Dr. Eleanor J. Martin Award

My name is Colleen Riley and I’m entering my second year of the Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of British Columbia. For the past four year I have worked as a Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse at Vancouver General Hospital. Within the role, I act as the coordinator of an interdisciplinary clinic for spinal cord injured individuals who develop wounds. Although my work is focused in the acute care environment, I have come to realize the importance of primary health care, especially for individuals with unique health care needs. As such, I changed the focus of my career aspirations, enrolling in the Nurse Practitioner program last fall. After graduation I hope to work as a Nurse Practitioner in the area of primary care, with a particular interest in individuals with complex needs.

Through focusing on health promotion and disease prevention, I believe that we can prevent many acute health concerns and improve quality of life for our clients. As the mother of a young family, the costs of pursuing higher education are a challenge. This financial burden is greatly relieved by the generous support of award donors. I offer my sincere thanks for being selected as the recipient of the CNF Eleanor J. Martin Award.