1 award of $1,000 (Graduate Level)
Qualifying programs: Graduate Degree Masters, Graduate Degree PhD

Award Description

The Dr. Hildegard E. Peplau Award provides an opportunity to a Registered Nurse who wishes to pursue education at the master’s or doctoral level in psychiatric/mental health nursing. Preference will be given to those whose focus of study includes an interpersonal perspective in nurse-client, family, peer or community relationships. Preference will be given to members of the MHNIG.

About Mental Health Nursing Interest Group

Mental Health Nursing Interest Group (MHNIG) promotes the health and well-being of people who are at risk of experiencing mental illness and/or emotional distress as well as promoting mental health services which are responsive to the needs and wishes of consumers and the community.

MHNIG objectives are:

  • To provide a forum for communication and the exchange of ideas.
  • Lobby for improved mental health/psychiatric care in institutions and in the community.
  • Collaborate with mental health consumers/survivors, family groups, and other mental health professionals.
  • Lobby on behalf of mental health nursing for the recognition of and positive image of mental health nursing.
  • Promote awareness of the roles of mental health nurses and to serve as liaison with RNAO and CNA in promoting certification of mental health nurses.
  • Provide professional support for mental health nurses.
  • Promote professional growth and adaptation to changing health care trends.
  • Encourage formation of satellite groups throughout Ontario.
  • Support implementation of standards of practice for mental health nursing.
  • Encourage participation of mental health nurses in education and research.

Previous Award Winners

2025

  • Caitlin Cosgrove (Toronto Metropolitan University)

2024

  • Chelsea Masterman (Western University)

2023

  • Emily Bohdal (University of Windsor)

2022

  • Samantha Boumeester (Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University))

2021

  • Kirthiga Ravindran (McMaster University)

2020

  • Pamela Durepos (McMaster University)

2019

  • Yehudis Stokes (Toronto Art Therapy Institute)

2018

  • Zohra Surani (University of Toronto)

2016

  • Ingrid Dresher (York University)

2015

  • Sarah Benbow (Western University)
  • Tara Tourloukis (Brandon University)

2014

  • Shannon Wright (McMaster University)

2013

  • Deidre Bainbridge (University of Toronto)

2012

  • Sarah Benbow ()

2009

  • Cori Watson ()

2007

  • Anne Derks ()

2006

  • Angelique Benois ()

2005

  • Celia Li ()

2004

  • Alison Watson ()

2003

  • Helen Kirkpatrick ()