Nursing student earns humanitarian award
Chante Ellis, a nursing student in Nipissing’s Scholar Practitioner Program, has earned a prestigious 2018 Sopman Humanitarian Award from the University Health Network.
Ellis is one of 14 nursing students at the University Health Network that was nominated. She is her first year of the Scholar Practitioner Program, an innovative second degree nursing program for university graduates looking to pursue nursing at the bachelor of science level. Ellis also holds an honours degree in life sciences from McMaster University.
“When I learned about the award, I was definitely in shock, then felt extreme gratitude that my professor and preceptor recognized my ability to provide compassionate care in practice,” said Ellis. “Awards that commend student nurses are invaluable because they encourage the development of exceptional future nurses.”
The awards were established by the Sopman family nearly four decades ago to recognize emerging physicians, surgeons and nurses who, in addition to their academic and clinical excellence, have demonstrated profound compassion toward their patients and colleagues. Mr. Archie Sopman initiated the Sopman Awards almost forty years ago in memory of his wife Belle, and in recognition of the humanitarian care given to her by a student nurse. The Sopman Humanitarian Fund seeks to encourage characteristics of humanity, compassion, understanding, and the ability to communicate amongst nurses and doctors in training at University Health Network.
The key selection criteria for these prestigious awards are:
- Demonstration of excellence in the art and skill of humanistic care
- Exceptional interpersonal skills shown through interaction with patients and families
- Evidence of the characteristics of compassion and support while providing patient care
- Both clinical and academic excellence