SickKids Award for Black Nursing Students

SickKids is committed to being a place where everyone is acknowledged, valued and respected. SickKids acknowledges the impact that personal, structural and societal barriers have on Black individuals and is implementing strategies to address anti-Black racism. We are committed to identifying, prioritizing and implementing initiatives that help support accessible and culturally safe and appropriate clinical care for Black children and their families. In alignment with the SickKids 2020–2025 Strategic Plan as well as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, this award is one approach we are taking to champion equity, diversity and inclusion at SickKids.

Past recipients of this award have been highlighted in SickKids news and TMU’s The Eyeopener.

To be considered for this award, an applicant must:

• Identify as Black
• 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:
   1. Short and long-term career goals
   2. Interest in paediatric acute care nursing at SickKids
   3. Demonstration of child and family-centred care and strengths-based nursing
   4. 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
   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 Olayinka Sanusi at olayinka.sanusi@sickkids.ca.

All applications will be rated by a panel using this scoring card (PDF). If applicants have questions or concerns, please email olayinka.sanusi@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: February 13, 2024
   • Time: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
   • Join Feb. 13 Session on Zoom
2. Date: March 8, 2024
   • Time: 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
   • Join March 8 Session on Zoom