Congratulations to Aggie Black and Rick Sawatzky, who have received 2016 Nursing Awards of Excellence from the Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (ARNBC)!
Dr. Sawatzky, CHÉOS Scientist and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Patient-Reported Outcomes, received an Award for Excellence in Advancing Nursing Knowledge and Research. His research focuses on the validation and utilization of patient-reported outcome measures and quality of life assessment instruments in various health care contexts for people with life-limiting conditions, and their family caregivers, who are in need of a palliative approach.
Dr. Sawatzky was recognized for being a role model, mentor, and consultant, and for being an ambassador for Trinity Western University, nursing, nurse-researchers, and for the voice of patients in a rapidly changing health care system.
“I am very encouraged by the award, which was put forward by my colleagues at Trinity Western University, and by the letters of support written by 11 close colleagues from 8 universities and health care institutions in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Sweden,” said Dr. Sawatzky.
“It is a true privilege to collaborate with these and many other outstanding researchers, clinicians, and decision makers who make it possible to do the research we do, with the ultimate goal of enhancing person-centered health care services.”
Ms. Black received the Award for Innovation in Nursing. She was recognized for implementing a number of initiatives, including the PHC Practice-Based Research Challenge, which has enabled over 350 point-of-care clinicians to conduct small-scale research projects. She has been credited with expanding the Nursing Education and Research Rounds to include all disciplines, and is admired for her humility, innovation, creativity, and leadership. Ms. Black is a Research Associate at CHÉOS and the Research Leader for Professional Practice at PHC.
“I am thrilled and honoured to receive the ARNBC Award for Innovation in Nursing,” said Ms. Black. “I accept the award on behalf of the amazing leaders at PHC who support and encourage my work, and on behalf of the inspiring nurses I work with, who step forward to lead research and knowledge translation projects.”
ARNBC honoured all 17 award recipients at a gala ceremony in downtown Vancouver on November 17.
Congrats, Aggie and Rick!
