RNFOO is honoured to be the recipient of a generous bequest from Lynn Kirkwood, a long-time faculty member at the Queen’s University School of Nursing. Her gift has made it possible to establish the Lynn Kirkwood Research Award, with the first award to be presented in 2025.

This award is designed to support:

• Researchers studying the role or practice of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Canada (applicants do not need to be NPs themselves), or
• Nurse Practitioners pursuing graduate studies and conducting research related to NP roles or domains of practice.

Lynn Kirkwood played a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing in Ontario. In 1995, she assumed responsibility for developing and leading Queen’s University’s Nurse Practitioner program—part of the province-wide re-establishment of university-based NP education. As a recipient of care from a Nurse Practitioner herself, she frequently spoke of the exceptional quality of care she received. This personal experience strengthened her belief in the value of NPs, and she became a passionate advocate for their role in improving access to primary health care.

We are deeply grateful to Lynn and others like her who choose to leave a legacy that supports and uplifts the nursing profession. A gift in your will can fund scholarships, research, and leadership development—ensuring the next generation of nurses is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Including RNFOO in your estate planning is simple, won’t affect your finances during your lifetime, and may provide tax advantages for your estate. More importantly, it is a powerful way to leave a legacy rooted in compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to better healthcare for all.

For more information contact info@rnfoo.org