2 awards of $2,000 (Undergrad Level)
Qualifying programs: Undergrad Degree 4 year BScN, Undergrad Degree 2nd level entry BScN

Award Description

The Charlotte Noesgaard scholarship is awarded to a full-time undergraduate nursing student in the third or fourth year of the BScN program, (2nd year of a 2nd level entry program), who has demonstrated excellent academic achievement and advocacy. Applicants should provide evidence of their ability to inspire and advocate for others, and their desire to pursue a career in nursing founded in evidence-based clinical practice and advocacy.

Origin

The Charlotte Noesgaard Scholarship was established in 2021 in her memory by Charlotte’s family, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), friends and colleagues. The scholarship recognizes Charlotte’s passion for nursing policy, advocacy and education.

Honoree Background

Charlotte will be remembered as a feisty advocate for evidence-informed practice. She is fondly remembered as a nurturing RN who gave generously to her community and her profession.

Having obtained her undergraduate degree in nursing in 1972, Charlotte went on to complete a master’s degree in the 1980’s. In 1989 she joined McMaster University’s faculty of nursing as an Associate Professor, School of Nursing, where she taught until her retirement in 2015. Charlotte’s students adored her and praised her high expectations of them alongside her capacity to mentor and nurture their curiosity and evidence-based practice. One of her proud moments in her career was witnessing the introduction of mandatory baccalaureate as a requirement for entry to practice: “It had been a long journey to see that come to light,” she told the Registered Nurse Journal in 2008.

The Waterloo Chapter of RNAO was her grass-roots home for nursing and she was proud of the huge initiatives the chapter was involved with. Living in former Health Minister Elizabeth Witmer’s riding, she and nursing colleagues took advantage of that to advocate for issues that impacted nursing. Charlotte was President of RNAO in 1997-1998 and later contributed to the association as Parliamentarian. She graced every AGM with her expertise, infectious laugh and positive outlook.

Charlotte’s contribution to nursing, learning, teaching and to her professional association spanned nearly four decades. She exemplified unwavering commitment to all she did from family to nursing, from teaching to advocacy, from friendship to community engagement. And, she always spoke about her desire to pass her passions on to the next generation of RNs.

Previous Award Winners