Loyalist College Nursing Students Shine with RNFOO Scholarships

Eight Loyalist College nursing students have been honoured with prestigious awards from the Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO) this season. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential and dedication to the nursing profession among students across Ontario. 

The rigorous selection process, conducted by the 43 judges on the RNFOO Awards & Scholarship Review Panel, saw Loyalist students stand out among many strong candidates province-wide.  

Associate Dean Patricia Munroe shared her pride in this accomplishment: “The recognition of our BScN and Practical Nursing students through the RNFOO awards is a tremendous honour for both the students and our Loyalist nursing programs. Out of many applicants across the province, eight of our Loyalist College students were selected — an incredible achievement that reflects both their hard work and the outstanding mentorship and support from our faculty. We are incredibly proud of these students for representing Loyalist College admirably and embodying the future of compassionate, skilled nursing care.” 

Loyalist College RNFOO Award Winners 

Jennifer Tame – Practical Nursing – RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship 

Chloe LeClair – Undergrad Degree – 4 year SNIG Scholarship for an Indigenous Student 

Danielle Nasmith – Undergrad Degree – 4 year – RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship 

Taylor Beaudry – Undergrad Degree RPN to BScN – Regina Borowska Scholarship 

Brittney Guthrie – Undergrad Degree RPN to BScN – Regina Borowska Scholarship 

Riya Juliet – Undergrad Degree RPN to BScN – Regina Borowska Scholarship 

McKenna Thompson-McCormick – Undergrad Degree RPN to BScN RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship 

Haritha Satheesh – Undergrad Degree RPN to BScN – Regina Borowska Scholarship 

We had the opportunity to speak with Jennifer Tame, a scholarship recipient in the Practical Nursing program, about her experiences and what this recognition means to her. 

Currently a PSW at Quinte Health, Jennifer was inspired to pursue nursing during the challenges of COVID-19. “Since Covid, I have watched my colleagues struggle with the lack of staffing in the nursing department, which has taken a toll on everyone at Quinte Health,” she explains. When the WeRPN BEGIN grants for PSWs were announced, she saw it as her opportunity to upgrade her skills and help fill critical nursing positions. 

Despite initial apprehension, Jennifer persevered with encouragement from NP Julia Hess at Quinte Health and ongoing support from Loyalist faculty. She is now on track to graduate this June with aspirations of making the Dean’s List. 

The RNFOO scholarship will make a tangible difference in Jennifer’s educational journey. “Receiving this award will allow me to take some time off during my consolidation,” she shares. “I won’t have to pick up as many shifts for pay, which will allow me more time to focus on studying for all the licensing exams we have throughout the summer.” 

She notes that there are only about four awards in Ontario that Practical Nursing students can apply for, making this achievement particularly significant. “It’s overwhelming to think that out of all of Ontario’s Practical Nursing students, it’s the essays I wrote, and the letters from faculty highlighting my achievements that stood out to the judges this year.” 

Jennifer added, “I’m proud to be representing Loyalist College this year with 7 RN students who also won various awards.” 

We extend our warmest congratulations to all eight recipients and look forward to witnessing their continued success as they progress in their nursing careers.