CNSA Clinical Excellence Award

I have always desired a career in healthcare where I could be a difference maker. After graduating from McMaster University with a Honours Bachelor of Science, I gained clinical research experience in Rheumatology at SickKids Hospital, and completed a pediatric research project in Guyana. Through these opportunities, vast differences between the two healthcare systems stood out, specifically with regards to the impact of nursing care. Witnessing nursing led initiatives to decrease the detrimental effects of poor hand hygiene on infant mortality, as well as seeing the effect of building bonds with pediatric victims of domestic abuse, highlighted the platform that nursing affords to be an advocate for those without a voice. These experiences also emphasized the role of nurses as a leader in the healthcare system. Thus, I was inspired to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at OntarioTech University in Oshawa.

I am proud of my achievements as a nursing student, where I have taken on several roles including: co-president of the nursing student community, nursing peer mentor, and CNSA associate delegate. I have acted in the role of a nursing student representative for a round table with provincial political delegates and organized an inter-professional simulation exercise in training nurses to respond in mass casualty events. Upon graduating, I aspire to be an oncology or pediatric acute care nurse and pursue postgraduate education.

I am honoured to be the recipient of the CNSA Clinical Excellence Award and would like to thank the Canadian Nurses Foundation for their support.