Windsor-Essex Chapter

Windsor-Essex Chapter Award of Distinction

Do you know a Registered Nurses Association of Ontario member who deserves some special recognition?

The RNAO Windsor-Essex Chapter has created an Award of Distinction to recognize the tremendous efforts of a local RNAO member.

Nominees Should:

• Be an active member in the RNAO Windsor-Essex Chapter
• Be caring and compassionate
• Strive for nursing excellence
• Go above and beyond
• Be invaluable to their team

Nominations should be accompanied by:

• A letter from the nominating individual telling the story about how a nurse displays the above guidelines (500 words or less)
• A completed nomination form from link below

2013 Award Recipient

Thank you to Windsor Essex RNAO Members for nominating a phenomenal nurse!

A registered nurse, Jean has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing science. She served on nursing faculty at the University of Windsor in 1968 until 1980 and returned as adjunct associate professor in 2011. Jean was also a director of nursing at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Metropolitan Campus.

In 1979, Jean was instrumental in the development of the Hospice of Windsor & Essex County’s clinical and volunteer programs. She went on to be an executive director of this Hospice which is recognized as exemplary in Canada.

In 1988, Jean was invited to University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, where she developed the Palliative Care Consultation Team and volunteer programs in the heart of tertiary care. She began as coordinator and clinical nurse specialist, then nurse practitioner and after retirement at 71 years of age, became an independent nurse consultant for the palliative care team. Jean continues as a consultant in palliative nursing, free-lance writer and outstanding speaker and teacher.

In addition to her ongoing commitment to Nursing Excellence, advancement, and outstanding patient care Jean Echlin is a Member Emeritus of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), Member of Tau Upsilon Chapter of the Honor Society of Nursing - Sigma Theta Tau International, and First vice-president of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (Canada) serving as Nurse Consultant on the board of directors.

Heather Gartner Thanks Windsor-Essex Chapter!

"I was honoured to be chosen to receive the Chapters first award of distinction. I am being seconded to RNAO until March 31, 2015 to be only one of 2 provincial smoking cessation coordinators! I am proud to be an RNAO member. Thank you!"

Congratulations to Heather Gartner,

Our 1st Award of Distinction Winner!!!

Read the letter of nomination to learn more about how Heather has been an exceptional nurse in our community and has actively supported our Chapter: