MARGARET R. CHARTERS BURSARY AWARD CRITERIA

The Margaret R. Charters bursary award was first introduced in 1996, in recognition of the contributions made by the late Margaret Charters, a Nursing leader at the Hamilton Civic Hospitals. Miss Charters was an administrator for Nursing and Patient Care Services at the Hamilton General Hospital from the mid-1960s to 1992. She believed strongly in advancing the educational roots for nurses, and took steps to enhance her own education – starting off as a graduate at the HGH School of Nursing, then completing her nursing diploma and her degree from the University of Western Ontario. She was a role model for continuing education, and a lifelong learner. Margaret also served as Council President at the College of Nurses of Ontario, and contributed to excellence in nursing as chairperson/advisor on many local, provincial, national and international committees and associations.

The recipient of this award would possess the traits of a distinguished nursing leader, with passion, strong clinical reasoning and problem solving, as well as apatient and family-centred approach to care. The recipient will be a respected member of their inter-professional team, a role model and driver of the behaviours we value as part of Continuous Quality Improvement.

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Applications open Spring 2024

2025 MARGARET CHARTERS BURSARY WINNERS

The Margaret R. Charters Bursary recognizes a nurse (RN or RPN) currently employed by HHS for their demonstrated leadership potential, academic potential and commitment to excellence in nursing practice. This year we chose two recipients of the Bursary.

Christy Filippetto, RPN has been part of the Hamilton Health Sciences Team for 10 years, currently serving in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Juravinski Site. She has had the opportunity to contribute to various initiatives, including helping with the development and launch of software systems such as EPIC, which has further strengthened her commitment to improving healthcare delivery through technology and innovation. Christy is nearing the completion of her bridging program in nursing at Centennial College and TMU, and is eager to transition into the field of Interventional Radiology. Her current role has provided her with a strong foundation and she looks forward to advancing her clinical skills and critical thinking abilities through further education in this specialty. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to leadership roles and mentoring nursing students. She takes great pride in supporting the professional growth of others, helping them develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in nursing. Moving forward, she hopes to further contribute to the organization through mentorship and leadership, particularly in areas that support both clinical expertise and technological advancements in nursing practice. ‘I am deeply committed to our mission and the ongoing delivery of exceptional patient care. I would greatly appreciate any guidance, mentorship, or opportunities for professional development, particularly in Interventional Radiology or leadership roles that involve mentoring and utilizing technology to improve patient care.’

Rheya Hanning, RN has worked alongside the dedicated Intensive Care unit (ICU) team at Hamilton General Hospital for the last five years. Within her role in the ICU and the Rapid Assessment of Critical Events (RACE) team, she has had the opportunity to promote and provide high quality healthcare by supporting new staff and students – both formally and informally, participating in quality improvement initiatives, joining her local code blue committee, and by promoting evidence-based practice both in and out of he ICU. While she has always been committed to professional growth and development, it has been these experiences that have shifted her career objectives and ultimately led to her pursuit of graduate education. As Rheya progresses through her Master of Science in nursing at McMaster University, it is with two key career goals in mind. First, as she aspires to work as a nurse educator within Hamilton health Sciences; hoping to combine her passion for nursing care, education, and quality improvement, championing evidence-based practice and policy on a larger scale. Secondly, she aims to continue her work as a nurse researcher, eventually obtaining her PhD, further engaging in projects that focus on meaningful patient-centered change at HHS. It is her goal and the focus of her thesis work to highlight the gaps in the transitional care of sepsis survivors and to collaborate with local leaders to develop a standardized post-acute sepsis treatment pathway in Hamilton. This work will complement her clinical expertise as well as align with HHS’s mission to provide high-quality health care to the communities we serve. Since beginning her graduate studies, Rheya has gained valuable skills in research methodology, policy development, nurse leadership, and knowledge translation, which she has already applied in practice. These include analyzing and presenting RACE team data to better understand indicators of ICU admission, developing trauma-and violence-informed debriefing tools for critical events, and facilitating cardiac arrest and critical care simulations for interdisciplinary learners at the McMaster Simulaton lab. The knowledge and expertise she continues to develop will directly benefit both her nursing career and HHS as an organization. Rheya said ‘I am committed to applying my education to continue improving patient care, to support interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive healthcare advancements within our institution.’

Congratulations Christy and Rheya!!

2024 MARGARET CHARTERS BURSARY WINNERS

Angelika Delos Santos, RPN began her nursing career with HHS in 2022. She completed her first clinical as a nursing student at St. Peter’s Hospital in 2020. She knew immediately that this was the place and organization where she was inspired to learn and grow. She is currently enrolled in the 2nd semester of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Bridge Program, driven by a deep passion for patient care, continuing education, and a commitment to excellence in healthcare. Her personal objectives include advancing nursing skills, expanding knowledge base and developing leadership qualities that will enable her to make a positive impact in the field of nursing. Her goal is to expand her career by working in the Intensive Care Unit after graduation. With her undertaking of nursing studies, she intends to contribute to Hamilton Health Sciences by bringing new insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to patient care. Completing her nursing studies will allow her to pursue advanced roles within the organization, such as nurse leadership, or specialized clinical positions. She is eager to contribute her skills and knowledge and committed to embracing new challenges, adapting to change, and fostering a culture of excellence within the health care team. She believes this will not only benefit her career, but also contribute to the growth and success of Hamilton health Sciences by ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. In Angelika’s words; ‘I am very committed to my nursing studies and I am confident that my education and experiences will enable me to make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing and continue to contribute to the mission, vision, and success of your organization. I am dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to our healthcare system and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.’

Sonja Bilic, RN began her journey of continuous learning and growth with Hamilton Health Sciences in 2021. Her role ignited a profound passion for oncology care, leading her to pursue various professional development opportunities, including ONS chemotherapy administration certification, completion of the DeSouza foundations in oncology course, and attainment of certification in oncology nursing (CON(C)). These experiences enriched her practice and reinforced her dedication to providing compassionate, patient-centered care in oncology. Her career aspirations are centered on delivering comprehensive, holistic, and equitable oncology care. This commitment has driven her acceptance into McMaster University’s Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) full-time program, which commenced in September 2023. As a future PHCNP, she is determined to contribute to the transformation of our healthcare system, prioritizing wellness, prevention and continuity of care. Her academic journey in the MSc Course Based PHCNP Program at McMaster university has equipped her with essential insights into leadership and the practical implementation of quality improvement initiatives. She is eager to apply this knowledge to her role at HHS, thereby advancing our organization’s mission of delivering high-quality patient care. Sonja has also joined the Canadian Association of Nurses of Oncology (CANO) professional practice committee. Her current involvement is part of a working group looking to integrate the current CANO Learning Pathway to the CANO Practice Framework. She envisions her role as a nurse practitioner within HHS as integral to the evolution of our healthcare delivery model. By integrating more PHCNPs into our workforce, we can address existing gaps in care accessibility and promote patient and family -centered care through a holistic lens. Her overarching goal is her commitment to addressing the gap in supportive care accessibility by extending symptom management services beyond business hours. In Sonja’s words, ‘While JCC has the RESSCU department, its operational hours limit access to supportive care for outpatient symptom management. By leveraging the full scope of the NP role, she intends to enhance patient care continuity and potentially alleviate the wait-time burden with our organization. ‘I am excited about the potential impact I can make within the organization and remain dedicated to upholding the standards of excellence at HHS.’

Congratulations Angelika and Sonja!!

2023 MARGARET CHARTERS BURSARY WINNERS

Katelyn Janssen, is an RPN employed with HHS since November 2020 and in her last semester at McMaster University in combination with Mohawk to complete her BScN. She is on the trajectory to complete this degree by December of this year. In Katelyn's words - 'As an aspiring nurse, I am enthusiastic about pursuing a career in a critical care area once I am registered, as there are fewer opportunities for RPNs in these areas. I plan to obtain an RN position within HHS as this area is my passion. This bursary would assist me in achieving my current educational and professional goals. I am currently completing my final clinical placement at WLMH ER. I am excited to bring my enhanced skills and experience to assist in bridging the gap in the critically trained nurse shortage. After 2-5 years of
critical care employment, I plan to complete more education at a Master's level to obtain my nurse practitioner license. I aim to be a prominent leader in my team, where I can support and influence policies that directly affect patient care. I hold education very highly and acknowledge that healthcare is a dynamic field that needs a continually updated knowledge base, thus leading me to a lifelong education journey to excel in my career.'

Will Hutchison RN, BScN, BSc, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, McMaster Children’s Hospital. Will has been working as a Registered Nurse at MUMC on the inpatient pediatric hematology & oncology unit, 3B2 for three years. To quote Will - 'I am seeking a Master’s of Science in Nursing at McMaster University to close the gap between health teaching in the hospital and families’ abilities to care for their child at home. My goal is to create a Family-Care Coordinator role within the pediatric oncology department to provide ongoing teaching to families of children with cancer throughout treatment....Through further education, I will gain experience using peer-reviewed literature, create connections with stakeholders to guide change, and learn important pedagogy for teaching families from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds about the implications of adjusting to life with cancer. With this experience, I hope to add to the current health teaching at HHS in pediatric chronic diseases, as well as create tools that will facilitate this learning.'

Congratulations Will and Katelyn!!

2022 MARGARET CHARTERS BURSARY WINNER

This year’s recipient is Jessica Sylvester, a Registered Nurse who has worked at HHS for the past 15 years.

Sylvester began her nursing career on the 5 South - Cardiac Surgery ward at the Hamilton General Hospital and later became charge nurse on the unit. Sylvester enjoys supporting staff with skills development through mentoring level 4 nursing students and orientating several charge nurses. She has been involved with accreditation committees and embraces leadership challenges. Recently, Sylvester was appointed the interim clinical manager at the Satellite Health Facility where she supports the day-to-day operations of the soon-to-be 120 bed facility.

Sylvester enthusiastically took on responsibilities during the Epic implementation, namely in providing staff education, facilitating cut-over completion and supporting Super Users.

Sylvester graduated from McMaster University in 2007 with a baccalaureate degree in nursing. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s of Healthcare Administration at the University of New England.Those who know Sylvester appreciate her leadership, her commitment to lifelong learning, and her passion for providing the best care possible for our patients and community.

Sharon Pierson had the occasion to work with Margaret Charters early on in her career and shared at the MSA Dinner and Awards that she “knows she [Charters] would be so impressed by Sylvester’s accomplishments and her desire to advance her education and contribute to nursing in different ways.”

Congratulations, Jessica Sylvester!

2021 MARGARET CHARTERS BURSARY WINNERS

The Margaret R. Charters Bursary recognizes a nurse (RN or RPN) currently employed by Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) for their demonstrated leadership potential, academic potential and commitment to excellence in nursing practice.

The purpose of the bursary is to provide support to an RN or RPN at HHS who wishes to pursue education related to nursing practice at the Baccalaureate or Master’s level. Congratulations to the 2021 recipients, Allyson Cann and Kelly Oucharek!

Allyson Cann is a registered nurse in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Hamilton General Hospital. She is pursuing a Master of Nursing degree and hopes to engage a more advanced clinical role as an educator in the future. Cann is committed to upholding HHS’ vision of “Best Care for All” and looks forward to being involved in improving and transforming nursing education for staff and students as her career progresses.

Kelly Oucharek has been a pediatric nurse at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) since 1999. She plans to continue her degree studies part-time while raising her four children. Oucharek says her career is both meaningful and fulfilling, and she looks forward to continuing to make a difference for patients and families at MCH.

The Margaret R. Charters Nursing Bursary was established by the medical staff of the Hamilton Civic Hospitals in recognition of the contributions made by Margaret Charters, to nursing and to the Hamilton Civic Hospitals. Miss Charters was Assistant Administrator of Nursing and Patient Care Services at the Hamilton General Division from 1967 to 1993. She also served as President of the College of Nurses of Ontario, and contributed to excellence in nursing through her participation in many local, provincial, national and international committees and associations as chair or advisor.

Recipients are nominated by their colleagues and selected by a committee comprised of the Vice President, Professional Affairs & Chief Nursing Officer, the Chief of Nursing Practice, an Interprofessional Education Specialist, and an Executive Member of HHS’ Medical Staff Association (MSA).

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!