Collaborative UOIT-DC Nursing program’s Arlene de la Rocha recognized for commitment to students and passion for education

For nine years, Arlene de la Rocha has played an instrumental role in developing the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours program curriculum at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). On May 6, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) presented de la Rocha with one of its highest honours.

Professor de la Rocha was recognized with the prestigious 2016 HUB Fellowship for her demonstrated transformational leadership capacity and commitment to empowering nursing students to find a path that will develop their leadership strengths, whether at the clinical point-of-care or in traditional leadership positions.

Her leadership as a nursing educator includes her effort to bring greater realism to nursing education in a laboratory setting, which includes working with a research team aimed at introducing the use of technology such as iPads at the point of care for patients. She has also implemented a capstone project for fourth-year nursing students to help them identify emerging health issues.

Sponsored by HUB International, RNAO’s home and auto insurance provider, the fellowship recognizes an individual’s contributions to RNAO’s mandate: Speaking Out for Nurses, Speaking Out for Health. Nominated by their peers, recipients are chosen for their achievements in nursing and their commitment to RNAO.

As the winner of the 2016 fellowship, de la Rocha, who is currently enrolled in her PhD in Nursing at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long, one-on-one placement with RNAO’s chief executive officer and 2011 UOIT honorary doctorate recipient, Dr. Doris Grinspun.

Quotes

“Receiving the HUB Fellowship is more than an honour – it’s the chance of a lifetime. Observing and working with Dr. Grinspun will provide me with invaluable insight into how she leads, motivates and empowers others, and I look forward to sharing all that I learn from her with my colleagues and students.”
–        Arlene de la Rocha, 2016 RNAO HUB Fellowship recipient

“Arlene has established herself as a passionate, effective leader and we are thrilled to see her being recognized by the Ontario nursing community. As an educator, innovator, researcher and mentor, she embodies the spirit of the HUB Fellowship in all facets of her career.”
–        Judeline Innocent, executive dean, School of Health & Community Services, Durham College

“Arlene’s enduring commitment to the UOIT-Durham College Collaborative BScN Honours program, and nursing education more broadly, is outstanding. Introducing students to the use of technology at the patients’ point-of-care aligns closely with UOIT’s commitment to technology-enhanced learning environments, and ensures that our Nursing graduates are well prepared for future practice.”
–        Lori Livingston, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Media contacts:
Allison Rosnak
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Bryan Oliver
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca