Registered Nurses Association gives awards to 2 St. Michael's nursing leaders

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario has recognized two St. Michael's nursing leaders for outstanding leadership. Ella Ferris, executive vice-president, programs, and chief nursing and health disciplines executive, received the Leadership Award in Nursing Administration. Heather Campbell, Director, nursing practice and education, received the President's Award for Leadership in Clinical Practice.

"Ella and Heather are leaders in their field," said St. Michael's President Dr. Robert Howard. "They're outstanding assets to our hospital. The fact that St. Michael's came away with not just one, but two of these awards speaks volumes to the professionalism, dedication and excellence of our entire team."

Since joining St. Michael's as a staff nurse in 1972, Ferris has championed nurse-led clinical research, playing a key role in establishing the first nursing research chair at the hospital's Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. Ferris also established St. Michael's as an RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization, undertaking an unprecedented 17 best practice guidelines to improve patient care.

In less than two years at St. Michael's, Campbell has led the Nursing Practice and Education portfolio through considerable change. Some of her major initiatives have included collaborating with York University to pilot a nurse educator certificate program, and implementing new transfer of accountability guidelines to improve quality patient care. Known as a collaborative leader with an open-door policy, Campbell has been instrumental in ensuring that St.

Michael's nurse practitioners are practising to their full scope.

Ferris and Campbell will receive their awards at the RNAO annual general meeting in Toronto next month.

Provided by St. Michael's Hospital