Celebrating nursing excellence!

A big congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2026 Nursing Awards of Excellence! The ceremony, held earlier today, was the highlight of an inspiring week dedicated to all nursing teams across the MUHC. Guests and presenters were proud to recognize the incredible work of our entire nursing staff, who continue to provide outstanding care every day. Read on to discover the recipient of the 2026 Nursing Innovation Award!

And now, the moment we’ve been waiting for……

Anéande M’pambia from the Montreal General Hospital – Acute Pain Service – Evelyne Malowany award for Clinical Practice (individual)

Anéande M’pambia is an exceptional nurse clinician with the Acute Pain Service at the Montreal General Hospital, recognized for her compassion, professionalism, and outstanding clinical judgment. With nearly 10 years of nursing experience, she is described as someone who has “transformed the service through her proactive leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to improving coordination of care.”

In a highly complex clinical environment, Anéande consistently fosters “trust, clarity, and emotional safety” for patients and families, while supporting interdisciplinary teams across the hospital. Her colleagues describe her as “a stabilizing and inspiring force” and “a true team player,” known for going above and beyond in every situation.

Resourceful, dedicated, and deeply patient‑centred, Anéande exemplifies excellence in nursing practice and makes a lasting impact on everyone she serves.

Nominees: Rachel Yee, Roljean Amuan, Andréanne Favre, Vanessa Lavigne, Mary Addona, Marli Vilsaint, Anéande M’pambia, Su Hua Wu, Joumana Nader Bou Sleiman, Nancy Haince, Mireille Lemay, Lucy Silva, Hilary Zeitz, Laurie Best, Miriam Giard, Allison Eccles 

MUHC Patient Support Line team – Evelyne Malowany Award for clinical practice (team)

The MUHC Patient Support Line team is an extraordinary group of nurses who provide a vital point of contact for patients transitioning from hospital to home across adult MUHC sites. As described by their nominator, they have shown “unwavering commitment, expertise, and adaptability in building this program,” even while navigating rapid development and continuous change.

Through compassionate listening, strong clinical judgment, and seamless collaboration, the team has become “a trusted resource for patients, families, and community partners.” Their work ensures “accessible, coordinated, and compassionate patient‑centred care,” often preventing unnecessary emergency visits and supporting patients during moments of crisis.

By transforming post‑discharge support and extending care beyond hospital walls, the Patient Support Line team has become “an invaluable resource for the institution”.

Nominees: CPRC adults (Transversal), Operating Room 5 (The Neuro), Intensive Care Unit preceptors D3 (Glen site - RVH), Intensive Care 9th floor MGH, Patient Support Line (Transversal)

Chandni Patel from the Montreal General Hospital – Isobel MacLeod Award for outstanding work of a licensed practical nurse

Chandni Patel is a Licensed Practical Nurse whose calm presence and dedication make her one of the “quiet strengths” of MGH 12. Since joining the unit in 2022, she has been recognized for consistently “going the extra mile” for patients and colleagues alike.

Described as “calm, steady, and genuinely passionate about her role,” Chandni brings warmth, reliability, and teamwork to every shift. She plays a key role in supporting patients, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and reassuring junior nurses working in dyads (a paired nursing team consisting of a nurse and LPN). Her colleagues note that “people genuinely enjoy working with her,” and that her presence fosters transparency, teamwork, and psychological safety during even the most challenging moments.

Through her compassion, clinical insight, and unwavering support of others, Chandni exemplifies excellence in LPN practice and has a lasting impact on her unit every day.

Nominees: Melanie Edmonds, Aicha Legal, Chandni Patel, C8 LPN team and RVH Blood procurement

Estrella Barbin, Patient Care Attendant in C8 Surgical Oncology at the Glen site - RVH – Laraine Imperial Award recognizing exemplary work by PABs

Estrella Barbin is a deeply respected Patient Care Attendant in C8 Surgical Oncology at the Glen site - RVH, whose presence has shaped the heart and soul of her unit for nearly 25 years. Known for her unwavering dedication, Estrella consistently brings “warmth, laughter, and comfort even in the most challenging moments.”

Affectionately called a “tita” by her colleagues, she nourishes both body and spirit—supporting patients with compassion, respect, and dignity, while uplifting her team through generosity and kindness. Her nominator notes that “her standards have never wavered,” and that she understands that quality care is about “preserving dignity and building trust.”

Fierce, loving, and unforgettable, Estrella embodies the very essence of patient‑centred care and leaves a lasting impact on everyone she serves.

Nominees: Estrella Barbin, Allison Beaudoin, Annabelle Cortal, Eunide Fortune, Ramona Lucido, Lynda-Anne Sim, Hetal Patel, Claudette Strachan, Madge May 

Samantha Senecal, Unit Coordinator – Laraine Imperial Award highlighting the outstanding work of administrative personnel

Samantha Senecal is an outstanding unit coordinator whose work has become integral to the success of the C8 team at the Glen site - RVH. With 20 years of dedicated service, and since joining C8 in January 2024, she has demonstrated “proactive leadership and an exceptional ability to anticipate unit needs,” transforming daily operations in meaningful ways.

By creating essential clinical and operational resources, Samantha “bridges the gap between administrative efficiency and compassionate patient care.” Her initiatives have streamlined complex workflows, supported staff during high‑pressure periods, and ensured safe, coordinated transitions for patients and families. Colleagues note that her presence has “significantly elevated team morale and performance,” and that her absence quickly reveals just how much organization and care she provides.

Through foresight, dedication, and quiet leadership, Samantha has become “an invaluable cornerstone of our unit”.

Nominees: William Bonfanti, Christine Buchholz, Kelly Higgins, Ariel Marshall, Lisette Poirier, Samantha Senecal 

Nancy Obas, Preceptor CVIS clinic – the Peggy Sangster Award for excellence in nursing preceptorship

Nancy Obas is an exceptional preceptor at the Chronic Viral Illness Service (CVIS) whose passion for teaching and commitment to excellence leave a lasting impact on learners, patients, and colleagues alike. Her nominator describes her as “brilliant, highly devoted, and endlessly enthusiastic,” noting that she consistently “goes above and beyond in every situation.”

With a patient‑centred approach grounded in compassion and professionalism, Nancy has a remarkable ability to support newly arrived immigrants “with dignity and empathy,” creating a welcoming and reassuring environment from the very first encounter. Her natural warmth and sense of humour put learners at ease, while her structured, evidence‑based guidance fosters confidence and autonomy.

Through her dedication, clarity, and genuine care for others, Nancy truly embodies the spirit of excellence in preceptorship and makes a meaningful difference every day. 

Adult Nurse Educators from the MGH, Glen, Lachine, and The Neuro – Patricia O’Connor Award highlighting an evidence-informed project or program

The Adult Nurse Educators from the MGH, Glen, Lachine, and The Neuro are recognized for their exceptional leadership in redesigning the MUHC Central Nursing Orientation. In response to learner feedback and evolving clinical needs, they created the innovative “Bridge to Practice” program—an orientation described as “hands‑on” and “engaging,” designed to build confidence and strengthen clinical preparedness.

Since April 2025, this evidence‑based initiative has transformed the learning experience for nearly 250 new nurses, CEPIs, CEPIAs, and LPNs. Through collaboration, creativity, and a strong commitment to excellence, the team delivered an orientation that “strengthens clinical preparedness and elevates the quality of care across the MUHC.”

By grounding education in practical skills, current best practices, and learner engagement, the Adult Nurse Educators have created a program that is now considered “an invaluable resource for the institution,” and a model for excellence in nursing education.

Nominees: D7 Cardiac Surgery team RVH, Adult Nurse Educators MGH, Glen, Lachine and The Neuro, Multidisciplinary team Post-Critical Illness Recovery Centre Transversal 

Gianna Lepiane, Nursing Resource Centre Manager – Anne-Marie Lejeune award in recognition of the essential contribution of our collaborators

Gianna Lepiane is a cornerstone of nursing support at the MUHC, dedicating over 36 years of her career to ensuring safe, equitable staffing across the organization. As manager of the Nursing Resource Centre, Recall Lists and Float teams at the MGH and Glen RVH sites, she is described as “an essential resource person for all nurse managers and departments across the entire MUHC.”

Gianna’s impact is both immediate and far‑reaching. Her colleagues note that she has become “the go‑to person during staffing emergencies,” whose rapid, decisive actions have repeatedly “safeguarded patient care.” Known as someone who “goes above and beyond to help employees and colleagues in need,” she combines deep expertise with a collaborative, humane approach.

Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment, Gianna has strengthened nursing teams, protected patient safety, and left a legacy of collaboration and support across the MUHC.

Nominees: Farhad Afrasiabi (Franco), Enzo Eletto and Micheil Klosternmann, Gianna Lepiane, Fernanda Tomas, Arthur Victor Ionele, Gualter Azevedo, Juliana Cozza dos Santos, Interprofessional Simulation Centre Transversal 

Raphaëlle Bastarache, Advanced Practice Nurse, Surgery Mission – Franco Carnevale Award recognizing exemplary work in education, research and professional development

Raphaëlle Bastarache is an advanced practice nurse whose work has had a lasting impact on education, professional development, and research in nursing at the MUHC. With over seven years at the MUHC, including experience in the Glen ICU and now within the Surgery Mission, she is recognized for her ability to “make nursing practice evolve through knowledge sharing, tool development, and team support during practice change.”

Deeply engaged in multiple clinical and educational projects, Raphaëlle is described as “a true agent of transformation,” combining rigour, collaboration, and evidence‑based practice. Her leadership has strengthened learning environments, clarified clinical tools, and supported reflective practice across teams. Through co‑construction, innovation, and a strong focus on patient relevance, she consistently advances professional practice and learning in nursing.

Raphaëlle’s work exemplifies excellence in education, development, and research—benefiting nurses, patients, and the organization as a whole.

Nominees: Raphaëlle Bastarache, Sophie Vallée-Smejda 

Jayme Rothstein, D10 Hematology-Oncology, Glen site - RVH – New generation Award CRI recognizing a dynamic professional who stands out from the crowd

Jayme Rothstein is an exceptional emerging nurse leader whose commitment to cancer care began even before graduation, when she discovered her calling on D10. Her nominator notes that she “quickly mastered the fundamentals and eagerly pursued advanced training,” driven by a genuine desire “to offer the best possible care in a constantly evolving field.”

In just a few years, Jayme has embraced complex challenges, including stepping into an interim Assistant Nurse Manager role, where she supported colleagues “with unwavering dedication while balancing institutional priorities, resources, and clinical excellence.” She is described as “an emergent leader who will be an asset for the organization no matter the position,” whose “precious contributions over such little time” speak volumes.

Through clinical excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to learning, Jayme truly embodies the promise of the next generation of nursing leadership.

Nominees: Kathleen Fabella, Jayme Rothstein, Leah Tracey, Emily Tran, Elissa Colella, Erin Wakeling

Astride Bazile – Project Coordinator, Cancer Care Transition of Care Program -  Lorine Besel Award presented to an individual who demonstrates transformational leadership that supports and values the advancement of the nursing profession

Astride Bazile is an inspiring nurse leader who has made a lasting impact on cancer care at the MUHC. As project coordinator of the Cancer Care Transition of Care Program, she has helped design and implement a program that supports patients transitioning safely from active treatment to community follow‑up. Her nominator describes her as “an inspiring nurse leader who translates vision into meaningful improvements in cancer care,” and as “an innovative leader who is not intimidated by uncharted paths.”

Through collaborative leadership, Astride has championed a standardized, patient‑centred informed‑consent process across oncology, ensuring nurses were equipped with clear guidance and defined roles in shared decision‑making. Known for her curiosity and ability to build consensus, she consistently transforms ideas into initiatives that “benefit both patients and healthcare teams.”

By integrating evidence, data, and frontline engagement, Astride advances “high‑quality, patient‑centred care” and exemplifies excellence in nursing leadership.

Nominees: Astride Bazile, Veronica Bellomo-Hart, Rania Beyrouthy, Radia Boukheroufa, Oliver Cachero, Millie Firmin, Rita Larotonda, Judith Morlese, Pouneh Mohanna, Stephanie Rose di Nunzio

Nancy Turner, Associate Director of Nursing, Professional Practice, Education, Workforce Organization and Research – Valerie Shannon Award recognizing someone who has made an outstanding contribution to nursing throughout their whole career 

Nancy Turner embodies the very essence of an outstanding nursing career at the MUHC. With more than 35 years of dedicated service, she is described as “avant-garde, innovative, and committed to education and collaborative leadership”. Known for her “no‑nonsense” approach, Nancy goes straight to what matters—she “gets to the point, knows how to make tough decisions when needed, and turns ideas into practical solutions.”

A deeply human and influential leader, Nancy “doesn’t dictate: she coaches, she guides,” helping teams build confidence, autonomy, and shared purpose—even in complex or uncertain contexts. Her impact is tangible and lasting, from harmonized and safer practices, to transition and integration programs that attract and retain new nurses, and initiatives that are “grounded in clinical reality and evaluated and measured.”

Visionary without being abstract, and demanding without rigidity, Nancy Turner has left an enduring mark on the quality, safety, and future of nursing practice at the MUHC—and beyond. 

Nominees: Linda Beaudoin, Christine Motkya, Nancy Turner