Best Practice Spotlight Organization

Building a Culture of Best Practice in Bruce County Long-Term Care Homes

Gateway Haven and Brucelea Haven are proud to be recognized by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) as Best Practice Spotlight Organizations (BPSOs). 

This initiative supports the implementation of evidence-based best practices to improve resident care, enhance quality outcomes, and foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence. Through BPSO, our teams work together to ensure care is informed by the latest research and focused on the needs of residents and families

This designation reflects our commitment to using evidence-based practices that support high-quality care, resident safety, and positive health outcomes.

As part of our BPSO journey, staff from both homes completed RNAO Best Practice Champions training, developing the skills and knowledge needed to support the implementation of best practice guidelines and lead meaningful change within their teams.

On May 5, 2026, Gateway Haven and Brucelea Haven launched the foundational RNAO Nursing Advantage Clinical Pathways, marking the beginning of a three-year phased implementation. Developed through a partnership between RNAO and PointClickCare, these evidence-based pathways provide standardized assessment tools and resources that support regulatory compliance, informed decision-making, and enhanced care planning.

To date, both homes have implemented

Delirium, Dementia, and Depression in Older Adults: Assessment and Care | RNAO.ca

RNAO BPG – Person-and family-Centred Care | RNAO.ca. 

The following Best Practice guidelines are currently being implemented

• Pain RNAO BPG: Pain: Prevention, assessment and management, Fourth edition | RNAO.ca
• Palliative RNAO BPG: A Palliative Approach to Care in the Last 12 Months of Life | RNAO.ca
• EOL RNAO BPG: Palliative and end-of-life care | RNAO.ca

Since implementation, team members have been actively embedding these best practices into everyday care through ongoing education, staff engagement, and quality improvement initiatives. RNAO Champions continue to play a vital role in supporting colleagues, promoting knowledge translation, and ensuring the sustainability of evidence-based practices across both homes.

This work is part of the BPSO Designation Program, funded by the Government of Ontario. For more information about the RNAO BPSO Program please visit www.RNAO.ca.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for the next phase of our BPSO journey with the implementation of the Pain, Palliative, and End of Life Clinical Pathways scheduled to go live in November 2026. These pathways will further strengthen our commitment to providing compassionate, resident-centred care and supporting quality of life throughout every stage of the resident experience. Through our ongoing partnership with RNAO, we remain dedicated to advancing excellence in long-term care and ensuring residents receive the highest standard of evidence-based care.