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Recent UWindsor grad Elizabeth Dillon (BScN 2019), a nurse in Windsor Regional Hospital’s emergency department, has earned an intern designation from the de Souza Institute for continuing education in cancer and palliative care.
Dillon — who received a provincial award for Excellence in Professional Nursing Practice at the Undergraduate Student Level from the Council of Ontario Universities Programs in Nursing — says that continuing to develop her skills will enable her to better support patients through her career.
“As an emergency room nurse, I get to see the whole spectrum of cancer care from a new diagnosis to end-of-life care and I am better able to provide for these patients after this designation,” she says.
Dillon’s investment of time and effort showcases her commitment to nursing excellence, says the institute’s executive director, Mary Jane Esplen.
“Her knowledge and confidence facilitated a smooth transition from a recent graduate to a registered nurse who tends to patients with high acuity,” Dr. Esplen wrote in a letter announcing the accomplishment to hospital officials.
The designation requires completion of 100 hours of course work in a spectrum of oncology competencies, including therapeutic relationships, evidence-based cancer-specific care, and patient teaching and education.
Founded in 2008 by the Ontario government, the de Souza Institute is a Centre of Excellence providing health-care professionals with expertise in cancer and palliative care.