Tecla Linn & Nelia Laroza Memorial Award

I am a British educated Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in a variety of diverse cultural and multi-ethnic settings, who has taken a key leadership role in family support for military operational deployments from overseas locations. I have been a trauma and practice nurse and telephone triage nurse; and have effectively managed a large primary healthcare facility in an isolated Mediterranean location.

I studied a university advanced diploma in couples counselling to continue to support the military community in Germany as a counselor-practitioner. I established critical prevention and conflict resolution pathways for numerous individuals who were isolated from traditional support networks, and living in a country with another language.

In England as the senior sister of a renowned cardio thoracic transplant team, I implemented a corporate adaptation program for continuing professional development for international personnel in a globally innovative institution. During this time, I developed a keen interest in the education of my peers; I became the Manual Handling and Back Care cascade trainer for a large operating department. I consolidated my training by becoming a risk management trainer health and safety executive in the U.K.

I’ve always had a passion for children. I have volunteered with the Girl Guide and Scouting movements and for Sunday school, and will continue to volunteer with the Red Cross.

Now a permanent resident of Canada, I am undertaking to transfer and refresh my skills with the RNPDC. I manage the principal foreign student residence of a university, comprised of 102 apartments, with foreign nationals and Canadian students. As part of my interest in the education of nurses, I recently undertook the diploma in university teaching, and hope to continue to develop my knowledge and skills while inspiring others to learn.