Royal Victoria Alumnae Award

My nursing experience has primarily been as a Public Health Nurse working in schools. Today I am employed as a Nursing Instructor in the community setting, sharing my experience and striving to inspire students to seek creative solutions for the needs of their communities.

The research for my masters of nursing expands upon my Public Health experience within the scholastic community, specifically the impact of physical activity on student performance. Studies are documenting that physical activity should be implemented during the school day because students can learn more efficiently while improving their cardiovascular health. I have a passion for physical activity, for recreation as well as a means to stay calm and clear my mind. My research takes this passion and focuses on the attitudes and beliefs of teachers towards physical activity. I will interview teachers about their perceptions of their experiences using physical activity regularly within their classrooms.

The Canadian Nurses Foundation Alumnae Association of the Royal Victoria Hospital Training School for Nurses Scholarship will allow me to dedicate my time towards completing my thesis. I will present my findings at conferences to expand the knowledge of those working with children and communities. My aspirations include expanding the knowledge of future generations of nursing students about the impact of physical activity not only the cardiovascular system, but also on the brain.