Sandra Easson-Bruno’s status as one of Canada’s most accomplished nursing leaders is well known by her colleagues.
Her skill and dedication are now also officially recognized at a national level. On Oct. 24, the Director of the North Simcoe Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services (NSM SGS) program was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing. The academy, which was established by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), welcomed 15 of Canada’s most accomplished nursing leaders into the 2024 Class of Fellows. All were nominated by their colleagues for their exceptional careers of sustained impact across nursing and health systems. Fellowship represents the highest honour for this country’s nursing leaders.
“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be among this group of exceptional inductees,” said Easson-Bruno. “Members of the academy have shaped nursing and health care in this country, and it is a true privilege to be recognized as a Fellow alongside this illustrious group.”
“(Sandra’s) dedication to older adults and the nursing profession has advanced clinical practice and transformed our health system,” the CNA said in a statement. “Sandra has collaborated at all levels of the health system to improve care, led regional planning and policy initiatives, and established a specialized geriatric services program. She has also been active in supporting Advanced Practice Nursing through various committees and conferences.”
Easson-Bruno joined NSM SGS in March 2016 as its inaugural Director. Led by Waypoint, it is a hospital- and community-based organization whose work is linked with better outcomes for frail older adults, their caregivers and the health system. She provides leadership and oversight to the planning, implementation and evaluation of all aspects of the program.
Her career has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of seniors and their caregivers. She previously held positions as a Senior Planner with the NSM Local Health Integration Network, Project Lead for Seniors Health in North Simcoe Muskoka, and was a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Geriatrics for more than 10 years.
Easson-Bruno is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Nursing degree from the University of Toronto. She has held certification in gerontological nursing from the CNA for 20 years. She was a member of the CNA Board of Directors for four years, has received various awards, including a Distinguished Service Award from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and was granted lifetime membership in the Canadian Association of Advanced Practice Nurses because of her accomplishments during her six-year leadership term.
“Behind every great leader and great success is an outstanding support system,” she said. “I’m incredibly thankful and entirely aware that any success I have achieved belongs to the village that continues to help raise me.”
Heather Bullock is Waypoint’s Vice-President, Partnerships, and Chief Strategy Officer. She said Easson-Bruno’s dedication to geriatric care is inspiring.
“Sandra devotes an incredible amount of thought, energy and compassion to her role,” she said. “NSM SGS would not be the same without her leadership. She has improved the lives of countless seniors, clients and their families.”
The CNA is the professional voice of Canadian nursing. Its mission is to advance the profession to improve health outcomes in Canada’s publicly funded, not-for-profit health system.