Since 2012, CAMH nurses have had the opportunity to pursue the Barford Advanced Practice Nursing Scholarship, thanks to a generous investment made by the Ralph M. Barford and John and Jocelyn Barford Foundations. The scholarship affords CAMH nurses the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in nursing, health administration or another related field. 14 CAMH staff members have been recipients to date.
“This prestigious scholarship aligns perfectly with our Best of CAMH Nursing initiative, which works to engage, support and mentor the largest group of clinical staff we have at the organization,” says Margaret Gehrs, Director of Interprofessional Practice.
Congratulations to this year’s Barford Scholars: Tsega Eyasu, Nurse Educator, Professional Practice; Zohra Surani, Registered Nurse, Women’s Inpatient Unit (WIU); and Tanja Kotolenko, Nurse Educator, Professional Practice.
"Professional Practice received many worthy applications,” Margaret adds. “We would like to thank all of the nurses who applied and look forward to finding creative ways to support all CAMH nurses who choose to advance their professional education.”
“It’s such a great honour to be recognized,” says Tsega. “This scholarship opens doors to so many opportunities within the organization. I look forward to applying everything I learn to improving patient care.”
Tsega has been accepted for full-time studies to the Master of Health informatics (Executive) Program at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto. Her goal moving forward is to pursue an advanced practice nursing career with a focus on clinical informatics.
Zohra has been accepted for full-time studies to the Master of Nursing Program, Clinical Field, at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
“I am aware of how competitive this scholarship is and feel privileged to be a recipient,” says Zohra. “This scholarship encourages nurses to engage in professional development and work towards improving nursing and the care provided by nurses at CAMH.
“This positively impacts our clients as well as staff.”
Zohra has been accepted for full-time studies to the Master of Nursing Program, Clinical Field, at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
“I am aware of how competitive this scholarship is and feel privileged to be a recipient,” says Zohra. “This scholarship encourages nurses to engage in professional development and work towards improving nursing and the care provided by nurses at CAMH.
“This positively impacts our clients as well as staff.”
“We’re so please that the Barford Advanced Practice Nursing Scholarships and Internships are among the many ways we hope to move our Best of CAMH Nursing agenda forward,” says Rani Srivastava, Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice. “The organization’s new commitment to supporting Certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and the current refresh initiatives associated with our CAMH Nursing Practice Advisory Council are also important ways nurses at CAMH will experience a renewed investment in the profession.
“We look forward to more initiatives being rolled out in the near future."