Every year, just before Nursing Week the Registered Nurses' Foundation of Ontario has an incredible Gala Dinner. This night is one of my favourite ways to begin the week, spending time time celebrating the accomplishments of the successful award winners and thanking the supports (sponsors) for helping us appreciate them. The evening consists of a cocktail hour to mingle and see who has come before sitting down to an excellent meal.

The room is filled with hundreds of nurses from various organizations and a few tables for sponsors. This night is a bit different than a lot of nursing events, because it is all about having fun and relaxing. Many nursing organizations have entire tables filled with nurses, from staff nurses to chief nursing officers. Spending time meeting new people it is hard to tell who you will met and what speciality or role they work in, which is fantastic!

Each year this is one of my favourite events to attend. There is no better excuse to get out to an event then to have a delicious meal and simply to chat with other nurses. There is no note taking, memorization, or tests. The emphasis is simply on celebrating nurses, a perfect start to Nursing Week.

Enjoy the pictures, and have a great week!