In the face of numerous challenges in the healthcare landscape, several remarkable nurses stood out due to their unwavering commitment to their patients and profession. Amidst an ongoing global pandemic compounded with other respiratory illnesses placing increasing strain on the healthcare system, celebrating exceptional nurses who embody the best of the nursing profession is all the more critical.
These dedicated individuals and employers went above beyond in their duties, providing compassionate care and positively impacting the lives of their patients and staff. In recognition of their exceptional efforts, WeRPN was proud to honour these healthcare leaders with our annual Awards of Excellence.
Award of Excellence and Innovation
Christina Khan, RPN
The Award of Excellence and Innovation is presented to an RPN who has contributed significantly to practical nursing in Ontario and whose efforts have demonstrated exemplary nursing practices. Recipient Christina Khan has been an RPN for 15 years, practicing in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program. She also has experience in the long-term care sector. Christina participated in the research study, “Building Capacity in Rehabilitation Services: Mapping Rehabilitation Nursing Care Practices in Geriatric and Stroke Rehabilitation Units,” which examined the impact and contributions of RPNs to the care of stroke and geriatric rehabilitation patients. Her energy and positive attitude have inspired her nursing colleagues to consider the importance of nursing contributions to the field of research.
Preceptor Award of Excellence
Catharine Case, RPN
The Preceptor Award of Excellence is bestowed upon an RPN in recognition of outstanding contributions as a role model for a practical nursing student. This year’s recipient, Catharine Case, has been an RPN for nine years and is currently practicing in an inpatient unit – Medical Care – at Niagara Health. She juggled school, work and a family to become an RPN and mentored 1–2 students per year for 2-1/2 months at a time to help them meet a mandatory graduating requirement. Cathy has been celebrated multiple times throughout her career, including having been recently featured on Niagara Health – for springing into action to coordinate the on-site wedding of a palliative care patient’s daughter at Niagara Health’s Fort Erie location.
Award of Excellence in Mental Health
Tania Strong, RPN
The Award of Excellence in Mental Health is a new award sponsored by TELUS Health MyCare. The award recognizes an RPN who has significantly contributed to the field of mental health in Ontario and who promotes mental health awareness and provides supportive care. Recipient Tania Strong an RPN of 12 years, works at the Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre. Tania treats all patients equally and empathetically. “She is a role model for nurses and is the first to advocate for patients when decisions need to be made at an organizational level,” said her nominator. Tania actively listens to her patients’ concerns and promotes mental health awareness by identifying local resources, such as social workers from community health centers.
Excellence in the Care of Older Ontarians (The Martha Award)
Amber Potter, RPN
The Excellence in the Care of Older Ontarians Award celebrates the dedication of an RPN who provides exceptional care to older adults in a manner that is respectful, compassionate and professional.
This year’s award winner, Amber Potter, initially studied to become an athletic therapist; however, as someone who has always loved enriching the lives of others, she realized nursing was her true calling. Only two years into her new career as an RPN, Amber was promoted to Associate Director of Clinical Services at Park Lane Terrace in Paris, Ontario. Her colleagues describe her as an extraordinary nurse who exemplifies what it means to be a leader in long-term care. “[She] gives 110 per cent all the time.”
Michael and Werner Geidlinger
Excellence in Palliative Care Award
Chelsea Gagnon, RPN
In honour of the memory of Michael Geidlinger and Werner Geidlinger, this award recognizes the unique character and excellent care delivered by RPNs to patients at the end of life. This year’s winner, Chelsea Gagnon, began her career as a PSW but returned to school to become an RPN. She now works in a clinical setting with the Complex and Palliative Support team in Espanola, Ontario, where she assesses the needs of patients in the community and provides support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Chelsea was recognized for having helped many patients and families during their palliative care journeys, as well as for advocating for them, providing the best quality of care and helping to meet patients’ needs and goals.
