April 4, 2023 – The Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN) Awards were held on April 3, recognizing the outstanding achievements of students, faculty, researchers and preceptors in Ontario’s university nursing programs. In its 16th year, the awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, passion, and professionalism of health-care professionals who are putting their knowledge gained in Ontario’s universities into practice in communities.
“We are thrilled to honor these exceptional individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in their respective fields. Their contributions have had a profound impact on nursing education and beyond, and we are proud to recognize their achievements with these prestigious awards,” said Dr. Linda Johnston, Chair, COUPN.
“These awards recognize outstanding faculty and preceptors who bring learning to life, future-focused scholars and researchers who are relentless in their pursuit of new knowledge, the integral collaborations between universities and local health agencies, and the dedication of Ontario’s nursing students,” said Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities. Each of tonight’s award recipients has truly made their mark, not only on nursing, but also on their community as a whole.”
This year’s winners include:
Rekai Centres, who won the Agency Recognition Award for their long-standing and positive relationship with York University, and their commitment to creating healthy work environments and providing quality learning opportunities for students. The Rekai Centres partnered with York University to provide preceptor training, focusing on theoretical approaches to teaching-learning, feedback provision, support to struggling learners, and conflict resolution.
Jennifer Medves won the Strategic Contribution to Nursing Education Award for her contributions to nursing education over the past 25 years. Dr. Medves’s scholarship focused on informing both nursing education and practice, including interprofessional education, patient safety, and the use of simulation in nursing education. As the COUPN chair from 2013 to 2019, she led and mentored her fellow Deans and Directors and was a tireless advocate for quality nursing education during challenging times in Ontario. Her steady leadership was instrumental in navigating changes in the practice environment and program delivery, and amplifying the voice of nursing, which contributed significantly to the vision and mission of COUPN.
Marla Rose from Western University won the Clinical Instructor Award for inspiring students to advocate for patients, reflect and develop their professional and personal values. She is recognized for creating new learning experiences for students and exemplifying lifelong learning by working alongside them and continually asking questions to further her own knowledge and understanding. Marla encourages patient-centered care and motivates those around her to value human dignity above all else, creating a new generation of passionate nursing students.
Amanda McIntyre, also from Western University, won the Doctoral Dissertation Award for her impactful publications and presentations exploring the intersection of health human resources, nursing practice and quantitative methods. Her study on patient-reported reasons for attending the emergency department, one of the few large-scale data-driven studies through COVID-19, will have significant policy and practice implications. Her data linkage of patient surveys with clinical records and medical records has been described as “unprecedented.”
Leo Macawile from York University won the Excellence in Professional Nursing Practice at the Undergraduate Level Award for demonstrating academic success, kind and compassionate care, and positive leadership attributes. He collaborates well with others, establishing a sense of connectedness, resourcefulness, purpose and academic culture among his peers. Leo is a strong advocate for others and the overall future of the nursing profession and takes every opportunity to participate in events that celebrate nursing, leadership and community.
Jean-Laurent Domingue has significantly contributed to nursing education at the University of Ottawa by encouraging critical engagement with course content while creating a safe space for challenging the status quo. He uses a flexible approach to teaching and various educational modalities to match student needs and foster greater learning, including real-life examples. Dr. Domingue’s commitment to nursing education is evident through his participation in the Undergraduate Program Collaboration Committee and membership in a team of educators developing a new undergraduate course. He prioritizes student well-being and inspires them to take ownership of their education and professional development through his enthusiasm for teaching and continued learning.
Jaimeson Canie is a passionate student with a skillset in understanding structural factors that impact health and well-being. Her recent thesis focused on building lasting relationships with members of the African Caribbean and Black communities in London, Ontario. Since completing her thesis, she has been working to ensure her findings are shared back with research participants and supporting the implementation of her proposed engagement framework. Jaimeson is committed to lifelong education and is expanding her clinical, teaching and research skills as an emerging leader. She is currently working as a forensic mental health nurse.
Alvin Gutierrez, Canada’s first Pediatric Allergy Nurse Practitioner at McMaster Children’s Hospital, has made a significant impact as a preceptor to Nurse Practitioner students at the University of Toronto. His compassionate and holistic approach, dedication to quality learning experiences, and supportive demeanor towards patients and families have earned him high praise from the students he has mentored. Alvin identifies students’ challenges and provides additional resources to complement their learning style, advocates for learning opportunities, and offers constructive feedback that is always strength-based. He has shown how access to a Nurse Practitioner can positively impact a patient’s health-care experience, and is dedicated and committed to the nursing profession in every aspect of his work.
Sandra Harrisson, a Registered Nurse and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, has revolutionized interdisciplinary work in seniors’ care and home care. Her innovative research projects, including the “Enhancing Quality of Life for People with Memory Impairment and their Families” project, and the “Pleasure Approach to Services and Care”, have resulted in concrete improvements in the quality of life of seniors and their families. Dr. Harrisson’s research program encourages graduate students to bring their new knowledge back to nursing practice, and her “Pleasurable Moment Enhancing Approach” has been implemented in care centers and is currently being theorized.
These winners represent the important role that Ontario’s universities play in helping deliver high-quality health care to the people of Ontario. Their contributions to nursing education, scholarship and professional practice are admirable and inspire the future generations of nursing professionals.
