On May 9 and May 12, VGH& UBC Hospital Foundation and the Vancouver Professional Practice team celebrated the significant contributions of nurses through the 2017 Nursing Bursary Awards. In doing so, they also honoured the memory and contributions of the individuals whom many of the bursaries are named after.

Even though the second week in May is National Nursing Week, Vladimir Tsvasman remembers his wife, Galina, and the excellent care that she received from VGH nurses every day.

“My wife suffered from a stroke and was taken to VGH. After she passed away, I wanted to thank the nurses who looked after my wife in the hospital – they showed so much empathy and respect,” said Vladimir.

After getting in touch with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, Vladimir established the Galina Tsvasman Bursary Fund for Education, which funds an annual bursary award to provide Intensive Care Unit registered nurses with the opportunity to pursue continuing education.

This is one bursary award among eight available to VCH nurses to continue their professional development. The bursaries are funded by donors and administered by the Foundation. More than 35 nurses received bursaries this year.

“My wife was an educator and enjoyed teaching, so I thought that establishing the Galina Tsavasman Bursary Fund for Education was the best way to honour her memory,” says Vladimir.

Every year, Vladimir enthusiastically attends the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation Nursing Bursary awards event and helps to hand out the bursary award.

“When a nurse receives this award, I feel great because the memory of my wife goes on. She would have been really proud to support nurses in continuing their education,” he says.

For a full list of the speakers, awards, and recipients, click here.

Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers, speakers, exhibitors, the attendees (with the support of their managers and directors) for the inspiring week.  And thank you to generous donors, like Vladimir, who make the Nursing Bursary Awards possible!