Gala Program Book

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difference and will help the
Foundation fulfill its mission to
raise funds and steward sound
investments to provide awards
and scholarships to nurses and
nursing students in Ontario.
For more information on RNFOO
and to donate visit us at
www.rnfoo.org.
2014
RNFOO
Gala
Connect, Converse
and Collaborate with
Colleagues and Award Winners
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 • 5:30pm
Spirale Banquet & Conference Centre • Toronto
Program
OR CONTACT US AT:
RNFOO Administrator
7270 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 204
Markham, ON L3R 4B9
Phone: 905-752-0700 • Fax: 905-513-1248
Email: info@rnfoo.org • Website: www.rnfoo.org
2013 RNFOO Award Winners
Nurses Investing in Nurses . . . Nurses Celebrating Nursing
Evening Event Supporters
Bigley’s Shoes
Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing
Supports RNFOO
Satay on the Road
Saint Elizabeth
Awards and Scholarships
Symes Street & Millard LLP
Barristers and Solicitors
133 Lowther Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5R 1E4
RNFOO Awards
Tel: 416.920.3030
Fax: 416.920.3033
Web: ssmlaw.ca
New Address as of June 2014
366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 102
Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R9
Alumni Association, School of Nursing,
Toronto General Hospital
Tel: 416.920.3030
Fax: 416.920.3033
Web: ssmlaw.ca
Honouring
Margaret Avery
Jennifer Gregg
Mary Ann Murphy (DNIG)
Sheila Basrur
Julie Hall
Margaret Myers (DNIG)
Regina Borowska
Ernie “Aieh” Jacobs (DNIG) Dr. Hildegarde Peplau
(MHNIG)
Donna Kettyle (OARN)
Miriam Bracken
Evelyn Cameron (PedNIG) Dr. Joan Lesmond
Eileen Pyper
Dorothy Ferguson
Sonia Varaschin
Dorothy Monteith
RNAO Interest Groups
Corporate Awards
President’s Message
Welcome to the 2014 RNFOO Gala! Thanks for
joining us to celebrate not only this year’s RNFOO
award winners, but also the first 42 years of RNFOO.
In the last 12 months, RNFOO has awarded more
than $125,000 to 94 recipients. Combined with all of
the awards over the previous forty one years, RNFOO
has assisted hundreds of nurses and nursing students
with more than a million dollars, all to support
RNFOO’s mission of promoting nursing education
and, ultimately, positively impacting the health of Ontario citizens.
To those of you who are supporters of RNFOO in its mission – our donors,
RNFOO committee members and RNFOO Board members – I thank
you again for your contributions of time and money. I hope that you will
continue your connection, and that you will help us spread the “RNFOO
word” to others, so we can meet even more of the need for support for
nurses and nursing students. We are doing important work.
Many of the donations that support the Foundation come to us in
memory of a loved one who has passed away, or to celebrate a milestone
or accomplishment in someone’s life, usually someone who has a strong
connection to nursing. Some of these donations are large enough to fund
an award for a number of years. We are pleased to administer these awards
on behalf of individuals or estates. However, many of these donations are
for smaller amounts. The Board has been looking for a way to recognize
the people who are honoured, to meet the desires of the donors who
want to contribute to scholarships for nurses, and to be take care of the
administrative needs of the Foundation. Our response has been to establish
the RNFOO Tribute Scholarship Fund. People honoured through
donations to this award will be recognized on the RNFOO website, and in
the Gala Program Book. I hope that you will remember this Fund when you
have a chance to celebrate an accomplishment or remember a friend.
For tonight, I encourage you to enjoy the evening as you participate in our
Donor Challenge and our silent auction. All of the proceeds from both
support RNFOO... so please donate and bid, lots and often!
Thank you again!
Dr. Carol Eifert
BScN, EdD
President, RNFOO Board of Directors
1
Evening Program
Dinner Menu
Networking Reception
Soup
• • •
Butternut Squash Soup
Nurses Celebrating Nurses
Recognition of Award Winners
Introduction of
Awards Committee
Review Panel
RNFOO Board of Directors
Gala Committee
• • •
Recognition of Award Winners
• • •
Entertainment
Dancers: Marija and Zoran Bojic
Cellist: Frances Murray
Photographer: Jonathan Garcia
• • •
Recognition of Donors and Sponsors
• • •
Salad
Garden Balsamic salad with Mixed Baby Greens, Radicchio Red Leaf
Lettuce, & Boston Bib Lettuce, in a Home Made Honey Balsamic
Vinaigrette topped with Glazed Pecans and Dried Cranberries.
• • •
Duo Main Course
Grilled Breast of Chicken (5oz) served with fresh lemon herb sauce
Salmon Filet (5oz) with lemon wedge
Accompanied by Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Julienne Vegetables
Vegetarian Option
Portobello Mushroom with risotto
• • •
Dessert
Homemade Crepes filled with French Vanilla Ice Cream,
garnishes with Seasonal Berries and Hot Raspberry Coulis
• • •
• • •
Coffee, Decaf & Tea
Donor Challenge and Silent Auction
• • •
Wines
Closing Remarks and Thanks
White
Riders Valley Sauvignon Blank
Silent Auction Reminder:
Red
Riders Valley Malbec
Please be sure to pick up your silent auction prize.
2
3
RNFOO
Vision
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR
‘To be recognized by the Ontario nursing community as the leading provider of
nursing awards and scholarships in Ontario’
RNFOO
Sponsors
Mission
‘To enhance and advance nursing practice and contribute to the health of individuals,
RNFOO raises funds and stewards sound investments to provide awards and
scholarships to Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses,
and nursing students in Ontario’
RNFOO
Values
Academic Achievement
We believe that academic studies promote the development of nurses and the
advancement of nursing
Integrity
We will act with integrity, honesty and openness clearly explaining our priorities and
the purpose for which we are raising funds
Accountability
We will be fiscally responsible with the funds entrusted to us by our donors by ensuring
that those funds are distributed effectively. We will account to our donors regularly.
Partnerships
We are committed to effective partnerships and alliances with many stakeholders.
Donor-centered Stewardship
We will respect the privacy of our donors by not selling or exchanging their names
and honour all requests for anonymity. We will acknowledge those donors who
wish recognition in an appropriate and balanced manner.
RNFOO Board of Directors
4
Carol Eifert, BScN, EdD, President
Dr. Linda Cooper, RN, BScN, MS, PhD – Past President
Stephen Stewart, CA MBA – Treasurer
Dr. Janet Rush, RN, BScN, MHSc, PhD – Vice-President
Pamela Adams, RN, PhD, JD
Pedro Andrade, RN, BScN, JD
Karen Bertrand, RN
Marija Bojic, RN, BScN, MN
Julie Brown
Leinic Chung-Lee, RN, BScN, MN
Marianne Cochrane, RN, BAS, MHSc(N)
Michelle Connell, RN, BScN, MEd
Karen Ferguson, RN, MHSc(N)
Sonya Jancar, RN, BScN, CRA, CCRP
Paula Mastrilli, RN, PhD
Justine Navarro, RN, BScN, MN
Dawn Pratt, RN, MN
RNFOO Ex-Officio Board Members
Honorary Life Members
Karen Bertrand representing ONA
RNAO representative
Dianne Martin representing RPNAO
Kathleen Arpin
Shirley Avery
Laura Barr
Dorothy Ferguson
Kathleen MacMillan
Beverly Moir
Beverley Simpson
Suzanne Williams
Dorothy Wylie
Award Recipient Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge and thank the generosity of the following sponsors
in supporting the attendance of our awards and scholarship recipients
at tonight’s gala.
Bev Simpson
Judith Skelton-Green
Stephen Stewart
University of Toronto
Ryerson University
University of Ottawa
Western University
York University
University of Ontario
Institute of Technology
RPNAO
ONIG
Saint Elizabeth
North York General
Hospital
William Osler Health
System
HOOPP
5
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Mahlon Akhtar is in the final year of the BScN program at Ryerson University.
In the summer of 2013, he took the opportunity to work as a research assistant and
became involved in nursing scholarship by conducting research, publishing articles
and writing funding proposals. In addition to this, his year-long placement at the
Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) has raised his awareness about
the challenges experienced by the mentally ill population. These experiences have
motivated him to begin his career in mental health nursing before pursuing his long
term career goals in nursing research. Halton RNAO Chapter Scholarship
Sarah Beanlands is in her fourth year of nursing at the University of Ottawa.
Since 2009, Sarah worked for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in the
research department. Sarah presented her work on the outcomes of patients going
for emergency bypass surgery at the Canadian Cardiovascular Conference and
developed a manual for new cardiology residents. Her current research projects focus
on the use of simulations in inter-professional education. Sarah is consolidating at
Sick Kids Hospital on the inpatient cardiology unit. This spring, Sarah will travel
to Tanzania with an inter-professional team to train local health care workers in
neonatal resuscitation. Jennifer Award
Dawn Beck has a passion for Maternal-Child Health and has worked as an
Obstetrical Care Nurse for two years. Her interest began after travelling to Ghana,
where she aided in providing antenatal care to women within the community.
Dawn is committed to continuous learning and is currently enrolled in the Master
of Public Health (MPH) Program at Western University. With her MPH, Dawn
hopes to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to policy and
program development within the field. Areas of interest of hers include public health
issues such as breastfeeding and violence against women during pregnancy. Maternal Child Nurses’ Interest Group Scholarship – Masters
Karine Bilodeau is a third year student in the combined MScN/Diploma
in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program at Ottawa University. Her
design intervention project created information tools for parents who have a child
admitted to the Montfort Hospital nursery. Her background research on this subject
grew out of her experience alleviating the anxiety that parents feel when their child
is admitted to a nursery. Karine has been working in the neonatal intensive care
unit (NICU) for the past ten years. Her goals are to work in her community and
in northern Ontario as a nurse practitioner while continuing to work in NICU.
Prenatal & Parenthood Education Services Scholarship
Mia Biondi is enrolled in the compressed BScN program and continues to
pursue research, publish, and stay involved in her community. Last spring, Mia
graduated with a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University,
and currently investigates point-of-care diagnostics for HIV and viral hepatitis at the
University of Toronto. Mia volunteers at several organizations that serve vulnerable
populations, focusing on advocacy and outreach. Following her consolidation at The
Hospital for Sick Children, Mia hopes to pursue community nursing by providing
family-centered care around pediatric infectious diseases and mental health. She also
plans to pursue translational research that addresses barriers to wellness. Jennifer Award
6
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Susan Bookey-Bassett is a full-time PhD student at McMaster University
School of Nursing. She has worked in a variety of nursing roles including staff nurse,
educator, manager, project consultant and research coordinator in hospitals, academic
institutions and the RNAO. Sue teaches on a part-time basis at McMaster and works
closely with her supervisor on a variety of research projects in the Aging Community
& Health Research Unit related to chronic disease management for community-living
older adults. Her doctoral dissertation research includes developing, implementing
and evaluating an inter-professional education intervention for a communitybased diabetes team of health care and community-service providers. Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group Educational Scholarship
Karen Campbell is a student in the MN program at Ryerson University.
Karen has been a community health nurse for the past 12 years. She was
instrumental in developing a community initiative to address adolescent mothers’
experiences with breastfeeding and has disseminated the results at national
and international conferences. Karen’s thesis research is focused on adolescent
mothers in rural communities. Karen is also involved in supporting undergraduate
nursing students and developed strategies to enhance student engagement in, and
enthusiasm for reflective practice. Her current focus is on evaluating the use of wikis
as a pedagogical tool. Prenatal & Parenthood Education Research Award
Julie Campbell is currently in her final semester of the Compressed Time
Frame BScN program at Western University. Her extensive work with vulnerable
populations in cooperative housing management inspired her to pursue this career
change. Julie previously completed an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree,
an Honours Business Administration degree and a Masters in Business degree. She
plans to bridge her passion for nursing and her business expertise to open a primary
health care clinic. She has a passion for improving access to primary care services
and would like to focus on chronic disease management with special attention to
vulnerable populations. Mary Ann Murphy Memorial Diabetes Award (DNIG)
Nita Chahal is currently in 4th year of the PhD program at the University of
Toronto. Her research focus is dyslipidemia and healthy weight management in children.
In addition to her studies, Nita is a mentor for undergraduate and graduate students
and an adjunct lecturer for the University of Toronto. A recipient of two previous RNAO
fellowships (clinical and leadership) Nita is currently participating in an RNAO panel
considering primary prevention of childhood obesity and policy recommendations.
Passionate about research, Nita is focusing on exploring innovative strategies to
address childhood obesity. Evelyn Cameron Memorial Bursary (PedNIG)
Leigh Chapman is currently in her third year of the doctoral program at the
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. Leigh’s research
will examine the assessment of health professionals’ competence in health care
organizations. Her goal is to explore workplace-based competency assessment
and roles of those who assess competence and support ongoing competency
development. As a full-time doctoral student, Leigh works part-time at the faculty as
a Teaching Assistant in the Graduate Program and Education Specialist in the Centre
for Professional Development. Leigh is also a research fellow at The Wilson Centre.
Provincial Nurse Educators Interest Group Award
7
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Barbara Chyzzy
is a second year doctoral student in nursing at the
University of Toronto. Her research will examine the feasibility of a mobile phone
based peer support intervention to prevent postpartum depression among
adolescent mothers. Barbara is a clinical instructor at the University of Toronto and
University of New Brunswick / Humber Collaborative Bachelor of Nursing Program.
She received her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba and Master of
Nursing / Collaborative Program in Community Development from the University
of Toronto. Her ultimate career goal is to secure an academic position in nursing at
a Canadian University. Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group Research
Award
Alana Devereaux received her BN from Memorial University of
Newfoundland in 2008. Alana then moved to Ontario to pursue graduate
opportunities. In 2009, she began a MScN at the University of Ottawa. Upon the
school’s recommendation, Alana was fast-tracked into a PhD program to research
nurses’ experiences in an effort to improve public health emergency planning and
front-line nursing working conditions. Alana’s first love is primary health care
and she believes that we cannot separate academia from clinical practice. After
completing her PhD, she hopes to teach, research, and maintain her staff RN role.
Community Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group Award
Nicole Deziel is in her second year of the BScN Degree at the University of
Ontario Institute of Technology. Her past work experience includes the promotion
of holistic wellness for patients, the community, and nurses through the creation of
population specific workshops and programs. Her areas of interest are gerontology
and paediatrics where she feels her unique personality, innovation, and creativity
can be utilized to best advocate for her patients. Ultimately, Nicole wishes to pursue
education to obtain her Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Primary Care. RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship
Tsetan Dolkar is currently a full-time student in the Post- RN BScN program
at York University, and a part-time RPN at Runnymede Healthcare Centre. Her
aim is to specialize in Cardiac Nursing and to work in a Coronary Care Unit. She
strongly believes that education is a life-long journey, and is the best way to make
the community a better place. Grateful for the Regina Borowska Award, Tsetan
wishes to thank RNFOO for supporting her and her fellow nurses in their quests
for advanced knowledge. “It is not just monetary help, but it also gives a huge
encouragement to take a step forward in nursing.” Regina Borowska Scholarship
Gine Egipto currently works in the Respiratory/Medical unit at William Osler
Health System. After graduating from the Sheridan College RPN program in 2011,
Gine enrolled in the RPN to BScN program at Trent University, where she is now
in the 4th year of the program. While Gine’s main passion is nursing, on her days
off she enjoys hiking and camping. Her long term career plan is to continue her
education and work on a master’s degree in nursing education. She wishes to teach
nursing students and provide leadership and support to other nurses working in the
William Osler Health System. RPNAO: Post RPN Program Award
8
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Shaindel Egit is a graduate of the BScN program at McMaster University.
Upon graduating, Shaindel joined The Ottawa Hospital as a full time RN in the
Operating Room. In 2012, Shaindel achieved her Certification in Peri-Operative
Nursing (Canada) (CPN(c)). Shaindel is a member of ORNAC, she was the hospital
representative for the Ottawa Chapter, and volunteered at the ORNAC 23rd
National and International Conference with IFPN. Currently she is living in Toronto,
working part time in the Operating Room at St. Michaels Hospital and is enrolled in
the full-time MN program at Ryerson University. Miriam Bracken Award
Karen Foell has been an RPN at Kingston General Hospital specializing
in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She has extended her experience by working in
clinics including adolescent OBGYN, paediatrics, and cancer clinic phlebotomy. She
participated in a medical mission in Guyana where she travelled to remote villages
by land, air and boat. She is now pursuing her BScN at UOIT, and hopes to develop
her career in the OBGYN field to specialize in Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence and
Labour and Delivery. Regina Borowska Scholarship (x2)
Jacqueline Galica is an oncology-certified nurse with an interest in the
psychosocial care of cancer survivors. She is currently in the 3rd year of the PhD
(Nursing) program at the University of Toronto, having received her MSc from
the University of Windsor, and her BScN from Ryerson University. Jacqueline’s
dissertation research is exploring the prevalence and predictors of Fear of Cancer
Recurrence among survivors of adult cancers. Jacqueline is also a Lecturer in the
Trent-Fleming School of Nursing located in Peterborough, where she mentors
BScN students, helping them to understand, critically appraise, and design research
projects. Dr. Sheela Basrur and GE Oncology Nursing Education Scholarship
Moira Haggarty is currently in her second year of the three-year
compressed BScN program at Lakehead University. Moira volunteers extensively.
She has worked overseas with orphans and vulnerable children and leads sports
camps in remote First Nations communities in Northern Ontario. She founded the
Lakehead Inter-Professional Student Society, and is involved in the development of
an inter-professional student-run clinic for marginalized populations in Thunder Bay.
Her “dream” is to be at the forefront of community health interventions, such as in
mental or public health, in a collaborative, team-based practice. Jennifer Award
Micaela Hardy-Moffat is currently completing her BScN at the
University of Toronto. Having received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia
University, Micaela worked as an art instructor for a number of years, where she
observed firsthand how effective a medium art can be for conveying powerful
messages. Micaela is interested in the development of health promotion and
education initiatives through the arts. In developing such initiatives, she hopes that
communities and hospitals will have an easier time communicating the importance
of even the most basic of health measures to patients and professionals alike.
Jennifer Award
9
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 RNFOO Award Winners
Mahlon Akhtar
Sarah Beanlands
Dawn Beck
Karine Bilodeau
Mia Biondi
Susan
Bookey-Bassett
Julie Campbell
Karen Campbell
Nita Chahal
Leigh Chapman
Barbara Chyzzy
Alana Devereaux
Nicole Deziel
TseTan Dolkar
Gine Egipto
Shaindel Egit
Karen Foell
Jacqueline Galica
Moira Haggarty
Micaela
Hardy-Moffat
Alexandra Harris
Michelle Ho
Janine Iley
Brittany Karrys
Grace Lee
Kathleen Leslie
Sonya Louis
Julia Lukewich
Marie-Claude
Mainville
James Marcus
Lori-ann Martin
Margaret-Hope
McDermott
Kimberly McMillan
Egers Metaj
Noeman Mirza
Jen Mohaupt
Fiona Muckle
Catherine O’Neill
Allen Pasco
Natasha Sayani
Holly Smither
Yehudis Stokes
Gillian Strudwick
Peter Su
Nisha Sutherland
Corina Thompson
Ruth Walker
Grace Wilson
Matthew Wong
Shannon Wright
Lisa Ye
Chi Wing (Lily)
Yeung
Jihong Zhao
Ping Zou
Nurses Investing in Nurses . . .
Nurses Celebrating Nursing
10
11
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Alexandra Harris is a second-year doctoral student at UofT’s Lawrence
S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, having completed a joint MN and Master of
Health Administration. Alexandra is interested in the intersection of health policy,
economics, administration and nursing workforce research. She aims to study the
relationship between nurses’ knowledge (nursing intellectual capital) and hospital
performance, and is interested in finding new ways of demonstrating the value of
nurses’ work to decision-makers. Prior to her graduate studies, Alexandra worked
as an ER nurse and Innovation Project Manager at the University Health Network.
Dorothy Monteith Scholarship
Michelle Ho is an RN-Project Coordinator for the Centre for Innovation &
Excellence in Child & Family-Centred Care at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick
Kids), where she provides leadership to the implementation of the ‘Child and Family
Involvement in Nursing Shift Handover’ initiative. Michelle has worked as an RN
on the oncology/haematology unit and in occupational health at Sick Kids. She is
pursuing a MN/Nurse Practitioner (Paediatrics) degree at the University of Toronto.
Michelle has a passion for paediatric nursing and clinical research and hopes to
continue to positively influence child health and well-being in an advanced practice
role. Dr. Sheela Basrur and GE Oncology Nursing Education Scholarship
Janine Iley is an RPN in the operating room at the Children’s Hospital of
Eastern Ontario. Recognizing how an effective interdisciplinary team can better meet
the needs of patients and families, Janine is a firm believer in teamwork. She is in her
second year of the RPN to BScN Bridging Program through Nipissing University. This
part-time blended, on-line program has allowed this busy wife and mother of two
teenagers to pursue her long-time goal of becoming an RN. Regina Borowska Scholarship
Brittany Karrys is currently a third year nursing student in the Collaborative
York University - Seneca College BN Program. Prior to undertaking studies in
nursing, Brittany successfully completed a Biological Science Degree at Guelph
University. While continually achieving high academic standings, Brittany is also
involved with diverse volunteer activities within her community, and is an active
competitor on the equestrian circuit. Brittany’s extensive experience tutoring and
working with children with varying learning disabilities and challenges, has ignited
a passion for mental health nursing. She hopes to pursue work in this area after
graduation. Margaret Avery Memorial Scholarship
Grace (Yan Chi) Lee is a third year PhD student at the Lawrence S.
Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto under the supervision of Dr.
Bonnie Stevens. Her PhD dissertation will focus on developing and pilot testing
an interactive pain assessment website to promote knowledge translation in the
pediatric pain population. Her clinical and research interests are in maternal,
neonatal and pediatric nursing. Grace has worked in a number of nursing roles,
including staff nurse, interim Central Nursing Research Coordinator, research
assistant, and teaching assistant. She completed her MSc program at Queen’s
University in 2010, where she examined fetal and newborn auditory processing.
Toronto General Hospital, School of Nursing Alumnae Association Scholarship
12
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Kathleen Leslie is a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto. Kate
graduated first in her class, receiving the gold medal for both her BScN degree and
her law degree at Western University. Kate’s main area of interest is health law and
policy, and her doctoral dissertation is examining the governance and accountability
of health professions in Ontario, the United Kingdom, and Australia. During her
PhD, Kate participated in the Ontario Training Centre in Health Services and Policy
Research, and has worked as an instructor with undergraduate nursing students and
internationally educated nurses. Dorothy Monteith Scholarship
Sonya Louis is a second-year nursing student at Ryerson University with
extensive volunteering experience. She was a recreational aide at Leisureworld
Senior Care Corporation. She volunteered in the pre-operative care and in-patient
psychiatry units at Toronto General Hospital. At Women’s College Hospital (WCH),
Sonya volunteered in the cardiac clinic and WCH Foundation, and informed patients
about the Ontario Health Study. Sonya has assisted students with disabilities as a
note-taker, and was a first-year orientation team leader gaining invaluable practical
and communication skills. Sonya hopes to pursue a career as a Primary Health Care
Nurse Practitioner. RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship
Julia Lukewich is a doctoral student at Queen’s University. She received
her BScN degree with First Class Honours from Queen’s University in 2010 after
which she began a Master’s in Nursing under the supervision of Dr. Joan Tranmer.
After completing a ‘mini-Masters’, Julia was fast-tracked into the PhD program.
Her research interests include identifying primary care organizational attributes,
and exploring their relationships to outcomes of patients with chronic diseases. In
addition to working on her PhD, Julia is a teaching fellow for the School of Nursing
and works as a registered nurse. Julia has received many awards and honours for her
academic and research activities. Saint Elizabeth Scholarship
Marie-Claude Mainville is a first year doctoral student at the Lawrence
S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Her area of clinical
practice is in emergency nursing, both in Canada and abroad. Through her doctoral
studies and thesis work, Claude is dedicated to improving the care of older adults
with acute cognitive impairment who come through emergency departments. She
will focus on developing clinical research to examine the feasibility and potential
role of cognitive-based interventions in the care of patients with delirium using
an integrated knowledge translation approach. Julie Hall Scholarship for
Neuroscience Nursing
James Marcus
is in his first year of the BSN program at the University
of Toronto. Prior to beginning this program, James completed a Bachelor of
Science degree in Biology at the University of Ottawa. James is a member of his
undergraduate nursing society, an inter-professional health student committee,
and is part of a community outreach program. With a strong interest in community,
medical-surgical and nursing informatics, James plans on pursuing a masters in
either health systems leadership or the nurse practitioner field. Sonia Varaschin
Memorial Scholarship
13
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Lori-ann Martin is a full-time RPN in the cardiology department at Health
Sciences North in Sudbury, a part-time student, and a full-time mother who enjoys
learning new knowledge and applying it to her practice. Passionate about the
nursing profession, she is starting her second year of the RPN to BScN program.
Lori-ann enjoys all areas of nursing, but her heart is in child psychiatry, oncological
nursing and cardiology. Her long term goal is to become manager of an inpatient
unit at the hospital. Regina Borowska Scholarship
Margaret-Hope McDermott is a 4th year nursing student with great
interest in social justice and paediatrics. She has volunteered across South America
working on construction projects and medical missions. She currently volunteers
with Feed the Need which provides food and clothing to the homeless, as well as
a Research Assistant, and an assistant to a foot-care Nurse. Margaret-Hope has
worked as a Constant Observer at Toronto General Hospital, and as a Clinical Extern
in the NICU at Sick Kids, where she assisted in providing clinical care, as well as
assisting in Quality Assurance and staff education initiatives. Toronto General
Hospital, School of Nursing Alumnae Association Scholarship
Kimberly McMillan is a second year doctoral student at the University
of Ottawa. Through experiences as a staff RN in pediatric oncology and as a clinical
instructor, Kim sought to better understand organizational change processes, and
the impact of rapid and continuous change in health care organizations on frontline staff. Kim’s doctoral research will examine the experiences of front-line nurses
amidst rapid and continuous change, in order to determine the impacts on nurse
work life and the delivery of patient care. She will also explore the concept of ‘change
fatigue’ as potentially experienced by front-line nursing staff. Toronto General
Hospital, School of Nursing Alumnae Association Scholarship
Egers Metaj works as an RPN at North York General Hospital, Inpatient
Surgery. Egers is originally from Albania and his interests include inter-professional
communication and leadership in health policy. He is currently enrolled in the Post
RPN-BScN at UOIT. He would love to work in the ER when he gets his RN and he
plans to undertake graduate studies to become a Nurse Practitioner. Regina Borowska Scholarship
Noeman Mirza is completing his doctorate at McMaster University’s School
of Nursing. His dissertation focuses on quantitatively testing the practical influence
of abductive reasoning training on undergraduate nursing students’ reasoning
abilities (i.e., hypothesis accuracy, expertise, and breadth). This research is the first
of its kind since abductive reasoning is a new concept in nursing. Findings from
Noeman’s dissertation will not only contribute to the scarce nursing literature on
abductive reasoning, they will also impact how educators facilitate student learning
when exploring care situations. Nursing Research Interest Group Award
14
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Jennifer Mohaupt has enjoyed teaching nursing students for several
years at Conestoga College. Her involvement as a faculty advisor for an active
extracurricular, inter-professional group has led to a profound interest in
understanding inter-professional relationships. In her pursuit of knowledge, Jen
is currently enrolled in her PhD in the Leadership in Nursing Education stream at
Western University. Her research goal is to develop a grounded theory explaining
the interactional processes between and among first responders and healthcare
providers in emergency situations. She hopes that this work will help to inform
educational and policy directions that will promote teamwork in these areas.
Provincial Nurse Educators Interest Group Award
Fiona Muckle is a graduate of the University of Guelph, with Bachelor and
Master of Science degrees. Currently in her final year of the BScN Program at the
University of Toronto, she is involved in research with a faculty member in the area
of management of fluid volume overload in chronic disease populations. Fiona
also participates in a peer mentorship program for first year nursing students and
a community, science-based, mentorship program for youth. She hopes to pursue
a career as a Nurse Practitioner, working with chronic disease populations such as
diabetes and heart disease. Margaret Myers Diabetes Clinical Practice Award
(DNIG)
Catherine O’Neil is currently in second year of the compressed BScN
program at Lakehead University. This is Catherine’s second degree at Lakehead,
having graduated with Outdoor Recreation and Geography degrees in 2004.
Catherine is a member of the Lakehead University Varsity Nordic Ski Team and is
the Communications Director of the Compass North student-led medical clinic,
currently in development. Working as a ski patroller and lifeguard in Whistler, BC
inspired Catherine to study nursing. Upon graduating Catherine hopes to work in
emergency nursing in northern Canada and then return to school for further study
as a nurse practitioner. RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship
Allen Pasco is enrolled in the BScN program for IENs at York University.
Studying nursing in a totally different environment from that of his home country is
a great opportunity to learn about various cultures, see illness in both medical and
non-medical perspectives, and appreciate the uniqueness of the nursing profession.
Allen has a strong interest in the field of diabetes and community health nursing; he
advocates for a shift from a biomedical to a holistic nursing approach to addressing
the growing problem diabetes. Regina Borowska Scholarship
Natasha Sayani is a student in her last year of the RPN to RN Bridging
program at Ryerson University. As a member of student council, Natasha serves as
an ambassador of the Full Time Post Diploma Nursing Program. Her clinical areas of
interest include pediatrics, labour and delivery, and neonatal nursing. She currently
works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital as a RPN (RPN) within the
Specialized Orthopedics and Developmental Rehab Unit. Natasha wishes to pursue
a career as a Registered Nurse and hopes to continue her education in a Masters of
Nursing, Nurse Practitioner program. Regina Borowska Scholarship
15
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Holly Smither is an RPN and part-time student in the Centennial College/
Ryerson University RPN to BScN Bridging Program. Holly completed her Practical
Nursing diploma at Conestoga College in 2011, where she was elected to the
Student Union Board of Directors, served on the Program Advisory Committee
for nursing, received the RPNAO Award for Student Excellence in Leadership,
and achieved the Dean’s Honour List. While pursuing her BScN, Holly works at
Brampton Civic Hospital and for the RPN Association of Ontario. Holly was recently
nominated to represent Ontario in the national CPNRE Competency and Blueprint
Review Committee demonstrating her passion for leadership and professional
practice. Regina Borowska Scholarship (x2)
Yehudis Stokes is a 4th year undergraduate nursing student at the
University of Ottawa. Upon graduation, Yehudis hopes to provide nursing care to
pediatric populations in specialized mental health environments and emergency
departments. She intends to continue her nursing studies in a research-based
graduate program, focusing her research on the nursing care of adolescent mental
health patients, and providing future leadership in building patient trust and
communication skills (including non-verbal techniques, such as behaviour and art).
Yehudis enjoys her current research involvements with the Children’s Hospital of
Eastern Ontario, as well as her community volunteer activities. Jennifer Award
Gillian Strudwick is a doctoral student at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg
Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. She has been a registered nurse for over
five years, working in surgical oncology, mental health and in medical affairs. Gillian
is a peer reviewer for International Nursing Review & the Journal of the Association
for Vascular Access. She has presented her work in the form of papers, posters and
oral presentations at conferences both in Canada and abroad, on topics related to
mental health, education, informatics, leadership, and vascular access. Ontario
Nursing Informatics Group Scholarship
Peter Su attends Queen’s University where he completed a BSc degree prior
to studying nursing. He is currently in his final year of the Bachelor of Nursing
Science program’s Advanced Standing Track. Throughout university, Peter has
combined academic success with involvement in numerous extracurricular activities
and groups, often in leadership roles. He is passionate about working with children
and families and hopes to pursue a career in pediatrics. He also aspires to explore
the many different areas of nursing and eventually pursue graduate studies, assume
leadership roles, and advocate for the profession. Jennifer Award
Nisha Sutherland is completing her PhD in nursing at Western University.
Her research is focused on gender relations in hospice palliative home care for
clients with cancer and their family caregivers. As end-of-life issues are complex and
all-encompassing, she is committed to critical research that challenges unfair policies
and practices and thus promotes equity for clients who are disadvantaged during this
vulnerable time. Building on her doctoral studies, Nisha plans to develop a program
of research that examines how diverse social locations such as gender, race, or class
intersect to shape relationships and health care experiences, particularly during endof-life for clients with cancer. Joan Lesmond Memorial Scholarship
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2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Corina Thompson is an Internationally Educated Nurse in the last year
of a BScN Program at York University. She also holds a journalism degree and an
Executive Program Certificate from the Rotman School of Management, and is
a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. Her main interest is
community development, motivating her to work with disadvantaged populations and
to continuously advocate for social justice, not only as an RN, but also as a journalist
facilitator, trainer, mentor and guest lecturer. Corina would like to pursue further
Nursing studies, in order to be better equipped and positioned to support marginalized
populations and to promote health. Eileen Pyper Memorial Scholarship
Ruth Walker is pursuing a Master of Nursing through Athabasca University
and is completing a thesis study on the art of nursing within public health nursing
practice. A graduate of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (2007), Ruth is a public
health nurse at the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, where she focuses
on Social Determinants of Health and Child Poverty. Ruth also has experience
instructing nursing students in a Clinical Learning Center and for community
based nursing placements. Ruth is an active RNAO member and is the present
Communications Officer of the RNAO Kawartha-Victoria chapter. Community
Health Nurses’ Initiatives Group Educational Scholarship
Grace Wilson is an accomplished individual with a goal-orientated,
leadership focus that is demonstrated through her strong academic performance,
co-curricular commitments and initiatives within the University of Ontario Institute
of Technology and the professional nursing community. She is president of the
UOIT Nursing Student Community, Health Science Society executive, and RNAO
student liaison representative. Grace’s dedication and contribution to her peers and
community reflect her goal to make a significant contribution to the advancement of
nursing practice. Dorothy Ferguson Scholarship
Matthew (Chi-hung) Wong has worked as nurse in a busy pediatric
oncology ward in Toronto since graduating from the BScN program at the University
of Western Ontario. Through his clinical practice, he became fascinated with the
technology augmenting patient care at the bedside. Noticing healthcare team
members’ resistance to change (particularly surrounding new technology) Matthew
became interested in exploring innovations with potential to improve nursing
workload and efficiency. This interest led to Matthew’s decision to pursue further
education in graduate school with a focus on technology use with the hopes that
understanding these mechanisms will lead to improved work environments.
Ontario Nursing Informatics Group Scholarship
Shannon Wright is a mental health nurse with experience in both acute
care hospital settings, and within the community. She is currently in her first
year of the combined MScN-Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Program
at McMaster University. Shannon has a passion for working with vulnerable
populations, specifically clients with a mental illness. Her current area of research
interest includes improving access to primary care for marginalized populations. As
a Nurse Practitioner, Shannon intends to provide primary care for the homeless and
marginally housed. Hildegarde E. Peplau Award (MHNIG)
17
2014 RNFOO Award
Winners
Lisa Ye is studying at the University of Toronto in the MN program where she
is a teaching assistant, research assistant, and a representative on the Graduate
Nursing Student’s Society. With a BScN from the UofT and a BAS from the
University of Guelph, she works as a staff nurse on the Neurosurgery & Trauma
unit at St. Michael’s Hospital. Lisa obtained her CNA Neuroscience Certification in
April 2013. She is passionate about her work at the bedside and she has interests
in nursing leadership, education and health policy. Julie Hall Scholarship for
Neuroscience Nursing
Chi Wing (Lily) Yeung is a fourth year BScN student at Ryerson
University. She is passionate about community and gerontology nursing, and enjoys
engaging in research activities. She worked as a research associate in the Culture,
Identities, and Voices Study that studied the acculturation experiences and health
of Asian young women. Another project Lily is involved in explores the healthcare
providers’ perception of nurse practitioner role in long term care homes. These
research involvements motivate and prepare her for graduate studies. It is her hope
to promote health of the community through quality care and evidence informed
practice. Toronto General Hospital, School of Nursing Alumnae Association
Scholarship
Jihong Zhao is currently enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at
Centennial College. He hopes to combine the knowledge gained while earning his
BSc in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Toronto Scarborough
Campus with the nursing skills he is developing as he pursues a career in mental
health. RPNAO: RPN Program Award
Ping Zou is a doctoral student at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing,
University of Toronto. Her doctoral research is a randomized controlled trial to test
the feasibility and potential effects of Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension and
Sodium (Na) Reduction for Chinese Canadians (DASHNa-CC) in a community
setting. DASHNa-CC is a culturally sensitive dietary educational intervention
incorporating the DASH diet, sodium reduction and the food therapy of Traditional
Chinese Medicine. Targeting Chinese Canadians, this intervention will be delivered
to a Chinese Canadian community by a nurse in Mandarin. This study will
contribute to scientific evidence of culturally sensitive care and guide design of
dietary educational interventions for minority populations in community settings.
Provincial Nurse Educators Interest Group Research Award
Congratulations to the 2013-2014 recipients
Infection Prevention Funds
Infection Prevention and Control awards are funded from events originally
sponsored by Molson Canada, CPI and the Rolling Stones in 2003. The SARS
Memorial Fund for Infection Control Practitioners and the Rolling Stones / CPI
Fund are supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and
administered by RNFOO. Both programs support professional development for
Infection Control Practitioners (SARS fund) or other health care professionals
(Rolling Stones – CPI fund) through tuition / certification / conference fee
reimbursement or funding of special projects. Further details are available
through www.rnfoo.org.
Now accepting applications. Next deadline June 30 2014.
Infection Prevention and Control Funds Recipients
May 2013 – Jan 2014
Donna Baker
Patricia Beckett
Alice Brink
Agnes Cadieux
Barbara Catt
Wendy Chan
Stephanie Cheng
Sharon Connell
Sarah Eden
Yasmin Effendi
Anne Foote
Karen Gal
Natalie Goertz
Katherine Hoogenboom
Latha Jacob
Trevor Johnson
Jennifer Joyal
Usha Kaliyaperumal
Celia Mayol
Devon Metcalf
Melissa Miller
Christine Moussa
Safiyya Nazarali
Stefanie Ralph
Kanwaldeep Sekhon
Asha Sheikh
Joanna Sin
Tina Stacey-Works
Karen Straus
Virginia Tirilis
Sumana Vinod
Dayna Yankovich
Internationally Educated Nurses Fund
This fund was financed by the Royal Bank of Canada
Foundation, to provide financial support to internationally educated nurses
enrolled in university level courses required to meet the educational requirements
to become Registered Nurses in Ontario. The fund allowed new immigrants
to Ontario to practice their chosen profession of nursing and thus utilizing
their much needed knowledge, experience and skills in providing health care
across the province. The RNFOO Board appreciates the support received
from the Royal Bank of Canada Foundation for the term of this program.
Recipients, May to Dec 2013
Iuliia Gryshchenko
Mamta Lakhanpal
Baktybek Chakiev
18
Ijeoma Uwaezuoke
Corina Thompson
Stephanie Tan
Allen Pasco
Funding for this program is now depleted: no further applications will be received.
19
Special Thanks
to Contributors to the Silent Auction
3M Canada Company
Leslie Graham
Abruzzo Pizza, Richmond Hill
LCBO
Bev Simpson
Linda Cooper
Bigley’s Shoes
Lippincott
Bloomberg School of Nursing UofT
Marianne Cochrane
Bridge and Maze – Candice Paterson
Mary Elliott, Starry Dreams
Carol Eifert
Maureen Cava
Carol Fine
Michael Smitiuch,
Centennial College
CSS Driver Education
Natalie Riegler
Diamond Estates
ONA
Elsevier
Pearson
Elsie Nisonen
Peter Calabrese, Black & McDonald
Eric Fan
Pickering Optical
Fanshawe College School of Nursing
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Toronto
George Brown College
RNAO
Gina Marasco
RPNAO
Gingerbread House
Satay on the Road, Bayview location
Good Life Fitness
Sharon Crann, Home Life Realty
HealthPRO
Sheridan Nurseries
Hugh’s Room
Shizen Spas and Skyline Hotels
Janet Montague
SOSS International
Janet Rush
Studio H, London
Jennifer Hair Design
Su Alison Lenk
Joanna Sung - J’s Sweets
The Briars
Julie Brown
The Scullery
Kailee Kline, Healthwinds Spa
University of Toronto School Karen Alexander
Ladies Golf Club of Toronto
20
Smitiuch Injury Law
of Continuing Studies