Congratulations to Riley Hammond, recipient of the RPNF’s 2023 Graduate Scholarship (awarded to a graduate psychiatric nurse, registered in Canada who is pursuing relevant studies at a masters or doctoral level). Riley is a student at the University of Alberta. Riley’s research study is entitled, What is found in the Shadows? Building Opioid Care Pathway Integration using the Health Systems Dynamic Framework: Unearthing the Lived Experiences of People Who Use Drugs in an Urban Canadian Central Business District. His research investigates how physical and social characteristics of the built environment combine to shape health and harm reduction perceptions and practices of people who use drugs in Canadian cities. It is hoped that the study’s findings will foster Psychiatric Nursing advocacy for implementation of recommendations, as well as catalyze further research in these areas.

Congratulations to Paola Dubiel, recipient of the 2023 RPNF Award of Excellence for Clinical Practice. Paola is an exemplary RPN presently practicing in ambulatory care at St. Boniface Hospital. Throughout her 25+ year career she has also worked in in-patient settings, crisis services and the emergency department. Paola pioneered the Psychiatric Nursing role in the ambulatory care department, defining the role and establishing a culture of highly skilled, autonomous Psychiatric Nurses who work side-by-side with psychiatry. Paola has been a champion for co-occurring approaches to intervention, having co-developed group curriculum which she continues to utilize in her practice. She stays abreast of evolving evidence and trends, and always incorporates determinants of health into the work she does. She is known for her compassionate, empathic, and non-judgemental approach. One of Paola’s outstanding accomplishments was initiating and acquiring funding to offer seasonal social gatherings for low-income, isolated individuals. She doesn’t hesitate to take on extra roles such as providing education sessions both in hospital and community, and has been actively involved in promoting staff recognition and engagement.

Congratulations to Haley Riedle, recipient of the 2023 RPNF Award of Excellence for Clinical Practice. Haley Riedle has made a tremendous difference through her work with individuals seeking services at the Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine Clinic in Winnipeg. She is one of the first people greeting individuals when they come to the clinic and provides a positive, welcoming experience by quickly connecting, evaluating the person’s needs and assisting them to meet their goals using evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Most importantly, Haley establishes an environment of safety and instills hope for recovery. Haley brings a calmness to the work, using the therapeutic relationship to promote engagement with the treatment plan, facilitating many success stories. Within the community, Haley volunteers with Project Safe Audience, an organization that provides peer-based harm reduction services. Haley has a strong work ethic and is recognized for her dedication to addictions medicine and her passion for helping people.

Congratulations to Charlene Shepard, recipient of the 2023 RPNF Award of Excellence for Leadership. Charlene is the lead nurse at the Program of Assertive Community Treatment, within the Community Mental Health Program in Winnipeg. She is highly organized, providing mentorship and support to each member of the team. Charlene assists individuals requiring services using best practice approaches such as teaching new skills, improving quality of life and walking with them through recovery. She helps with problem-solving when fellow staff encounter challenging clinical situations and encourages each person to be the best version of themselves. As a leader in a community program, Charlene is very skilled at advocacy with external agencies, helping to break down barriers that make it difficult for people to gain access to supports. She brings positivity, supports others, and takes on a leadership role with her peers, program participants and the community.

Congratulations to Dana Naismith, recipient of the 2023 RPNF Award of Excellence for Education. Dana Naismith is a much-admired tenured professor at Brandon University and teaches within the Psychiatric Nursing program at the Winnipeg campus. While she teaches a range of classes throughout the program, she is particularly well-known by students for their positive experience in her Addictions class. Students often contemplate work in the addictions field having been influenced by Dana’s passion for recovery. Dana employs innovative and engaging learning opportunities including immersion experiences with 12-step-programs, student movie reviews about films focusing on addictions, and hosting individuals with lived addictions experience as guest speakers. Dana encourages class participation, is open and accepting of feedback, and pushes students to perform at their best, both academically and as future Psychiatric Nurses. She is comfortable talking about difficult subjects and ensures that students come away from her classes with a clear and honest view of addiction, mental illness, and the role of Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the recovery journey.

Special Acknowledgment: 2023 was Beverley Hicks’ final year with the foundation concluding many years as Director and strong ambassador for the RPNF. In addition to key roles in promotion, communications and partnerships, Beverley has chaired and co-chaired the RPNF Scholarship Committee which is a primary area of the foundation’s focus. The work of current and past directors has been enriched by the wealth of Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing experience, as well as academic accomplishment brought by Beverley to the foundation’s efforts. As part of her support of the RPNF, Beverley contributed a portion of the proceeds from her recently published (and award-nominated) book Politics, Personalities & Persistence. Beverley has been an active and engaged RPNF Director, encouraging fellow Directors and Executive Committee Members in times of challenge and celebrating each accomplishment. The RPNF would like to formally thank Beverley for her commitment to the RPNF and to Psychiatric Nursing.

Special Acknowledgment: Annette Osted has been a long-time supporter of the RPNF, serving as one of its original 3 Directors as well as Executive Member, President, and Volunteer. Annette was Executive Director of the Registered Psychiatric Nursing Association of Manitoba (now the CRPNM) for 35 years, dedicating her career to the evolution of the profession of Psychiatric nursing in the areas of education, practice, and legislation. She was instrumental in establishing the first baccalaureate degree in Psychiatric Nursing in Canada in 1995. In recognition of these significant accomplishments, Brandon University conferred Annette with a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) in 2012. Annette’s national undergraduate scholarship provided academic support to 12 Psychiatric Nursing students, and she continues to support the RPNF in many areas. Annette remains a fierce advocate for Psychiatric Nurses and Psychiatric Nursing students. Many thanks to Annette for her immeasurable commitment to the RPNF.

Special Acknowledgment: Marlene Fitzsimmons has been a visionary leader and avid supporter of the Psychiatric Nursing profession throughout her career. Founder of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses’ Foundation (1980), Marlene has played an integral role in supporting the foundation’s development and governance structure. She has been an Executive, serving as President, Past President, and ongoing advisor. Marlene’s scholarship, recently converted to a grant has supported Psychiatric Nurses enrolled in certificate programs or presenting at conferences. Marlene has always been fully invested, and inspires this same commitment in those surrounding her, Psychiatric Nurses, students, or community members alike. Marlene was granted a lifetime membership with the CRPNM and was conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 2009, the first Registered Psychiatric Nurse to receive this degree. The RPNF wishes to recognize Marlene’s contributions and thank her for being a mentor to us all.

National Scholarships

RPNF Undergraduate Scholarship (3rd Year) – Katrina Pander
RPNF Undergraduate Scholarship (4th Year) – Jessica Parkin
RPNF Graduate Scholarship – Riley Hammond
McCormick-Henry Scholarship – Not awarded

Grants

RPNF Marlene Fitzsimmons Grant – Not awarded
RPNF Indigenous Studies Grant­ – Not awarded

RPNF Brandon University BScPN Medal of Excellence

Brandon Campus – Mary Waldner
Winnipeg Campus – Haley Pelland