Clinical Nurse, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

All my life, I  always wanted to be a nurse. I have had many nursing role models, whose dedication and courage amazed me. I love the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, and use my skills to help ease suffering.

After growing up in Olds, Alberta, I moved to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing with Honours, First Class Honours, at St. Francis Xavier University. I began my nursing career in Ottawa, and worked on several units before finding my home in critical care. Currently, I am part of the great team at the Ottawa Hospital ICU.

I am also a Masters of Nursing student at Athabasca University, and I do nursing research in the areas of racism, resiliency, and hope. In my spare time, I love to run, and will be completing my first marathon in the coming year.

Receiving this support from Extendicare and the Canadian Nursing Foundation will make a significant difference in my career, as I attain my Masters degree. I hope to do my thesis on resiliency in nursing, to better understand the strength of nurses. This award will help me achieve this goal. I am humbled, and very grateful for this amazing support.

education, income and its equitable distribution, food and housing security, social safety nets, social exclusion.