Meet Your Candidates
Meet your candidates for CRNNL’s upcoming Council election!
This year two areas require an election:
- Practice Councillor
- Advanced Practice Councillor
Get to know the candidates by reviewing their profiles below. Make sure to cast your vote in the Council election starting mid-January via an email all practicing RNs and NPs will receive from [email protected].
CANDIDATE FOR PRACTICE COUNCILLOR (elected by acclamation):
SERETHA WHEATON (nee King)
Graduate: Centre for Nursing Studies, 2011
Postgraduate Courses: Alzheimer-Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia; Assessing Child Development during Well Baby Care; PPI’s and the Treatment of GERD, Dyspepsia and NSAID-associated Peptic Ulcer Disease; Osteoporosis: Assessing Fracture Risk: An Evidenced Based Approach; Identification, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Adolescent Depression; Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Tools and Strategies for Front Line Workers; Critical Thinking: The Key to your Success in Nursing; Conquering Conflict in the Clinical Setting; Breast Health for You and Your Family: Starting the Conversation; A Fence on the Hill Instead of an Ambulance in the Valley: Disease Prevention Strategies; WHMIS; Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorders; Advances in Dialysis-associated Anemia; Workplace NL Certification; Three Hour Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training Program – First Light; Workplace Violence; ASIST (Suicide First Aid); TCI Level 2 (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention); Eating Disorder Workshop: Emotion Family Focused Therapy; Gentle Persuasion Approach Course; Dementia, the Person Behind the Diagnosis and You; Eating Disorders: An integrative Approach Workshop; Harm Reduction 101; Certification through eduCATIE+: HIV and Hepatitis C Testing; Naloxone Training, St. John Ambulance; Recipient of the CEO Awards of Excellence in the Client and Family Centered Care, as well as being nominated for the Human Spirit Award.
Present Position: Team Lead, Psychiatric Nurse II, Primary Health Care, NLHS – Eastern Urban Zone
Personal Statement
“Leadership Development: I want to further gain valuable leadership skills and experience that can enhance the professional growth of Registered Nurses in NL.
Influence on Policy: I want to continue to have the opportunity to shape nursing practice and policy in the province, advocating for the public, and profession.
Networking Opportunities: Serving on the Council will allow me to connect with other nursing professionals and stakeholders, expanding our professional network.
Professional Recognition: Being on the Council has elevated my professional profile and demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession, and self-regulation.
Impact on Health: I want to continue contributing to improving healthcare standards and practices, ultimately benefiting the community and patients.
Continuous Learning: I value the opportunity to engage in discussions and training that keep me informed about current issues, trends, and best practices in nursing.”
CANDIDATES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE COUNCILLOR
NEIL COLBOURNE
Graduate: Memorial University, 2013
Postgraduate Courses: MN-NP, 2022
Present Position: Regional Primary Health Care Manager and Practicing NP, Primary Health Care, NLHS – Eastern Urban Zone; Body Quest; Telus Virtual Health Care
Personal Statement
“As a Nurse Practitioner working in primary health care, providing both in-person and virtual care; I am eager to contribute to the College of Registered Nurses Council. My varied practice has provided insights into the evolving needs of our communities, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of accessible, high-quality care.
As a Regional Primary Health Care Manager, I lead multidisciplinary teams to optimize high quality patient-centered care. This leadership experience fuels my commitment to effective regulation that both protects the public and supports nursing.
I am passionate about advancing our scope of practice, allowing nurses to maximize their training and improve healthcare delivery. I will advocate for standards that protect the public, foster professional growth, and uphold trust in our profession. My goal is to help shape a responsive, adaptable health system that meets our province’s needs, with nursing at its core.”
RODNEY PIKE
Graduate: St. Clare’s, 1991
Postgraduate Courses: Nurse Practitioner, Primary Health Care, 2004
Present Position: Nurse Practitioner, Primary Health Care, NLHS – Eastern Rural Zone
Personal Statement
“Three years on Council sure went fast. We have addressed many important issues and exciting advancements in nursing practice in our province. The next few years will be equally important as we merge with the LPN regulatory body. I have held licences and worked in many provinces and am excited with the work the College has done with the rest of Canada to develop a national nurse identification system. This will eventually allow nurses portability across our country. If elected, I will continue to be a voice for our profession as we advance nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
ANDREA PURCHASE (nee Watkins)
Graduate: Western Memorial, 1992
Postgraduate Courses: BN-NP Family/All Ages, 2010; Certificate in Advanced Dementia Care; Certificate in Palliative Care; CNA Gerontological Certification.
Present Position: Nurse Practitioner, Long Term Care, NLHS – Central Zone
Personal Statement
“I would be honoured to serve to advance the field of nursing and to ensure that it evolves with our changing times. I often see situations through various lenses and appreciate learning and understanding the view of others. I feel that it is only through working together respectfully that we can promote change in our profession and in the healthcare system as an entirety. My experience as a nurse was varied. My experience as an NP is currently mostly long-term care, however, I do play a role in community primary health care as well. During these clinics, I hear the concerns of the clients and strongly believe that we need to be advocates for our clients. Serving on Council would provide me with an opportunity to do that and it is important to me.”
KRYSTA SIMMS
Graduate: Memorial University, 2007
Postgraduate Courses: Masters of Nursing: Nurse Practitioner, 2019; CNA Emergency Certification; Nursing Leadership Development Course; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification; Paediatric Advanced life Support Certification; Basic Life Support; Basic Life Support Instructor, Trauma Nursing Core Course Certification; Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale Certification; Wound Care Resource Nurse; Advanced Foot Care Certification; LEAP (palliative care) Program; Certified in Transportation of Dangerous Goods and WHMIS; Project Echo NL: Opioid Use Disorder Sessions; Obstetric Care at Rural Sites Course; ENPC Certification; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification; Person Centered Care Certification; Coronary Care Course (proficient in reading EKGs, cardiac monitoring and ACS care; Nursing Stroke and Management Course.
Present Position: Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, NLHS – Western Zone; and Part-Time Team Leader with Fonemed 811 Virtual Care Nurse Practitioner Program.
Personal Statement
“I was a previous member of Council from 2019-2022 and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly. It gave me a great opportunity to become involved in and learn more about the role of a provincial regulatory body. I was provided with leadership and educational opportunities to help advance and promote the ethical and professional standards of nursing. I am interested in running for the position of Advanced Practice Council as I have now been working as a nurse practitioner in rural NL since 2019.”
To learn more about Council click here.