de Souza Institute Recognizes an Outstanding Leader in Oncology Nursing
London, Ontario – London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) oncology nurse Patricia (Pat) Stalker is the newest nurse in Ontario to obtain the Oncology Nursing Certification and be recognized with the de Souza Nurse Designation. The de Souza Institute is an innovative learning centre dedicated to cancer care excellence and since 2008 has provided ongoing educational support and career counseling to more than 6,000 nurses.
In order to achieve the de Souza Nurse Designation, nurses must successfully complete a series of courses and conduct a clinical fellowship.
“We are honoured to be back in London to celebrate the achievements of yet another nurse at London Health Sciences Centre.” said Dr. Mary Jane Esplen, Director of de Souza Institute. “Pat joins a distinguished group of de Souza designates across Ontario, who proudly and confidently demonstrate a superior knowledge and expertise in oncology nursing excellence.”
“The de Souza Institute brings together my two loves in nursing – oncology and education. Oncology nurses are fortunate to have this wonderful educational resource whether working front line or in other roles. In my role as clinical educator I appreciate the variety of courses and the knowledge that these materials are both evidence based and standard across the province. The de Souza courses assist nurses to increase their knowledge to better care for their patients,” said Pat.
The demand for nurses with specialized skills in cancer care is continuing to grow. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer within their lifetime and 1 in 4 Canadians will die of cancer.
The de Souza Institute and London Health Sciences Centre are two outstanding organizations focused on improving the cancer care experience for patients and families by ensuring they have access to quality information and the best cancer care nurses.
“We are extremely proud of Pat’s accomplishment,” says Neil Johnson, Vice President of Cancer Care at London Health Sciences Centre “Pat serves as a representation of our entire program’s commitment to high quality patient care, professional development and outstanding nursing practice. As one of 17 de Souza graduates, demonstrates her commitment to our patients, the profession of nursing and her own development. She’s a role model to others in our program and across the province.”
To learn more about de Souza Institute visit www.desouzainstitute.com
-30-
About London Health Sciences Centre:
London Health Sciences Centre has been at the forefront of medicine in Canada for 140 years and offers the broadest range of specialized clinical services in Ontario. Building on the traditions of its founding hospitals to provide compassionate care in an academic teaching setting, London Health Sciences Centre is home to Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, the Kidney Care Centre, two family medical centres, and two research institutes – Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute. As a leader in medical discovery and health research, London Health Sciences Centre has a history of over 65 international and national firsts and attracts top clinicians and researchers from around the world. As a regional referral centre, London Health Sciences Centre cares for the most medically complex patients including critically injured adults and children in southwestern Ontario and beyond. The hospital’s nearly 15,000 staff, physicians, students and volunteers provide care for more than one million patient visits a year. For more information visit www.lhsc.on.ca
About de Souza Institute
Established in 2008, de Souza Institute in partnership University Health Network, Cancer Care Ontario and funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, provides ongoing educational support, professional development and career counseling to nurses caring for cancer patients and families.
de Souza Institute is providing cancer care excellence by: delivering innovative continuing education and mentorship programs; helping nurses to achieve national specialty certification; funding graduate scholarships to develop tomorrow’s leaders, and supporting in self-care and career development.
Contact Information:
Deyan Kostovski
416-417-8566