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 2020–2025 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:

• Identify as Indigenous
• 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, and practice in Ontario
• 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 (one-page maximum) outlining:
   • Short and long-term career goals
   • Interest in paediatric acute care nursing at SickKids
   • Demonstration of child and family-centred care and strengths-based nursing
   • How one or more of the following terms impact(s) your nursing practice: justice, culture, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
3. Resumé/CV; including previous placements, volunteer experience, highlighting any paediatric experience or working with children and youth
4. Official transcripts from the last year of studies
   • 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 Elena Blackwood at  Elena.Blackwood@sickkids.ca.

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

Tips for submitting a strong application

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

Applicants are welcome to join our information sessions to gain valuable insights into the application process, eligibility criteria, and the overall benefits of the award.

Information session details

1. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025
   • Time: 6:00 to 6:15 p.m.
   • Join the Jan. 28 session on Zoom
2. Date: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
   • Time: 3:00 to 3:45 p.m.
   • Join the Feb. 25 session on Zoom

The Inclusive Mentorship Program is being implemented to establish culturally responsive support for the award recipients, strengthen clinical learning environments for student success, boost a sense of belonging as a student nurse and foster interest in pursuing a paediatric nursing career at SickKids.  

Award recipients will be matched with a mentor upon placement. 

Clinical Externs are unregulated care providers who work closely with Registered Nurses to support nursing care activities and enhance the delivery of safe, effective, and timely patient care. Externs gain valuable experience through delegation, assignment, and teaching provided by nurses in a collaborative clinical setting.   

To qualify for the SickKids Clinical Extern program, candidates must be enrolled in a Registered Nursing program. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build nursing skills, specialty knowledge, and self-confidence, providing a strong foundation for a successful transition into professional practice.  

Learn more about the Clinical Extern Program.