"Exploring the Layers of My Professional Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery"

I certainly consider it a true privilege to work in Health Care. As the Director of Oncology and Ambulatory Care for Area 3 within Horizon Health Network (HHN) in Fredericton, New Brunswick, I do not report to a union governing body, but I certainly respect my employer. The Director position is non-bargaining and non-unionized. I am not 'protected' per se by an overseeing governing body, and I am mindful of this.

I aim to be respectful in all forms of communication, whether in person, virtually, electronically, or on social media platforms. I aim to show empathy, compassion, and respect, as well as strive for excellence. These values are outlined in the Health Network's mission and values statement, and my goal is to live by them daily while in the hospital setting.

In my current position, I work alongside clinical and non-clinical employees. I interact with oncologists, surgeons, palliative care physicians, specialists, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, RNs, LPNs, and PCAs on the clinical platform, and I deal with maintenance, clinical engineering, IT support, and many other non-clinical professions during any given day. These interactions are all conducted professionally. Additionally, I interact weekly with other directors, who for the most part, also do not fall under a professional organization. In short, my position involves significant interaction with a large multidisciplinary team that is part of a professional organization. Many of these employees are unionized or have a covering body/professional organization that supports them on a professional level, such as the New Brunswick Nurses Association (NBNA), Nursing Union, or New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS). I no longer hold a formal license with the CMART (Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists) and do not practice Nuclear Medicine anymore, but I do have some insight from my previous association with the Canadian Association of Radiation Medical Technologists, where my registration was kept up to date, and annual dues were also provided (CAMRT: https://www.camrt.ca/).

I have experience dealing with breaches involving social media and PHIPAA violations outlined in legislation. The Health Network in New Brunswick is very strict, and the regulations are clearly outlined. I do my best to be mindful of my actions. I became very familiar with legislation during my role as the Patient Representative for Horizon Health for 8 years.

From a legislative view, I do have to abide by many acts. These include: PHIPPA PHIPPA table of contents (gnb.ca) , and I must also personally abide by the Regional Heath Authorities Act. The structure is outlined in section/division B, C regarding duties of the RHA. I also have to abide by the provincial and federal regulations outlined in the: Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, NB Human Rights Act, Official Languages Act, Public Service Labour Relations Act, Hospital Services Act.

In a Director/Management position I obviously have to follow the Collective agreements outlined by the Nurses union and Allied Health professional regulatory bodies when dealing with Human Resource (HR) issues. So I do my best to familiarize myself with those contracts and agreements. There is also a Collective Agreement between the treasury board and the Government of NB. Our HR have these updated files that outline of the Non-union and Management PayScale and accountability. Please find an example of a previous contact:  Management and Non-union Employees Human Resources Policies - Part III of the Public Service (gnb.ca)

In a Director role I do have to do reports to the Horizon Board - Horizon Health Network (horizonnb.ca) and Executive Leadership team in HHN Leadership - Horizon Health Network (horizonnb.ca) from a accountability perspective. Please find a link below with the relevant websites noted in the above Blog.

I am truly grateful for the partnership we have with the local Hospital Foundation, The Chalmers Foundation, which plays an invaluable role as the bedrock supporting hospitals in the southern N.B. area by providing essential resources and equipment.

Professional Resources

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