Kathy Murphy’s distinguished career spans clinical nursing, education, administration, and advocacy. A graduate of Vancouver General Hospital, McGill University, and McMaster University, she began as a surgical nurse and educator before transitioning into nursing administration, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the profession.
Recognized with the Award of Excellence in Nursing Administration from the Registered Nurses Association of BC (RNABC), Kathy has been a leader in shaping nursing policy, serving as a board member and chair of the capital campaign with the RNABC and as President of the Nurse Administrators Association of BC. During the Royal Commission on Health Care, she worked closely with nurses across BC to advocate for essential system reforms.
For over 35 years, Kathy has been a dedicated volunteer with RNFBC, the VGH School of Nursing Alumnae Association, and the BC History of Nursing Society, leading initiatives to expand bursary funding. She chaired the RNFBC Capital Campaign, significantly increasing financial support for nursing students, and played a key role in establishing annual fundraising galas that connected donors with bursary recipients.
In memory of her late husband, Kathy founded the Gordon Murphy Memorial Bursary to support graduate nurses specializing in oncology and palliative care. Beyond nursing, she has spent decades giving back through Meals on Wheels, Bard on the Beach, refugee support programs, and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church.
Kathy’s unwavering commitment to nursing education and community service has made a profound and lasting impact. RNFBC is honoured to recognize her contributions at this year’s Celebration Luncheon.