Dr. Vanessa Burkoski is an extraordinary and passionate advocate for evidence-based policy in Ontario’s health-care system and for engaging, healthy and scholarly practice environments in the profession of nursing. She nurtures and inspires health professionals to maximize their contribution to patient quality and safety, as well as improve organizational and health system outcomes through evidence-based practice. Vanessa is a remarkable nursing leader, having served in several principal roles including Ontario’s longest-serving provincial chief nursing officer, chief nursing executive and chief of people strategy at Humber River Hospital. From 2012 to 2018, she served RNAO as president-elect, president and immediate past-president, guided by her inner courage and integrity to contribute invaluable strategic advice and expertise on a wide range of nursing and health policy priorities. Vanessa’s achievements exemplify excellence in nursing practice, policy, executive leadership, and person-centred care.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed on long-standing members of RNAO who exemplify outstanding contributions to the profession in the areas of practice, education, administration or research, at the provincial, national and/or international level. This includes activities that promote RNAO among nursing colleagues, the government and other health-care partners.
