NTF National Leadership Excellence Awards

Each year, NTF acknowledges and formally recognizes 2 individuals for the demonstration of outstanding leadership in nursing. The award criteria relate to both the characteristics or attributes of leadership displayed by these individuals in the carrying out of their roles, as well as actions they have taken to advance the integration of new nurses into the workplace.

Torch Award

The Torch Award honours a senior nurse who supports, encourages and seeks to advance new nurses in the workplace.

To Nominate a Leader for their Excellence in the Support or Mentorship of New Graduates, go here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Leanne MacKeen - OUR 2010 RECIPIENT!!!!

Leanne is a Registered Nurse and is a graduate of the Dalhousie University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Leanne is presently working as a Professional Practice Liaison in the Chief of Nursing Office at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Leanne and her colleagues first became interested in the integration of the new nurse graduate into the workforce in 2008 following hearing a presentation by Dr. Judy Boychuk Duchscher. This lead to the development of examining the IWK support for new nursing graduates. With the engagement of the IWK’s Chief of Nursing, Leanne and numerous additional interested professionals formed the IWK Nursing The Future Working Group. Based on Dr. Boychuk Duchscher’s research and the identified need to invest in our new graduates at the IWK, this group developed New Graduate Support Sessions. Presently, Leanne as well as the Professional Development Coordinators and past new nurse graduates organize and facilitate these sessions on a regular basis at the IWK. 

New Graduate Leadership Excellence Award

The New Graduate Leadership Excellence Award honours a new nursing graduate leader in Nursing The Future who provides outstanding leadership in the organization, demonstrates a high degree of professionalism while enacting their role, is respected and admired by their peers, and exhibits a strong work ethic and loyalty to the advancement of new graduate issues.

To Nominate a Leader for their Excellence in the Support or Mentorship of New Graduates, go here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Shannon Andre - OUR 2010 RECIPIENT!!!!

One year into practice, this Registered Nurse (BScN (Honors), UofA) is an instinctive and dedicated leader, even in these early stages of her career. In her undergraduate education, Shannon Andre was involved in student advocacy through the Nursing Undergraduate Association (NUA). Shannon has also played pivotal roles in a number of volunteer initiatives, such as organizing a Relay for Life team for nursing students 2007, 2008 & 2009 and creating a concise online learning module about American Psychological Association’s (APA) referencing system in conjunction with the UofA Faculty of Nursing. Shannon’s involvement in Orientation, a two day University led initiative to welcome new students to campus, has further developed her mentorship and communication skills. Currently she is employed at WestView Health Center, Stony Plain, Alberta and as a casual employee for Public Health in Onoway, Alberta. Shannon uses her skills and abilities to create positive change in the nursing profession. Shannon has seen tremendous growth as a leader in NTF, moving from Graduate Liaison to the Chapter Coordinator for Edmonton in a short 2 years. In 2010, Shannon accepted the position of NTF Provincial Chair of Alberta. We congratulate Shannon on her impressive leadership!