Dr. Sue Bookey-Bassett’s connection to RNFOO began in 2013 when she received her first RNFOO Scholarship as a student. Since that time, Sue has been involved through various forms of engagement, including reviewing scholarship applications, being a member of committees, and serving on the RNFOO Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023.
Most significantly, Sue was RNFOO’s Vice-President for Fund Development and Marketing. Under her leadership, the Fund Development, Marketing and Communications (FDM&C) Committee was re-energized and took on new fundraising and marketing initiatives. As one example, Sue led RNFOO’s “jewelry campaigns” which celebrated the International Year of the Nurse and RNFOO’s 50th anniversary, while also generating funds to support the Foundation.
Amongst the numerous contributions to the Foundation was Sue’s leadership of the Nurse Innovator Award (NIA) Committee. Sue chaired the group of Honorary Life Members who spearheaded this unique project from 2019 through 2023 and effectively kept the Board informed and involved with this important initiative. While working with the committee, Sue also supported the award review process and the planning of an annual NIA Receptions. Sue also brought international attention to the NIA initiative and RNFOO through her poster presentation at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) congress in 2023.
While completing this work for RNFOO, Sue has continued her own research focusing on interprofessional care and education, as well as participating in other organizations such as the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario. Sue is a faculty member at the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). As a faculty member Sue models effective mentorship and transformational leadership. While in this position, Sue has supported her students academically and helped maintain a high profile of and strong support for RNFOO within the School and the University.
The Foundation is pleased to acknowledge Sue’s contributions to RNFOO and the Ontario nursing community with this Honorary Life Membership.