Nursing professor awarded for her leadership in perinatal and women’s health research

Recognized for her inspiring leadership, nursing professor and associate dean (research) Karen Benzies received the 2016 CAPWHN Excellence in Leadership Award from the Canadian Association of Perinatal and Women’s Health Nurses (CAPWHN).

She was acknowledged at the association’s national Conference, held in Calgary, Alberta this weekend on Oct. 21-23.

“It is a great privilege to receive the CAPWHN Leadership Award," says Benzies. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to mentor the next generation of perinatal and women’s health nurse leaders in this country.” 

Benzies was nominated by graduate students Meredith Brockway and Elizabeth Keys who described her contagious passion for nursing, talent as a mentor and support of life-long learning.

In a written letter, Lisa Keenan-Lindsay, CAPWHN past-president and chair of the nominations committee said about Benzies, “It has been identified that you prioritize mentorship of nursing trainees within all aspects of nursing education and clinical practice. You have been steadfastly investing in nursing students and maternal-child colleagues while working through research and practice challenges, and offering encouragement and enthusiasm, while providing constructive and effective feedback.”

CAPWHN represents women's health, obstetric and newborn nurses from across Canada and promotes excellence in nursing practice, leadership, education and research in the areas of perinatal and women’s health care.