A nomination process that attracted 112 hopefuls from across the province for the coveted Toronto Star Nightingale Award worked out well for Dr. Sue Coffey, an associate professor in Durham College’s (DC) Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, when she was chosen as this year’s award recipient by a panel of representatives from Ontario’s nursing associations and the Toronto Star.

 Nominated for her work in developing a hands-on patient overdose simulation and integrating it into course curriculum, Dr. Coffey worked with an interprofessional team of educators to provide students with the opportunity to test the skills they are learning in class in a safe environment. As part of the simulation, a debrief component allows students to refine their skills so they are prepared when faced with a real overdose situation on the job. 

Dr. Coffey, whose work in nursing started over 30 years ago, has spent the last 17 in nursing education with a focus on developing innovative nursing curriculum and theory development. The DC community offers their congratulations on receiving this momentous award.

 For more information on the Toronto Star Nightingale award, please visit the Toronto Star website.