Courageous Provider Award: A North American recognition for an MCH nurse

Vanessa Wrzesien, Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, was recognized on April 21 by the Courageous Parents Network, a US-based nonprofit organization that provides digital resources and programming to help parents caring for children with a serious medical condition navigate the illness journey with support and a sense of community.   

She was awarded the Courageous Provider Award, which honours a pediatric clinician who provides exceptional family-centred care in circumstances of serious childhood illness. The award recipient must further demonstrate qualities of compassion, empathy and the ability to accompany families during difficult phases of the illness journey, as well as a willingness to collaborate with other pediatric specialists.

Vanessa’s colleague nominators say that “she exemplifies courage through her compassionate leadership, steadfast advocacy for children and families, and deep commitment to advancing pediatric palliative care in practice.”

A parent whose family received her care and guidance adds that “she represents everything this honour stands for: compassion, courage and a commitment to walking beside families through the most difficult moments of their lives.”

Congratulations, Vanessa, for this well-deserved recognition!