We’re excited to announce the candidates for the three (3) Vice President positions! Our union is strong because of the dedication and passion of our members, and this is clearly reflected in the first election of Vice President positions for the Executive Council.
Acclamations on November 1st:
VP Long Term Care: Kim Jay, RN
VP Community Care: Nicholas VanKampen, NP
Their commitment to PEINU and its vision is evident, and we’re looking forward to the insights and expertise they will bring to these roles. Their biographies will be shared in the next newsletter.
Meet Your VP Acute – Candidate Biographies
Amanda MacDougall, RN
Current Area of Practice: Supervisor/Educator Reprocessing, QEH
Biography: This past year, I attended the AGM as well as the Biennium. I have also acted as voting rep for the QEH local for the past 11 months and attended both local and provincial council meetings.
I have worked in acute care for my whole career (graduate of UPEI in 2006). I have worked in the E.R., Obstetrics and Labour and Delivery, as well as PACU. I held the clinical lead role in PACU and Same Day Surgery for 3 years before taking the manager role of the Surgical Suite for 2.5 years. I am now working as the supervisor/educator of the reprocessing department at the QEH.
Being that my 17 years in nursing (in varying roles) has been acute care in nature, as well as my experience with leadership roles within Health PEI, I feel that I could successfully represent the PEINU membership in the VP of Acute care role. I am new to my union role as voting rep, but am eager to learn and grow to best represent our membership. Thank you for your consideration.
Zellah Johnston, RN
Current Area of Practice: Clinical Education, QEH
Biography: I have been an active member of the PEINU for the past 30 years, have served on the Provincial Board as Secretary, member of the Negotiations committee for the past 4 collective bargaining sessions, and have served on numerous standing committees. I am currently the treasurer for the QEH Local. I have attended numerous CFNU conferences and Labor schools.
I strongly support and encourage all members to become knowledgeable about and active in their Union. I believe in the principle that the Union represents all members and that all members voices need to be heard. The Provincial body is responsible and accountable to the membership , and the membership should be active participants in the activities of the Union. The PEI Nurses Union is not a “They ” but rather it must be a “We/Our “. A Union is only as strong as its membership.
Over the past 30 years, I have been privileged to take part in Union activities and initiatives at a local, provincial and national level, and it would be a privilege to serve as the VP for Acute Care under the new governance structure. Only when we work together can we move forward.
Election Information
We urge every member to get involved, read about the candidates, ask questions, and most importantly, vote. This is your union, and your voice matters. The election will take place on November 1st, 2023 by electronic vote. Stay tuned for more updates and information.
Finally, thank you to everyone who put their names forward for these positions. Whether you’re running for a position or supporting the union’s work in other roles, your dedication is what keeps our union strong.