Nurses Association of New Brunswick Award

I am a Registered Nurse working with the Horizon Health Network in New Brunswick providing nursing care to surgical patients, as well as individuals living with mental illness. I am entering my final year of studies within the Nurse Practitioner program at the University of New Brunswick. Upon completion of my program, I will provide primary health care services to individuals living within New Brunswick who lack access to primary care providers. In addition to clinical interest, I have always been passionate about oncology research. I studied biology at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, undertaking research projects investigating molecular genetics related to carcinogenic processes in animal models.

As part of my current Masters education, I am nearing completion of my research study examining sexuality among young women with breast cancer following contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. I continually strive to advance research skills in the areas of nursing and oncology. As such, I am a research trainee with the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, where I participated in research activities and network with cancer researchers around Atlantic Canada. I believe that advancing clinical skills, research, and education are key to advancing the nursing profession. Thus, my goal upon completion of my Masters of Nursing degree is to obtain a doctorate in nursing to combine clinical and research competencies to improve health and quality of life of the New Brunswick population.