The WeRPN Awards of Excellence celebrate the outstanding achievements of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), employers, and partners across Ontario. These awards recognize those who go above and beyond in clinical practice, research, leadership, and education, ensuring that the vital role of the RPN is elevated and celebrated within the healthcare system.
Award of Excellence and Innovation
Elizabeth Boyne The WeRPN Award of Excellence and Innovation is awarded to a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) who has consistently contributed in a significant way to the field of practical nursing. This award is reserved for individuals whose work exemplifies outstanding nursing practices and ongoing dedication to the profession. As the clinical manager at Mapleton Health Centre, Elizabeth is a pioneer in integrating digital tools into primary care, including the adoption of Electronic Medical records and advanced tools like AI transcription. An early adopter of innovative approaches, she has improved the quality of care for patients while providing a better work-life balance for her staff. Her nominators describe her as an educated and factual leader who respectfully challenges narratives to advance quality care.
Award of Excellence in Mental Health
Melanie Bradley The WeRPN Award of Excellence in Mental Health is presented to a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in Ontario who has made significant and ongoing contributions to the field of mental health. This individual demonstrates exemplary nursing practices, promotes mental health awareness, fosters innovation to enhance the patient’s experience, and provides compassionate, supportive care. With 36 years of experience, Melanie works at the Treatment and Rehabilitation for Psychosis at Parkwood Institute and as a Clinical Instructor at Fanshawe College. She is celebrated for her ability to safely manage high-risk behaviours and build strong therapeutic relationships. Her unwavering commitment was demonstrated when she returned to the profession just two months after retiring in late 2024 to continue serving the mental health community.
Award of Excellence in Research – Organization
The Regional Municipality of Durham, Long-Term Care & Services for Seniors Division The WeRPN Nancy Snobelen Award of Excellence in Research for an Organization is presented to an organization that has contributed in a significant way, or on an ongoing basis to the creation, utilization and/or participation in research that supports or informs practical nursing in Ontario; and whose efforts have optimized and/or advanced evidence-informed RPN nursing practices. The Region of Durham demonstrates these values through executive sponsorship of RPN Research Fellows and by actively engaging RPNs on research teams. By monitoring emerging research and integrating findings into professional practice and on-the-job training, the organization goes above and beyond to build community partnerships and foster a supportive growth environment for its staff.
Award of Excellence in Research – RPN
Theresa Nitti The WeRPN Award of Excellence in Research is presented to an RPN who has contributed to research in a significant way and ongoing basis, and whose efforts have contributed to evidence-informed practice. Since 2014, Theresa has leveraged her diverse clinical background to become the PoET (prevention of error-based transfers) Spread Leader as part of a collaborative endeavor between William Osler Health System and McMaster University. She has successfully worked with 54 long-term care homes to align clinical habits with Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act. A co-author of several publications, Theresa has led international presentations, including the World Congress for Public Health in Rome, and continues to mentor nursing students through research initiatives.
Employer Award of Excellence
SE Health The WeRPN Employer Award of Excellence award recognizes and honours employers that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in optimizing the RPN role in innovative and creative ways and supports a multi-disciplinary team environment for all health care workers. Established in 1908, SE Health is recognized as a national leader in community and home health care. The organization has intentionally created new and meaningful career opportunities for RPNs, including Personal Support Educator roles, Nurse Managers, and Director-level positions. By embedding RPNs in quality improvement projects and utilizing digital tools to streamline clinical decision-making, SE Health ensures RPNs are empowered to shape the future of healthcare in Canada.
Preceptor Award of Excellence
Catherine Carcamo The WeRPN Preceptor Award of Excellence honors a nurse who goes above and beyond in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, someone who not only teaches but truly inspires. This award recognizes a profound and lasting impact on the nursing profession through exceptional teaching and unwavering support. Working on a complex orthopedic unit, Catherine consistently delivers clinically sound and empathetic care. She is recognized for her calm and grounding presence and her remarkable ability to nurture each student’s unique learning style. Her guidance is tailored to help students grow in both confidence and competence, ensuring they are not only taught but truly seen.
Michael & Werner Geidlinger Award for Excellence in Palliative Care
Juliet Saunders The Michael & Werner Geidlinger Award for Excellence in Palliative Care is presented in honour of Michael and Werner Geidlinger and recognizes the unique character and tremendous care delivered by RPNs to patients at the end of life. This award celebrates an RPN who demonstrates specialized knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of palliative care, delivering exceptional, compassionate, and therapeutic care. Juliet has spent over three years at Lakeridge Gardens LTC prioritizing the comfort and dignity of residents. She is celebrated for her leadership within interdisciplinary teams and her ability to facilitate meaningful conversations that honor an individual’s values, such as her work ensuring an older adult with heart failure could pass comfortably at home.
Excellence in the Care of Older Ontarians – The Martha Thumlert Award
Jacklyn Manuliak This award is dedicated to the memory of Martha Thumlert and recognizes a Registered Practical Nurse who provides exceptional care to older Ontarians with respect, compassion, professionalism, and nursing excellence. It celebrates nurses who demonstrate a commitment to improving the safety and well-being of older adults through knowledge, innovation, and leadership. A 14-year veteran of Hillsdale Estates and Terraces, Jacklyn has spent the last 18 months in a full-time Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) role. She chairs the division-level BSO committee and is highly respected by Ministry inspectors and colleagues alike for her person-centered approach and clinical expertise in supporting residents living with dementia.
The President’s Award
an extraordinary contribution to Registered Practical Nurses and to the profession. For eight years, LABOUR has served as a long-time marketing and creative partner, helping elevate RPNs in the eyes of the public through campaigns like “In Good Hands,” “We’re in This Together,” and “Practical Meets Powerful.” Their work has ensured that the profile and vital contributions of RPNs were featured in high-visibility placements—from Queen’s Park subway station to Super Bowl airings—helping the rest of Ontario value and love the work RPNs do.
