With a career spanning decades, Don Ransom has left an indelible mark on the nursing profession in British Columbia. From the front lines of patient care to shaping hospital administration and advancing nursing education, Don’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and deep commitment to the profession.
His career began in hospital nursing, where he quickly established himself as a skilled and compassionate caregiver. At St. Paul’s Hospital, Don found his stride in neurology, a specialty where he built lasting relationships with both patients and physicians. His leadership skills were recognized early, leading to his appointment as an evening supervisor, overseeing multiple surgical units. Over time, he played a vital role in hospital renovations, infection control, and accreditation processes, ensuring the highest standards of care.
His expertise led him into administrative roles, where he directed admitting services, managed interdisciplinary hospital teams, and oversaw critical patient services. Despite the ever-changing healthcare landscape, Don remained a steadfast advocate for both patients and staff, embodying the integrity and dedication that define exceptional nursing leadership.
Following his time at St. Paul’s, Don’s influence extended to RNABC (Registered Nurses Association of BC), where he supported international nurses navigating licensing requirements and later took on roles in investigations and policy development.
However, one of Don’s most lasting contributions has been his involvement with the Registered Nurses Foundation of BC (RNFBC). As a founding member, Don was instrumental in the creation of RNFBC’s bursary program, ensuring nurses had access to funding for specialized training. He chaired the original bursary committee and played a pivotal role in securing the foundation’s first major donation – a $10,000 gift from the Bell family in 1979, honouring their late son’s admiration for nurses.
Though he later stepped away from leadership roles, Don supported RNFBC’s mission, attending annual meetings, contributing to the foundation, and staying engaged in its growth. In recent years, he rejoined the bursary committee bringing his wisdom and experience to an organization that now distributes nearly 900 bursaries annually. Don’s legacy is one of dedication, mentorship, and unwavering support for the next generation of nurses. His contributions have shaped the profession and continue to ensure that nurses in BC receive the education and resources they need to excel.
We are deeply grateful for Don’s lifelong commitment and are honoured to celebrate his remarkable journey.