The Nursing Now Ontario Awards celebrate the contribution of nurses who improve the health outcomes of Ontarians and who contribute to nursing practice. Awards are presented to one winner in three categories: registered practical nurse (RPN), registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP).
The awards ceremony takes place during Nursing Week 2021 (May 10 – 16).
After receiving 213 nominations, the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), RNAO and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) will recognize the award recipients during a special ceremony on May 12, 2021 at 2 p.m. (ET). The event will be held virtually on Zoom. The awards fall on the same day as the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing.
This awards program builds on the goals of the Nursing Now campaign, a global initiative aimed at raising the profile of the profession and improving health around the world through nursing. The campaign calls on governments, health professionals and service users to champion the role of nurses in clinical practice, policy and political leadership.
Host:
- Dr. Doris Grinspun, RN, Ph LLD(hon), Dr(hc), FAAN, O.ONT
Chief Executive Officer, RNAO
Presenters:
- Morgan Hoffarth, RN, BScN, MN
President, RNAO - Vicki McKenna, RN
President, ONA - Dianne Martin, RPN
Chief Executive Officer, WeRPN
The Winners
NP Award Recipient: Aric Rankin

Rankin worked collaboratively with an interprofessional team to develop programming for chronic disease management at his clinic. He also developed relationships with external Indigenous organizations to provide optimal care for his clients and their families. Rankin is actively involved as a mentor, supporting others in achieving excellence in all nursing domains.
Rankin worked as a clinical instructor at Western University and was a preceptor and a clinical tutor for the NP program at McMaster University. He is also a member of RNAO’s NP Task Force. Rankin is currently pursuing his doctoral degree with a focus on Indigenous health, health equity and health system reform.
RN Award Recipient: Mahoganie Hines

The devastating COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on health-care professionals, including Hines. “We are all tired and we are doing the very best that we can with limited resources,” she notes. “I hope that the pandemic has shined a light on the fractures in our health-care system and they can be repaired.”
RPN Award Recipient: Sheri Bruder

As a leader, Bruder is approachable and amenable. She’s always willing to help new staff and guide them through in their professional journeys. She revels in individual and collective success of her co-workers.