Debra McPherson Award

I received the CNF Debra McPherson scholarship after the completion of my first year of nursing school, and I am grateful to the Canadian Nurses Foundation and all who contribute to it for helping me to pursue my passions. I am entering my second year of BScN studies at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and I hope to work as a pediatric nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children.

I have always had a passion for making a difference in my community, which is why I originally began volunteering in long-term care homes, providing recreational activities to senior citizens. I have had the opportunity to work as a research student at my university as well as within a local hospital, with a focus on nephrology and oncology; in the future, I hope to expand my research to include pediatric mental illness and developmental disorders.

My goal is to become a Health Care Provider at Holland Bloorview Kids’ Rehabilitation Hospital next summer, and eventually receive a Clinical Extern position at SickKids. I am actively working towards my goal, balancing full-time studies while serving as a Committee Coordinator with the RNAO’s Nursing Students of Ontario group, a child-life volunteer at SickKids, a nursing peer tutor, and a recreation leader working with children who have special needs. I hope to become a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics, and through pursuing Master & Doctorate degrees, work as a nurse researcher within pediatric oncology.