The annual Nursing Now Ontario Awards recognize three nurses in the following categories: a registered practical nurse (RPN), a registered nurse (RN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) for their contributions to nursing practice and the health and well-being of Ontarians. Winners will be announced during Nursing Week 2024.
The award is presented to one practical nursing student graduating from each Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology who best demonstrates the following criteria as determined by the college practical nursing faculty.
The Education Trust Fund (ETF) was established in 1990. Each year, WeRPN dedicates one dollar from every membership to the Fund to offer practical nursing student members in their first or second year of study access to educational bursaries valued at $1000.
The Award of Excellence and Innovation is presented to an RPN who has contributed in a significant way, on an ongoing basis, to the profession; and/or practical nursing in Ontario; and whose efforts have demonstrated exemplary nursing practices.
This award recognizes an employer that has demonstrated outstanding achievement with improving the utilization of registered practical nurses (RPNs) in innovative and creative ways, creating a multi-disciplinary team environment for all health care workers and maintaining a safe, respectful and empowering work environment where RPNs can work to the fullest of their knowledge, skill and judgment.
The role of the preceptor is to provide guidance to a student entering the practice setting by creating a positive learning environment in which the student can expand his/her knowledge and skills to successfully integrate nursing theory into practice. The Preceptor Award of Excellence is bestowed upon a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in recognition of outstanding contributions as a role model for a practical nursing student.
In dedication to Martha Thumlert, an older adult and an exceptional woman who died unnecessarily from a hospital acquired infection. This award celebrates the dedication of an RPN who provides exceptional care to our beloved older adults in a manner that is respectful, compassionate, professional and exemplifies nursing excellence. In particular, this award acknowledges a nurse who is focused on the improvement of safety and well-being of older Ontarians by demonstrating knowledge, innovation and leadership.
In honour of the memory of Michael Geidlinger and Werner Geidlinger, whose lives were lost too soon, this award recognizes the unique character and tremendous care delivered by RPNs to patients at the end of life. Specifically, this award celebrates an RPN who demonstrates specialized knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of palliative care, and delivers exceptional compassionate and therapeutic care to their patients.
The WeRPN Mental Health Award of Excellence, sponsored by Telus Health MyCare will be presented to an RPN who has contributed in a significant way, on an ongoing basis, within the area of mental health in Ontario; and whose efforts have demonstrated exemplary nursing practices, innovation to enhance the patient experience, promotes mental health awareness and provides supportive care.
This award is presented to an individual RPN who has contributed in a significant way, on an ongoing basis, to research in practical nursing in Ontario; and whose efforts have demonstrated evidence-informed nursing practices.
This award 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.