Beverly White, RN, BN, MScN, CCHN(C), has held a variety of positions over the past decade on the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (ARNNL) council, including regional representative, president-elect and president. She also served on the CNA board and governance committee and helped plan and implement the first National Expert Commission. As a member of the Community Health Nurses of Canada, Bev influenced improvements in community practice across the country.
With ARNNL, her legacy includes: strengthening relationships between the association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union; building linkages with the public and with non-governmental agencies; leading member dialogue and strategic planning that resulted in revised council ends; and welcoming students to the board table. On the public scene she advanced the profession’s views with provincial and federal politicians and celebrated the nursing profession through media interviews and attendance at ceremonial functions, including parades, awards luncheons and graduations.
Yet, her contributions have extended beyond the board table. Over the years Bev sat on numerous ARNNL committees and, notably, was an inaugural member of the ARNNL quality professional practice environment committee, which is still helping nurses improve their environment to this day.
Her own words best state her commitment to nursing: “We work with individuals, families and communities every day to improve their quality of life and the health of the population. Through partnerships and teamwork we can make a difference in the lives of the people we touch and ultimately make a difference in the health-care system.” As a committed and engaged volunteer, Bev’s leadership has made a difference.