REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES’ FOUNDATION, INC. (RPNF)
History, Mission & Vision
THE REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES’ FOUNDATION, INC. (RPNF)
The Registered Psychiatric Nurses’ Foundation Inc. (RPNF) is a charitable organization facilitated by a volunteer board of Directors who raise funds to support Psychiatric Nursing excellence through annual Scholarships & Grants awarded to Psychiatric Nursing students and to Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Canada who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level studies. The Foundation also provides annual Awards of Excellence to Registered Psychiatric Nurses in Manitoba, Medals of Excellence and a Bursary .
Registered Canadian Charitable Organization # 897915567RR0001
Marlene Fitzsimmons receiving her honorary degree
HISTORY of the REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES’ FOUNDATION, INC.
The RPNF began when Marlene Fitzsimmons, an avid supporter of Psychiatric Nursing education and a committed ambassador for the Psychiatric Nursing profession, sought to make a donation in memory of her friend and colleague, Garry Edwards, RPN. Fitzsimmons initiated the process of establishing a foundation, which was originally known as the Psychiatric Nursing Foundation, a charitable organization whose purpose was raising funds to promote academic achievements of Psychiatric Nursing students and Registered Psychiatric Nurses. The Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation were developed and approved on April 15, 1980, and interested parties came together to form a Board of Directors. Bylaws were developed and charitable status was obtained from Canada Revenue Agency in 1995.
In 1993, under the governance of a newly appointed Board of Directors, the name of the Foundation was changed to the Registered Psychiatric Nurses’ Foundation, Inc. (RPNF). Its mission was to provide financial assistance, through scholarships and bursaries to Registered Psychiatric Nurses wishing to participate in the post-diploma Bachelor of Science in Mental Health (BScMH) Program at Brandon University and/or other undergraduate and/or graduate programs advancing the profession of Psychiatric Nursing.
While the RPNF’s business operations functioned independently from the Registered Psychiatric Nurses’ Association of Manitoba (RPNAM) now known as the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM), administrative and accounting support was provided to the foundation by the RPNAM until 2019. When the RPNAM transitioned to the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM) as a regulatory body, the RPNF began the process of establishing itself as a fully independent entity, facilitating its own accounting and administrative support functions. After dedicating the required resources and attention to ensuing financial and operational challenges, these changes have resulted in a thriving and vibrant foundation.
In an effort to ensure relevancy to current trends in Psychiatric Nursing, the RPNF Mission and accompanying Vision have been revisited as needed since that time.
RPNF MISSION
The Registered Psychiatric Nurses’ Foundation (RPNF) provides scholarships, awards, and grants for RPNs and psychiatric nursing students, who are making a difference and inspiring innovation in psychiatric nursing practice, creating a better future for mental health and wellness.
RPNF VISION
Fostering excellence and celebrating successes in Registered Psychiatric Nursing (RPN) practice in Canada.
RPNF CORE VALUES
EXCELLENCE
We embrace change and continually strive for excellence through industry-leading practices and innovative ideas.
ENGAGEMENT
We value relationships and our connections to the communities that guide and support our vision and mission.
EDUCATION
We encourage and celebrate the pursuit of higher knowledge and the wisdom to be able to apply it through creativity and meaningful ways.
ETHICAL practice
We are guided by our integrity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and fiduciary duties.
In 2005, the RPNF partnered with the Province of Manitoba in a one-time opportunity to co-contribute to a Brandon University Foundation-administered bursary, awarded annually since 2008 to a student who has completed their third year and is about to enter their fourth year in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Program.
In 2013, the RPNF assumed responsibility for presenting Awards of Excellence to Manitoba Registered Psychiatric Nurses. These awards, which focus on the four domains of psychiatric nursing practice, had previously been presented by the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. The Awards continue to provide public recognition for professionalism and practice excellence in the profession.
In 2020, the RPNF assumed responsibility from the CRPNM for awarding the Medal of Excellence to graduating students who have consistently demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and clinical proficiency in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Program at Brandon University (one from Brandon Campus and one from the Winnipeg Campus) on an annual basis. Awards and medals provided by the RPNF showcase exemplary psychiatric nursing, thereby raising the bar across all mental health services.
Recipients of RPNF Scholarships and Grants have become accomplished contributors to the field of psychiatric nursing and mental health. They are involved in cutting-edge clinical practice, research, and education, providing hope and healing alongside individuals and communities dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns. The RPNF is proud to support the pursuit of psychiatric nursing excellence and celebrates the successes of RPNs across Canada.