mental health, health equity, Women's health and Women's rights. Her Master's degree focused on the mental health of postpartum Women and transgender medicine. She has worked as a nurse in many roles; Labor and Delivery Nurse, Maternal Child Nurse, Educator, Professional Practice Clinician, College/University Faculty and in Quality Improvement. Amie is passionate about helping others find their voice. "Issues such as harassment, bullying and gender discrimination have no place in healthcare. We must hold organizations to higher standards-- and hold them accountable for creating spaces where this misogyny, fear and inequity is rampant. It's time to fight for change and speak out our truths". Amie completed her Masters Degree in Nursing at the University of Toronto and her Bachelors Degree in Nursing at University of New Brunswick.

Sara Fung, RN, BScN, MN

Sara Fung, RN, BScN, MN, received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Western University and her Master's of Nursing from the University of Toronto. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). She has been practicing as a registered nurse since 2007. Her expertise is in maternal child health, with clinical experience in obstetrics and the NICU. She has worked in both academic and community hospitals and home health as a bedside nurse, educator, advanced practice nurse and professional practice specialist. In addition to working full time, she is also a mother of 2, resume writer/interview coach, and podcaster!?Sara is passionate about issues such as bullying and incivility, diversity and inclusion, and helping nurses find their career paths in a profession with so many opportunities