The Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of Ontario (CNS-ON) has exemplified outstanding leadership, advocacy and commitment to nursing excellence since it began in 1977. Despite workforce transitions, this association has maintained strong membership by fostering engagement through strategic surveys, free educational sessions and active communication channels, including newsletters, a dynamic website and social media. CNS-ON promotes professional development via scholarships and other supports for graduate nursing education. It actively addresses professional isolation through virtual meetings and strengthened national collaborations. Its advocacy efforts include presenting resolutions at RNAO AGMs, meeting with policy makers, gaining media attention to defend supervised consumption services and opposing cuts in health care. A new position statement has reinforced CNS-ON’s leadership in nursing and health-care reform and its support for equity, diversity and inclusion in health care. Through education, advocacy and collaboration, CNS-ON continues to elevate the nursing profession and advance publicly funded health care, making the association a deserving recipient of this award.
The Interest Group of the Year award is given to an RNAO interest group that best demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession and active participation in RNAO initiatives. The interest group effectively communicates through a variety of means, which influences decision-makers and mobilizes RNs, NPs and nursing students for action. This interest group exhibits exemplary teamwork and strong leadership within the nursing and health-care community.
