Professors recognized by leading nursing organizations

Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are proud to announce that two professors from their Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours (Hons) program have been recognized by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN).

Kathy Cummings, a founding faculty member, has been named the recipient of both the 2012 COUPN Award for Excellence in Collaborative Education and the RNAO Award for Leadership in Nursing Education (Academic). In addition, Marianne Cochrane, professor and year-two co-ordinator of UOIT’s BScN program and also a full-time collaborative nursing program faculty member, has received the RNAO Award of Merit.

“On behalf of UOIT, congratulations to both Kathy and Marianne on their outstanding achievements,” said Dr. Ellen Vogel, dean, UOIT Faculty of Health Sciences. “These awards are a shining example of their passion and dedication to our students and the nursing profession. Both highlight their commitment to preparing students to excel in the 21^st-century workplace and improving the lives of others”.

The COUPN Award for Excellence in Collaborative Education is presented to a college faculty member teaching in a collaborative program who demonstrates excellence in teaching along with the ability to inspire creative and critical thinking in students. In addition, he or she must offer thoughtfulness toward student learning and well-being; motivation to exceed personal expectations; and the ability to further the growth of future nursing professionals. Cummings received her award during the fifth annual COUPN Awards Ceremony, which was held in Toronto, Ont., on April 25.

“The entire Durham College community is extremely proud of the accomplishments of Kathy and Marianne,” said Susan Sproul, dean of the Durham College School of Health & Community Services. “This recognition by two of Ontario’s most prestigious nursing bodies is a direct reflection of their shared dedication to being academic leaders committed to nursing and making a positive difference in the lives of students, colleagues and the college and university. On behalf of everyone at Durham College I extend our sincere congratulations to both on these wonderful accomplishments”.

The RNAO Award for Leadership in Nursing Education (Academic) award is presented to a nursing educator who excels as a mentor and encourages critical and innovative thinking about nursing issues. Cummings received her second honour during the RNAO’s 87th annual general meeting (AGM), which took place in Toronto from April 26 to 28.

“I began my teaching career at Durham College in 1980 and since then I have been fortunate to work with many wonderful people including fellow teachers, managers, support staff, hospital administrators, preceptors, other nurses and hundreds of nursing students,” said Cummings. “It has been a privilege to help students become registered nurses who go on to be vital members of our health-care system here, nationally and abroad. It is a great honour to be recognized for my contribution to the development of students.”

Cochrane was also recognized during the RNAO AGM when she was presented with the RNAO Award of Merit, which recognizes the contribution of nurses to RNAO and the profession of nursing in Ontario. Winners demonstrate responsibility for professional development and are exemplary role models and mentors to their peers.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognized for a job I love to do,” said Cochrane. “Being a nurse has allowed me to take an active role in helping the lives of others. My teaching career has been equally rewarding as I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to share my experiences with others who are as equally passionate about improving health care as I am. Thank you to my students, colleagues, peers, friends and family for helping me achieve this incredible milestone.”

With 20 years of experience as a clinical nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Lakeridge Health Corporation, Cochrane also worked as a resource nurse, patient care facilitator, clinic leader and interim program leader.

A past RNAO board member, she is also the outgoing president of the Provincial Nurse Educator Interest Group, working with the Durham/Northumberland Chapter Executive as its executive network officer for Communications. She has served on various RNAO committees including By-Laws, Resolutions and Nursing Education and is currently a committee panel member for two Best Practice Guidelines (Practice Education in Nursing and RPN to BScN Bridging Guideline). Cochrane will return to the RNAO Board of Directors for its next two-year term as Interest Group representative in addition to being a board member for the Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario.

Along with being a professor with the collaborative nursing program, she was the interim co-director of UOIT’s BScN program from August 2010 to July 2011 and believes nurses have the unique privilege of playing a key role in the lives of individuals, their families and their communities through establishing caring, interpersonal relationships.

Cummings, a former surgical unit nurse at Lakeridge Health Corporation, began her teaching career with Durham College’s Registered Nursing program 32 years ago. Since that time she has worked for the joint Durham College and York University Collaborative BScN program in addition to her current role teaching first-year collaborative nursing students.

Cummings is dedicated to personal growth and education and the enhancement of classroom teaching methods. Her interest in the role technology plays in nursing education and the nursing workplace encourages her to keep up-to-date teaching methods in the classroom.

RNAO, established in 1894, is a professional association for registered nurses across Ontario. With more than 33,000 members advocating on behalf of Ontario’s registered nurses and the public, the association influences public policy and speaks out on issues that impact health, health care and nursing.

COUPN promotes discussion between its 20 member institutions and one associate member institution on university issues such as funding, research, graduate studies, international relations and accessibility. In addition, it works with the federal and provincial governments on public policies to enhance the economic and social well-being of Ontario and Canada through the promotion of research and innovation.