This National Nursing Week, Ontario’s universities are recognizing the dedication of nurses across the province and highlighting the accomplishments of three leaders in the field.
From providing compassionate care to conducting ground-breaking research or teaching excellence, these individuals demonstrate the important role nurses play in helping deliver high-quality health care that enables Ontarians to lead healthier and longer lives.
Assistant Professor Elizabeth Orr, Department of Nursing, Brock University
Throughout her PhD studies, Professor Elizabeth Orr has distinguished herself to colleagues as a “creative, innovative, productive and exceptionally skilled applied health researcher.”
Her graduate work in transitions theory at McMaster University’s School of Nursing has been praised by her peers for contributing substantially to the deepening of nurses’ understanding of, and responses to, the complex health and social care needs of adolescent mothers with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Orr’s commitment to translating research into practice is evident in her consistent focus on the real, lived experiences of new mothers as they navigate the complexities of the medical system while parenting an infant with complex needs. Her exceptional ability to impart her research findings to a variety of audiences and readers has also been praised by her peers.
As an assistant professor at Brock University, Orr is now using her research background to help train the nursing leaders of tomorrow.
Professor Susan Jack, School of Nursing, McMaster University
As a nurse and educator, Professor Susan Jack’s efforts in creating a stimulating, interactive and inclusive environment for all learners throughout the pandemic have been praised by her students and colleagues.
Jack strives to establish a culture of learning where relationships are valued and learners in the applied health sciences feel safe to explore, learn and think critically. Her interdisciplinary teaching style and commitment to learner-centred modalities enables students to develop their own robust research and analysis skills, preparing them for future careers as leaders in the field.
In addition to teaching, Jack researches the study and prevention of intimate partner violence to help strengthen public health approaches to domestic violence and abuse. Her dedication as an educator to open and inclusive learning environments shows a deep level of commitment to furthering the quality of nursing education in Ontario.
Assistant Professor Abeer Omar, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing
Professor Abeer Omar has been described as an “exceptional educator” by her students for her diverse background in research, education and nursing, as well as her innovative and motivational teaching style.
Despite the complexities of virtual course delivery, her flexibility and openness to best suit the needs of students show a deep sense of compassion and sensitivity towards learners during a challenging time in their academic careers.
It is Omar’s belief that “creating a learning environment full of motivation and meaningful experience will change behaviour and enhance students’ self-directed nature.”
In addition to her teaching practice, Omar’s current research focuses on a variety of important topics, including health and social interventions to restore physical function of older adults post-hip fracture and the impacts of dementia on home care.