SickKids Award for Indigenous Nursing Students

SickKids is committed to being a place where everyone is acknowledged, valued and respected. SickKids acknowledges the historical context of Indigenous peoples in Canada and is dedicated to reconciliation and partnering with Indigenous communities. We are committed to identifying, prioritizing and implementing initiatives that help support accessible and culturally safe and appropriate clinical care for Indigenous children and their families. In alignment with the SickKids 2025 Strategic Plan, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, as well as the Indigenous Health Strategy, this award is one approach we are taking to champion Indigenous Health Equity.

To be considered for this award, an applicant must:

• Self-identify as an Indigenous person,
• Be an undergraduate student in a recognized nursing baccalaureate program in Ontario
• Be currently registered as a student entering their final year
• Intend to register with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) as a Registered Nurse upon graduation
• Demonstrate the following:
  • An interest in beginning a career in paediatric nursing at SickKids
  • Good academic standing
• Be willing to commit to completing a placement at SickKids

Note: Recipients must maintain enrolment throughout the academic year and immediately following acceptance of this award.

Documents to include in your application

A completed application will include all the following items (no other supporting documentation will be accepted):

1. Completed and signed application form
2. Letter of Intent (maximum 800 words) outlining:
   1. The candidate's career goals
   2. Interest in paediatric acute care nursing at SickKids
   3. Demonstration of child and family-centred care and strengths-based nursing
   4. The meaning of one or more of the following terms to the candidate: justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and sovereignty
   5. Demonstration of perseverance and determination
3. Resumé/CV; including previous placements, volunteer experience, highlighting any paediatric experience or working with children
4. Official transcripts from the last year of studies
   1. Screenshots of academic history will not be accepted
5. One letter of reference addressing the applicant’s potential to contribute to the nursing profession from an academic supervisor/advisor or a community leader (one-page maximum); the letter must clearly state the referee’s name and contact information.

Submitting your application

Completed applications, supporting letters, and transcripts must be sent as one package to Saima Navsariwala at saima.navsariwala@sickkids.ca.

All applications will be rated by a panel using this scoring card (PDF). If applicants have questions or concerns, please email jingjing.chen@sickkids.ca.

Tips for submitting a strong application

Strengthen your application by reviewing the Nursing Student Awards Application Tip Sheet (PDF).