B.C. Honours Excellence in Nursing

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 15, 2016) - The nursing community is proud to honour 17 exceptional individuals who have demonstrated excellence in nursing practice, research and leadership at the 2016 Nursing Awards of Excellence.

"I'm pleased that for the first time, nurses from all four designations have come together to celebrate the achievements of the entire nursing profession," said Minister Terry Lake. "Working together is a key component of patient-centred care and I really appreciate this collaborative approach to creating a balanced and unified approach to nursing."

Nursing Excellence Award winners for 2016 include:

• Joanne Archer, RN - Excellence in Nursing Education (Prince George)
• Jennifer Baumbusch, RN - Excellence in Advancing Nursing Knowledge & Research (Vancouver)
• Keith Best, RPN - ARPNBC Lifetime Achievement Award (Langley)
• Lynette Best, RN - ARNBC Lifetime Achievement Award (North Vancouver)
• Agnes Black, RN - Innovation in Nursing (Vancouver)
• Tracey Day, NP - Excellence in Nursing Advocacy (Prince George)
• Holly Gale, RN - ARNBC Outstanding Student Intern Recognition Award (Duncan)
• Leanne Heppell, RN - Excellence in Nursing Administration (Vancouver)
• Susan Higginbotham, RN - Excellence in Nursing Practice (Vancouver/Burnaby)
• Katherine McManus, RN - Excellence in Nursing Practice (Vancouver)
• Lenora Marcellus, RN - Excellence in Advancing Nursing Knowledge & Research (Victoria)
• Donna Rolph, RN - Excellence in Nursing Administration (New Westminster)
• Richard Sawatzky, RN - Excellence in Advancing Nursing Knowledge & Research (Langley)
• Leah Thomson, LPN - LPNABC Board Award of Distinction (New Westminster)
• Katherine Villegas, RN - ARNBC Outstanding Student Intern Recognition Award (Surrey)
• Elizabeth White, RN - Excellence in Nursing Administration (New Westminster)
• Erin Wilson, NP - Excellence in Nursing Practice (Prince George)

"Once a year we have an opportunity to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in nursing," said Zak Matieschyn, ARNBC President. "It is inspiring to learn about the work of these incredibly committed individuals, and remind ourselves of all the nurses who make a difference in the lives of British Columbians each and every day."

This year the Quinn Fowlie Scholarship will be awarded to Justin Johal, a young man who has benefitted from the support of nurses throughout his youth. At just six years of age, Justin learned he had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a disease which made him progressively weaker and has robbed him of his ability to move. Justin values the nurses who have provided physical and emotional support for himself and his family throughout his life. The Quinn Fowlie Scholarship will provide Justin with $1,000 towards his future success.

"This is the first year that B.C.'s nursing recognition awards have included nurses from all four nursing designations -- Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses," said Kathleen Fyvie, BCNPA President. "This is an opportunity for us to celebrate the entire profession as a community, and demonstrates our willingness to work together on behalf of every single nurse in B.C."

Recipients are nominated and adjudicated by their peers and receive their awards at a gala ceremony held in downtown Vancouver. This year's gala will include a number of dignitaries, award recipients and nurse leaders, and will be emceed by Lynn Stevenson, Associate Deputy Minister of Health.