Penny Cookson is not a nurse by profession, but she understands the critical role of nurses in the health care system, as she grew up in a family of nurses. Her knowledge of opportunities in the nursing profession was further fostered by her relationship with her aunt, Nora Parker, a steadfast nursing leader, and former professor at the Faculty of Nursing, who was an influential force behind the creation of the first PhD program in Nursing at the University of Toronto.
“Aunt Nora was a trailblazer in nursing education, passionate about teaching, and equally passionate about advancing education and the careers of women,” says Cookson. “It is one of the many reasons why she set-up an award in support of those pursuing a PhD in Nursing.”
Reshaping nursing education
The Nora I. Parker PhD Admission Award is part of a legacy that Cookson says her aunt wanted to establish while she was still alive. Alongside her forward-thinking colleagues like former U of T Nursing Professor Kathleen (Kay) Arpin, and Dean of Nursing Kathleen King, Parker was driven to reshape nursing education and recognize its potential beyond the bedside.
Since 1997, the award has been given annually to a first year PhD student who is at the start of their academic career.
Cookson says her aunt would have been so excited to see the impact of the research being done by PhD graduates of Bloomberg Nursing. Additionally, Nora would have been pleased to see the increase in male nurses who are both pursuing research in this field and joining the nursing profession at large.
Before her aunt passed away and after, Cookson would attend the Faculty’s award ceremonies and meet the student recipients of her aunt’s award.
“I loved meeting the students, especially being able to chat with them and learn more about how they were advancing in their degree program,” says Cookson. “I’m excited to see her legacy continue and be a beacon for moving women and nurses in general ahead in society.”
Cookson says her aunt has always been a pioneer both at home when growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan and when she moved to Ontario to pursue her nursing career.
After graduating from nursing school in 1945, Parker began her career as a psychiatric nurse in Hamilton but was always motivated to pursue further education. Though a master’s or a PhD in nursing didn’t exist just yet, she completed a BA in 1959 and an MA in in 1967. Nora graduated with a PhD in philosophy in the early 70’s before joining the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto as a professor.
Leaving a legacy
Nora was so immersed in being an educator that one of Cookson’s cousins fondly remembers his aunt correcting master’s theses at the cottage. Even when it came time to retire, Cookson says her aunt wasn’t ready, and continued to supervise PhD students for a number of years after retirement.
Helping others, passing it forward, and making learning fun were all part of her legacy. Parker, who was one of seven girls, helped all of her sisters financially because she was the one with a good career in nursing.
“I think Aunt Nora would be very proud of how the PhD program at Bloomberg Nursing continues to shape the future of nursing education,” says Cookson. “Her legacy is playing a part in leaving not only a lasting impact, but elevating nursing education.”
Creating a student award in life or as a legacy gift can honour and ensure the values of individuals or their loved ones can have a significant impact on nursing students for generations to come. For more information contact Senior Development Officer Nicole Landa.