Joanne Maclaren

Joanne Maclaren is the Executive Director, Minimum Nurse-Patient Ratios and Strategy Lead, Models of Care within Island Health, having transitioned from her former leadership role within the Nursing Policy Secretariat, Ministry of Health. Joanne holds a Master of Nursing, with focus on education, as well as advanced certifications in practice education, forensic studies, and leadership. Joanne has held many varied roles in acute and community care as a clinician, educator and leader. She was formerly the Director of the Office, VP, Quality, Research & Chief Nursing and Allied Health Officer for 3 1.2 years and Director of Professional Practice in Island Health for 6 years. In this role she oversaw many strategic initiatives and education programs related to student practice education and fostering nursing and allied health practice, including nurse practitioner integration, new graduate transition, mentorship, and employed student programs. Joanne is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the University of Victoria. When not working, Joanne can be found volunteering her time on various nursing, leadership and community boards and committees, including current roles with Canadian College of Health Leaders – Vancouver Island Chapter, Healthcare Management Forum Editorial Board, and Rock 4 A Reason Charitable Society – a group she co-founded that has raised over $232,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation since 2018. Past board activities include Sigma Theta Tau, Canadian Forensic Nurses Association and Island Sexual Health Society. Joanne has been recognized with an Excellence in Nursing Advocacy Award by the Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC, Celebration of Excellence awards for her work in Island Health, and was also recognized as one of Island Health’s top 100 nurses.