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2006 CRNBC Awards

Award of Merit

This award is presented to registered nurses who have made outstanding contributions to the nursing profession at provincial, national and international levels. This is the most prestigious honour granted by CRNBC.

Rob Calnan, RN

Some people are born leaders, some people are born nurses. Rob Calnan was born both. Of his tenure on the RNABC Board of Directors and later as president, many would say he was among the best leaders. He was particularly effective in representing RNABC positions to government and making significant contributions to health care policy. In 1998, under Rob's leadership, RNABC concluded a major review of nursing practice standards and, for the first time, included these as rules under the Nurses (Registered) Act. Later that year, RNABC won the prestigious 1998 Program Award for its practice standards program, from CLEAR, the U.S.-based multidisciplinary Council of Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation.

On the national front, Rob will long be remembered for his tenure as Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) president-elect and president. During his time with CNA, important policy issues were debated throughout the land, including through the Romanow Commission and the Kirby Commission. He lobbied the federal health minister and the Prime Minister to maintain the integrity of the Canada Health Act. He also made a presentation on the national position of nursing at the Ontario Hospital Association Conference for health care administrators. Throughout this time, Rob became renowned for his ability to personalize issues and policies with stories and anecdotes that educated the public on how nurses improve the Canadian health care system. In the process, he raised the community level of respect for the nursing profession.

One only has to reflect on his final addresses at the CNA and RNABC annual meetings to realize how much he influenced and supported nurses and nursing in this country. He received prolonged standing ovations.

On the international front, Rob was one of four nurses selected by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) as a representative to the World Health Assembly - the policy-making body of the World Health Organization - responsible for addressing global health issues. While president of CNA, Rob also worked in support of evolving nursing education in third world countries and the global nurse shortage. Judith Oulton, CEO of ICN says, "Canada is a well-respected international partner for ICN and developing countries in particular. Rob's expertise, interest and enthusiasm strengthen this image of Canadian nursing."

A colleague of Rob's noted: "Few nurses make a mark on nursing at provincial, national and international levels in the way that Rob Calnan does. While timing is always a factor, Rob's strengths as a collaborator, communicator and mentor are respected across Canada and around the world."

Award of Advocacy

Irene (Bunny) Barrett, RN (Ret.)

The word that describes Bunny Barrett is "advocate." It is a role that she has played for more than 30 years in service to her special needs clients in the Creston Valley. At the Endicott Centre (now known as the Creston and District Society for Community Living) where she spent most of her career, it was Bunny who created policies and procedures for the lay caregivers who looked after the needs of the physically and mentally challenged charges under their watch.

But her influence transcended a single place and time. A pioneer in her field, she fought for the mentally ill for decades, ensuring that their physical, emotional and psychiatric needs were met. She educated the health care community about the gifts these people bring to our lives, especially their unconditional love and everlasting loyalty.

It has often been said that we can rightly judge the civility of society by the way we treat those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in disadvantaged circumstances. If that is so, then surely we can say that Bunny - in her lifetime of unflagging and unfailing service - has made our society just that more civilized.

Award of Distinction in Nursing

Lynette Best, RN

Lynette is Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice with Providence Health Care. The term that immediately springs to mind when describing Lynette is "leadership." Under her leadership, a professional practice council was established to coordinate and standardize clinical practice within Providence Health Care. Under her leadership, an end-of-life protocol was examined and she has been leading a project to harmonize care standards across residential as well as acute care. Under her leadership, professional education days for nursing were created. She encouraged and supported a protocol for management of unsettled behaviour with a least restraint approach. Under her leadership. Providence became the only organization in Canada to participate in a medication safety collaborative led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement - with 50 other hospitals from the U.S. and Sweden. And under her leadership, she fostered acceptance and recognition for the contribution of the clinical nurse specialist.

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