Beginning in 2021 in collaboration with the Registered Nurses' Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO), the PCNIG is proud to offer three (3) annual scholarships for the advancement of palliative care education for nurses and nursing students. Please visit the RNFOO website for more information and to apply.
Dr. Christine Newman Memorial Scholarship in Palliative Care Education (1 x $1,000)
This scholarship honours “Dr. Chris” who was deeply committed to supporting continuing education, particularly for nurses in the area of her passion, palliative care. To support nurses pursuing CNA certification in hospice palliative care (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Nursing Certification CHPCN), to further their commitment to the care of persons and their families facing a diagnosis that would benefit from a palliative care approach. This award is available to a practicing RN, or an RPN who is becoming an RN and who expects to be licensed as an RN in time to sit for the certification exam. Preference will be given to applicants who are members of the PCNIG. If the selected applicant is not a member, part of the scholarship will be used to secure their membership.
Congratulations to our 2023 winner, Victoria Radley in the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program at McMaster University
Victoria Radley is a nurse of six years, living and working in Hamilton, Ontario. Following the completion of the Practical Nursing Diploma at Mohawk College in 2015, she began the Post-Diploma RPN to BScN degree at Mohawk College in partnership with McMaster University. Following her graduation in 2019, Victoria began her MSN – Nursing Education studies at Trinity Western University as well as Mohawk College’s Certificate in Palliative care, both of which she completed in 2023.
Victoria has been accepted to begin the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner program next year at McMaster University, and intends to write the CNA-CHPCN exam this spring. Victoria is a passionate hospice nurse who feels incredibly blessed to be a ‘last responder’.
PCNIG Graduate Scholarship (1 x $2,000)
To support a part-time or full-time graduate student (Nurse Practitioner, Masters, PhD, Clinical Doctorate) studying an aspect of palliative care. Applicants must be involved in and demonstrate excellence in any area of palliative care across the lifespan and continuum of care, and indicate how they contribute to the advancement of clinical practice, education, or research in this clinical specialty. Preference will be given to applicants who are members of PCNIG.
Congratulations to our 2023 winner, Tina Parassakis completing her Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner diploma at University of Toronto
Tina works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at North York General Hospital providing clinical management of patients with palliative care needs in an outreach team. Within her role, Tina collaborates with a group of family physicians overseeing the care of their homebound patients and provides mentorship to community nurses delivering evidence-based, high-quality palliative care. Tina also has experience working as a nurse at Dorothy Ley Hospice and Toronto Grace Palliative Care Unit.
PCNIG Baccalaureate Scholarship (1 x $1,000)
To support a student enrolled in a baccalaureate/bridging nursing program. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an interest in or understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities facing palliative care. Preference will be given to those who are members of PCNIG and have completed at least 50% of their program.
Congratulations to our 2023 winner, Alisha D’souza in the accelerated BScN at McMaster University.
Alisha D’souza currently works in the Critical Care Units at SickKids in Toronto as a patient information clerk. Inspired by her sister’s experience with a childhood critical illness, Alisha aims to provide hope and comfort to those navigating a life-altering diagnosis, with special recognition of the impact on family. Having worked with bereaved families through Campfire Circle, she recognizes the power and healing that comes from community and effective peri-death care and hopes to facilitate this. Passionate about advocacy and leadership, Alisha is the People of Colour Caucus Chair for the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association.