Kathleen MacMillan’s nursing career spans more than 50 years in all practice domains and several jurisdictions. A voracious reader and life-long learner, Kathleen graduated from a hospital diploma nursing program, obtained a BSc in general science, an MA in Anthropology, an MScN and a PhD. Along this journey she received no fewer than 15 educational awards.
Kathleen’s nursing education and graduate preparation in Anthropology and Medical Science shaped her understanding of population health and advocacy for addressing health inequities. During the first part of her career, she held diverse roles in practice and clinical education, cementing her relentless focus on nursing’s prime directive to deliver fundamental, patient focused, quality nursing care.
The second part of Kathleen’s career began as the Nursing Coordinator for the Ontario Ministry of Health. Building on colleagues’ contributions, she initiated the legislative process for the Nurse Practitioner project, secured continued funding for the Nursing Research Unit, and more. Kathleen’s work, noticed by the Ontario Minister of Health, led to appointment as Special Assistant. In this political role, she skillfully collaborated and brokered consensus amongst divergent political and bureaucratic stakeholders to achieve passage of the NP legislation; start-up of the Women’s Health Council; primary care reform initiatives; and funding renewal for Ontario’s Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy.
Later, Kathleen became Ontario’s first Provincial Chief Nursing Officer, followed by Executive Director, Office of Nursing Services, Health Canada; Dean at Humber College; and Director of the School of Nursing at Dalhousie University.
Concurrently, Kathleen served on dozens of committees; as President of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario; CNA Board Director; authored/made numerous publications and presentations and participated in multiple research studies. Her awards include the CNA Centennial Award, the CASN Excellence in Academic Administration Award, and Fellowships in the American and Canadian Academies of Nursing.
Since retiring in 2017, Kathleen has remained active in nursing. She was on the Health PEI Board and is currently a member of the Canadian Nurses Foundation Board. She also writes extensively, works with advocates, records podcasts, and posts blogs on nursing issues. She is nationally recognized and esteemed for her tremendous leadership, scholarship, mentorship and impact.