Joanne Profetto-McGrath
In recognition of the importance of the research currently underway in nursing education, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) offers an annual award to an established scholar with a strong program of research in nursing education.
Joanne Profetto-McGrath (PhD '99) was recently chosen to receive the 2013 Pat Griffin Nursing Education Research Scholar award, which was created to support and promote research in nursing education being carried out by a distinguished Canadian scholar through inquiry, mentorship and dissemination.
Profetto-McGrath, who dedicates her program of research to scholarly inquiry into nursing education with a focus on critical thinking and knowledge utilization, was blown away when she learned that she had been selected for the award.
"It was an honour when Florence Myrick [PhD '98], the inaugural award recipient, said that she was nominating me," noted Profetto-McGrath. "Actually, about a month before the decision was announced, my husband and I went out for Chinese food. Normally I don't pay attention to things like this, but the fortune cookie message was, 'You will receive some prestigious prize or award within the month.' And sure enough, within a month CASN called to tell me that I had been selected for the award!"
"We are all very proud Joanne, she is an outstanding educator, scholar and administrator," said Anita Molzahn, dean of the Faculty of Nursing. "It is wonderful to have two Pat Griffin Nursing Education Research Scholar recipients in our Faculty; it really shows the depth of scholarship in nursing education that we have."
One of Profetto-McGrath's primary goals is to conduct research with a variety of providers, specifically student nurses, registered nurses, nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists to build capacity, i.e. knowledge, skills and dispositions. "Building capacity facilitates the creation of new knowledge, as well as shape providers' abilities and commitment to use research and share it with colleagues and other health professionals with the ultimate aim to provide the best care possible to patients/residents/clients in a variety of settings."
Profetto-McGrath, acting dean of the Faculty of Nursing, has always been passionate about nursing education, no matter her role. "If we educate the next generation of nurses well, they will in turn--regardless of the setting they are in--have a positive impact on patient care, the profession and the discipline."