Nurses In Practice Awards

Applicant NameRita Gogna
Emailritagogna@hotmail.com
Phone(416) 432-5005
CNO Registration Number15093578
Nursing DesignationRN
Are you a member of any of these organizations?
  • RNAO
RNAO Membership Number15RZ0312
Select items you would like to apply for
  • Nursing Innovation Grant
Academic Credentials

Practical Nursing Diploma, Sheridan College 2012
Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (RPN to RN), University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2015
Master of Education- Open, Digital and Distance Education, Athabasca University, 2024
Advanced Cardiac Life Support – current certification 2025
Pediatric Advanced Life Support- current certification 2023

EmployerTrillium Health Partners
Job TitleClinical Educator, Professional Practice
Employment Location (municipality)Peel/ Etobicoke
Employment SectorHospital
Nursing Innovation Grant Project Proposal
Project TitleTransition To Independent Practice Support P3
Who will use your innovation and what will they use it for?

The projects target audience is nursing staff with under two years of experience at Trillium Health Partners which is comprised of three large hospital sites and multiple off site locations. This phase of the program will have a particular focus on international nurses (IENs) and those working in women’s and children’s healthcare. Through interactive, simulation-based learning experiences such as the “Cart of Knowledge” and an Escape Room series, we aim to engage staff in regular, accessible education. This will help enhance clinical competencies, foster inclusivity, and address specific educational needs, ensuring all nurses can participate and improve patient care across diverse units.

What makes your innovation unique? (OR) How is your innovation different from similar tools, approaches, or resources?

This innovation stands out by integrating hands-on simulation through the “Cart of Knowledge” which arrives to specific units in the evenings and weekends. These Carts of Knowledge include a PowerPoint presentation, hands on supplies and case studies or interactive games to enhance learning. Unlike traditional education methods, we are hoping to include both virtual and in person simulations into these sessions to provide an immersive experience that engages nurses across diverse specialties. There has been a lack of education tailored to international nurses (IENs) and women’s and children’s health which is a key focus of this phase. The inclusion of monthly, biweekly sessions ensures consistent, on-demand access, overcoming barriers of time and location. Additionally, by collaborating with unit educators and involving hospital-wide participation, this program ensures that all nursing staff—regardless of their unit or background—receive comprehensive, inclusive education, creating a unified approach to patient care at THP.

What issue or gap in the current system does this innovation address?

Many novice nurses, particularly those with less than two years of experience, face challenges in gaining the practical skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality care. Traditional training methods often fail to address the real-time learning needs of these nurses, who may struggle with complex clinical situations. Additionally, existing educational opportunities can be limited in scope or difficult to access due to time constraints, scheduling conflicts, or lack of engagement. This innovation addresses these gaps by offering flexible, interactive simulation-based learning through the “Cart of Knowledge” , ensuring that novice nurses receive hands-on, scenario and simulation based education that builds both competence and confidence, while being accessible across shifts, units and hospital sites.

How will your innovation impact nursing practice, nursing education, or nursing work/life?

This innovation will significantly enhance nursing practice by providing novice nurses with consistent, practical education that improves clinical competencies and decision-making skills in real-time. By engaging nurses in interactive, scenario-driven modules and knowledge carts, we ensure they are better equipped to handle complex situations, leading to improved patient outcomes. The integration of flexible, accessible education addresses scheduling conflicts, reducing stress and improving work-life balance. Additionally, this program supports continuous professional development, empowering novice nurses to grow in their roles without the limitations of traditional training models. The in person education delivered by a professional practice educator also indicates to staff that educational support at the bedside is always available. Ultimately, this innovation will foster a more confident, competent nursing workforce, improving both job satisfaction and patient care.

Budget UploadBudget-for-NIG-Applications.xlsx
Timeline UploadNURSING-INNOVATION-GRANT-TIMELINE-2024.docx
Describe how utilization of your innovation will be implemented within your own organization and others.

Internal Implementation at THP
The innovation will be implemented in a phased approach, starting within THP and then expanding to other healthcare organizations. Initially, we will roll out the “Cart of Knowledge”, Simulation sessions and Escape Room series across all three hospital sites, with a focus on engaging novice nurses (those with less than two years of experience). We will also implement resource sharing by ensuring all simulation-based training materials will be made available via a centralized online platform, ensuring ease of access for clinical educators on different shifts and units. In addition, educators will be trained to distribute resources and guide staff through the learning process, ensuring that education aligns with unit-specific needs. Lastly, monthly and biweekly training sessions will be offered to provide ongoing, flexible learning opportunities for novice nurses.

Evaluation and Feedback:
We will implement a continuous feedback loop in the form of regular surveys and focus groups in order to gather feedback from participants and use this informaiton to improve the program. We will measure engagement levels, skill improvement, and patient care outcomes and use this information to assess the program’s success.

External Implementation in Other Organizations
Once the program is successfully integrated into THP, we will expand its reach by sharing the resources and insights gained with other healthcare organizations. We will do this by publishing a report internally and strive to publish in external publications. We will present the findings of this program at at least two conferences. Also, we will host webinars to share the program outcomes, implementation process, and best practices, encouraging other healthcare organizations to adopt the model. Also, training materials and resources will be made available on a shared platform for other hospitals or nursing schools to adopt the program. By doing this, feedback from external organizations will be gathered to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in diverse settings.

Abbreviated ResumeRita-Gogna-Resume.docx
Individual Supporting LetterLorenaletter.docx
Organizational Supporting LetterMike-Letter-of-Support-RNFOO.docx
Next StepApplications completed by the deadline will be reviewed. All applicants will be notified when recipients have been selected.
Dr. Christine Newman Memorial Award – PCNIG DescriptionThis award is available to a nurse enrolled in CNA certification in hospice palliative care (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Nursing Certification CHPCN) or in a course recognized as preparation for certification, to further their commitment to the care of persons and their families facing a diagnosis that would benefit from a palliative care approach. Preference will be given to those who are members of the PCNIG.
Special Projects in Diabetes – DNIG descriptionThe Special Projects in Diabetes – DNIG Award is for a Registered Nurse who wishes to complete a special project focusing on diabetes. Applicants for this award must be current members of the RNAO Diabetes Nursing Interest Group.
WeRPN Post RPN Program Award descriptionThe WeRPN Award is available to a Registered Practical Nurse pursuing ongoing education (continuing education or RPN to RN program) that will enhance patient care and patient outcomes. Applicants must demonstrate a patient-centred approach to care.

Legacy Award Submissions

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