2005 RNABC Award Recipients

Nursing BC, Jun 2005

RNABC award recipients have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of nursing and health care in B.C. They are leaders, mentors, teachers and role models. Through their achievements, they strengthen the nursing profession, and help us all achieve our goal of competent and ethical nursing practice in the public interest. RNABC award recipients consistently demonstrate outstanding performance in relation to the RNABC Standards for Registered Nursing Practice in British Columbia.

SHIRLEY COX, RN, BN, MAOM

Award of Excellence in Nursing Administration

Shirley Cox is the Professional Practice Director and Regional Accreditation Coordinator for the Pacific Region of Correctional Services Canada. Shirley's professionalism and knowledge have been integral to the success of many programs at Correctional Services Canada. She has been instrumental in developing a variety of groundbreaking initiatives. When Correctional Services Canada directed the regions to introduce methadone programs, she developed a comprehensive program for the Pacific Region.

Another example of Shirley's dedication to the profession is her "unwavering" application of her ethical principles. As one of Shirley's colleagues writes, "Her regard for the rights of the person - particularly the right to dignity and fundamental human respect - is foundational to her approach to any of the work which she undertakes." As Correctional Services Canada experiences an aging population, there is a "greater-than-ever need for more sophisticated hospice and palliative care services." In response to these needs, Shirley has been a "driving force behind the development and implementation" of a hospice and palliative care program for terminally ill offenders.

ELEANOR GILDING, RN, BSCN, MA, OHN

Award of Excellence in Nursing Practice

Eleanor Gilding is a Nurse Advisor for the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia. She is an expert occupational health nurse who readily shares her knowledge with colleagues. She brings to her work a wealth of experience in various nursing fields, including infection control, occupational health and safety, education and management. In the words of a colleague, "Eleanor has devoted her professional life to improving the care of people within the workforce." She is an outstanding role model and mentor and is well known for her tireless efforts to promote excellence in occupational health nursing.

Eleanor has made significant contributions in many areas, including work as a member of a provincial multi-organization group established to provide consistency in management of aggressive behaviour in the workplace. She participated on a national committee that developed guidelines for the prevention and control of occupational infections in health care. She designed and implemented an innovative research project that examined ways to manage lifting and transfer of patients and prevent musculoskeletal injuries among staff.

WANDA GORDON, RN, BSN, MA

Award of Distinction in Nursing

During a long and successful career, Wanda Gordon has been a clinician, educator and administrator in both nursing practice and education. Since 1987 she has held a number of positions at the University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV) and is currently the Director of Health Sciences. In this role she is responsible for the nursing degree program, practical nursing certificate program, home support/resident care attendant certificate and degree program, and the certified dental assistant programs.

Wanda is cited for a number of skills that contribute to her exceptional performance. Colleagues and peers commend her collaborative management style, mentorship ability, conflict management skills, and her problem-solving and decision-making skills. A former colleague writes, "I have learned more about creating a respectful and caring work environment from Wanda than from any other manager I have encountered during my career."

Wanda has been involved in a variety of innovative initiatives at UCFV, such as a faculty exchange program with China and an undergraduate nurse employment project.

JUDITH MOGAN, RN, BSCN, MA

Award of Excellence in Nursing Education

Judith Mogan is an Assistant Professor Emerita at the University of British Columbia's School of Nursing. She is a dedicated nurse educator whose ability to guide, support and motivate students is well known. During a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, she has been an effective mentor and an exceptional role model for new teachers and students alike. In the words of a colleague, "She is always looking for positives as well as new possibilities in nursing education."

The contributions Judith has made are many and varied. Judith is remembered by colleagues at University College of the Cariboo, now called Thompson Rivers University, for the exceptional leadership she provided in the development of the first nursing curriculum at what was then Cariboo College. She is an excellent teacher in clinical settings and in traditional and virtual classrooms. As a course developer and teacher, she has contributed significantly to distance education in nursing at the University of British Columbia. Students acknowledge her excellence as an advisor, tutor and online discussion leader. In the words of a former student, "She continually supported, guided and motivated us with great enthusiasm and patience."