RNFOO is pleased to announce that Sherida Chambers, Director of Nursing Practice at CAMH, is the winner of the inaugural RNFOO Legacy Award.
The Legacy Award was created in celebration of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary to recognize the significant contributions made to the nursing profession by nurses who engage in mentoring. The Legacy Award is offered through the RNFOO Nurses in Practice awards program, launched in April of this year.
In their nominations of Sherida, Alfredo Ramirez and Marketa Maj described their experiences of her mentoring skills in areas such as problem solving, using reflective questions, encouragement, and role modeling.
Throughout her 30-year nursing career, Sherida has been committed to supporting nurses in their practice. In conversation with RNFOO President Margaret Blastorah, Sherida noted that “Building capacity for the future of nursing has always been important to me; there was always a theme of supporting nurses in their practice”.
In describing her own views of mentorship, Sherida spoke about helping nurses understand the options for the trajectory of their careers, and taking time to speak with the “shining stars” about their career goals and aspirations.
One of Sherida’s nominators described her as a “fierce leader”; Sherida attributes this description to her commitment speak out and challenge views that are limiting nursing practice, and to her efforts to build capacity within nursing that will bring a more integrated approach to providing care to mental health patients.
If there is someone whose support has been a significant influence in your nursing career, you could consider nominating them for the 2025 Legacy Award. Nominations will open in the Spring; watch the RNFOO website and our social media platforms for details on how to nominate your mentor.
The Legacy Award is funded through donations from individuals and a significant gift from the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario. Donations to this fund are welcome and can be made through ouronline donation form.
