NURSING NEWS
saskpolytech.ca
Published by Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing
STAYING CONNECTED l An historic celebration l Faculty honoured l Nurses move forward
FALL 2015
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Nursing News Fall 2015
Inside Nursing News Building a path to an exciting future...................2 Mentorship meaningful in many ways.....................3 Historic milestone reached by degree graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic..4 Kindred Spirits for Indigenization unite to create more culturally sensitive campuses..........6 Clubb receives Practical Nursing Education award...7 Teamwork in action at SPICE 2015.........................8 Houston’s inspiration creates valuable tool for students........................9 Preceptors contribute to future of students......10 New option for LPN to RN proving popular........ 11 Valedictorian focuses on future............................ 12
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Building a path to an exciting future Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the School of Nursing celebrated an historic milestone with the convocation of our first graduates of our first independent degree program, the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing. I congratulate our graduates and look forward to their contribution as future leaders of the profession. As we keep the future in mind, it is important we simultaneously acknowledge our past. Efforts have begun to shape what will be an exciting 50th anniversary of our School of Nursing in 2017. Watch for news early in the new year. Meanwhile, team spirit like we have witnessed within the interprofessional challenge event for students gives us a glimpse of how great our teams really are! We are very proud of our graduates of the Practical Nursing program. Valedictorian Angela Altrogge inspires us all as she so thoughtfully represents and speaks for her graduation class. We are also excited to celebrate the achievements of Roni Clubb as she receives the national Leadership in Practical Nursing Education award. The collegial efforts of those involved in the Kindred Spirits for Indigenization initiative are also acknowledged. This grassroots, voluntary initiative is helping to shape our institution as more culturally sensitive and caring. We look forward to many successful outcomes as interest and participation continues to grow.
COVER: Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing students Amanda Rowley (left) and Veronick Perrault Finch (right) are Saskatchewan Polytechnic's first degree graduates.
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Netha Dyck, dean of Nursing Respected faculty members, like Carole Houston, are helping to build the future of the profession through the evolution of a valuable tool for students known as InstruMentor™. She, and colleagues involved in the new technology, have received many deserving accolades for the important innovation that helps to position Saskatchewan Polytechnic as a world-class institution. We commend the faculty and students who continue to build the mentorship process and salute our nursing colleagues who step forward to preceptor students so all have the benefit of experience and learning from those who truly care. I express heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your meaningful and extraordinary contributions each day. l
Nursing News Fall 2015
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A TEAM APPROACH
Mentorship meaningful in many ways
From left to right: mentor Lacey Bennett, Psychiatric Nursing program graduate and now faculty member, with mentee Amy Demeray, Psychiatric Nursing program new faculty member Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s commitment to mentorship continues to grow and is well aligned with the institution’s mandate to prepare students for working within diverse environments. Caroline Hoffart, Sask Polytech Mentorship Team chairperson and Psychiatric Nursing program mentorship co-cordinator, says the School of Nursing built its mentorship capacity in a significant way since it began efforts in the fall of 2003. She credits the vision of Netha Dyck, dean of Nursing, who has solidly supported the process, ensuring the Mentorship Team has the right resources and time to make it work. “With the process formalized, we have been able to build institutional momentum,” Hoffart says. “This contributes to a positive culture where we have all learned from each other over the years.” Within the Psychiatric Nursing program formalized mentorship efforts, although voluntary, exist in three areas. Hoffart estimates approximately 90 per cent of the students participate. “We see great results with the mentoring relationships between the first and second-year students as information is shared about program aspects like workload, housing, and general information,” she says.
From left to right: mentor Faye Beingessner, Psychiatric Nursing program faculty member, with mentee Dan Lee, Psychiatric Nursing program graduate and now new faculty member
In another aspect of the process, the second-year students are mentored by registered psychiatric nurses as they make connections in the community and build new networks in preparation for entering the workforce. Because the students have experienced the benefits of mentorship, they are willing to mentor students as nurses upon graduation—bringing the mentoring process full cycle. Additionally, new faculty members are provided with mentoring opportunities. Hoffart is well-suited to lead mentorship activities in the School of Nursing. She has an academic background in mentorship and has been an active ambassador of the approach. She is encouraged by what she sees, and does what she can to support the process. The Mentorship Team has recently expanded to include members from more areas of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, including: School of Hospitality and Tourism, International Newcomer program, School of Human Services and Community Safety, School of Business, School of Information and Communications Technology and others in the Academic and Research Division. Some of these new members are considering the implementation of formal mentorship programs within their own programs. l www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
Jay Karlson, based in Saskatoon, is the newcomer/international student counsellor. He sees tremendous benefit in the mentorship process for this particular group and says while the program is in development, it has been very positive for the mentor and mentee.
Being new to Canada can be an overwhelming and stressful experience for many newcomer students,” Karlson says. “Mentors offering support and guidance to their peers through various social and academic aspects of college life can be hugely beneficial to those new to Canada.
In some cases, the program also helps both parties develop their own cultural and social understanding of others. “International students have commented that it has made them feel very welcomed and they find it very beneficial to be able to get a sense of what the program is like,” he adds. Faculty, professional services staff and students can learn more about mentorship at Sask Polytech and the School of Nursing by contacting Caroline Hoffart at 306-775-7841 or caroline.hoffart@saskpolytech.ca
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Nursing News Fall 2015
COVER STORY—BACHELOR OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
Historic milestone reached by degree graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic
From left to right: Sue Myers, former program head, Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) program; Amanda Rowley, BPN graduate; Veronick Perrault Finch, BPN graduate; Cindy Smith, associate dean, School of Nursing. Saskatchewan Polytechnic and two of its newest graduates made history as the institution marked the success of its first ever independent degree program, the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) on June 19. The BPN degree completion program was designed for working registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs). It focuses on the advanced education of psychiatric nurses in the delivery of quality mental health care and services to clients with increasingly complex needs, helping to prepare them for roles related to leadership and management, education and research. Students study on a part-time basis, taking one or two courses at a time through distance learning and completing a clinical practicum. Dr. Netha Dyck, dean of the School of Nursing, says achieving the program approval by the Saskatchewan Higher
Education Quality Assurance Board was a monumental accomplishment. “The team effort to develop the program and ensure a smooth implementation was extraordinary,” says Dyck. “Rigorous work began in 2010 and the program was launched in the fall of 2013.”
and CEO. “This is the first degree we are granting without a partner organization. The Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing degree is the first of many degrees from Saskatchewan Polytechnic that will provide students with an applied education to meet the needs of employers in Saskatchewan.”
Dyck says Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Nursing is a leader in reaching students where they live through various delivery modalities and technological innovations.
Both of the degree program’s graduates, Veronick Perrault Finch and Amanda Rowley, were also in the first graduating class of the new diploma in psychiatric nursing in 2010.
“Our School of Nursing continues to build its reputation for the relevance of its programming and quality of its graduates,” she adds.
Rowley says she chose the field to help those who often cannot help themselves. Her interests lie in the field of leadership within the profession.
“This is a momentous milestone in our transformation from a technical institute to a polytechnic,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president
“For the future, I intend to pursue a position in management or teaching new students,” says Rowley. “Both positions would satisfy my need to create a better
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Nursing News Fall 2015
health-care system for those suffering from mental illness. The future of psychiatric nursing is wide open, so I encourage anyone considering the program to pursue their dream.”
delays,” she adds. “It is strongly believed that nurses who are educated with mental health education are in the best position to serve clients with mental health needs.”
Rowley admits the completion of the degree went by fast.
Robert Allen, Executive Director of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS), congratulated the first graduates of the Psychiatric Nursing degree program on behalf of the council and staff of the association.
“There were times when it felt overwhelming but those feelings are nothing to what it feels like to say, ‘I did it!’” she describes. Veronick Perrault Finch agrees with her virtual classmate. “I feel that both the demand and the need for mental health services and resources within our health-care system are growing rapidly,” says Perrault Finch. “I believe that the people who choose to be in this field have a passion to help those suffering from these illnesses. This degree is a way to increase our capacity to do so. The work and the effort that has gone into developing this program are greatly appreciated. I truly received a valuable experience and I feel I have become a better psychiatric nurse.” “I wanted to enhance my skills and abilities in order to help move the field of psychiatric nursing forward,” she adds. “There is such great potential within this specialty and I would love to be able to have an influence on and be a part of the change. It is very exciting!” Sue Myers, former program head, Psychiatric Nursing and Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing degree completion programs, commended the students for their hard work and reaching this goal. “These two graduates have matured and will have many opportunities available to them as they continue to promote the profession of psychiatric nursing. For their final practicums, one of the graduates returned to Saskatchewan Polytechnic to work with the faculty in the capacity of an educator, the other graduate chose a practicum in leadership and management,” says Myers. “Our education is unique and allows nurses to work with those with mental health challenges and developmental
“The RPNAS is pleased that Saskatchewan Polytechnic has developed psychiatric nursing as the first degree program,” Allen says. “As public awareness and knowledge of mental health increases, so does the need for qualified nurses that specialize in psychiatric nursing.” “It takes dedication and commitment to achieve a degree in psychiatric nursing through a degree completion program as it means working full time while taking classes,” he adds. “Psychiatric nursing is a demanding vocation and most practitioners enter the field having made a deliberate choice to work in mental health, demonstrating a passion for excellence in ethical patient and family centered care.” “Previous graduates of the former SIAST diploma program (prior to 2010) are also enrolled in degree completion and we wish them all success,” says
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A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC There were three key phases leading to the degree process. The first was a labour market analysis and support from stakeholders for the program, the second was the external institutional review, with the third phase approving the actual program proposal by the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board. There were three proposals related to the degree, the full Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing and two degree completion options, the graduates of 2010 and beyond, and the graduates prior to 2010. Saskatchewan Polytechnic was approved to deliver both degree completion options. For further information about the program, visit: saskpolytech.ca/nursing Allen, noting RPNAS looks forward to growth and expansion of the programs in this field. There are four domains of practice for psychiatric nursing including clinical practice, research, administration and education. Some of the courses within the degree program include: Physical Assessment, Health and Mental Health Literacy, Culture and Diversity in Health Sciences, Psychology, Addictions, and Informatics for Health Care Professionals. l
REGISTER AS AN
ALUMNI
If you graduated from SIAST or any other of the previous institutions that make up the new Saskatchewan Polytechnic, you can be part of our alumni family. To register, visit saskpolytech.ca/alumni www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
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Nursing News Fall 2015
ABORIGINAL INITIATIVES
Kindred Spirits for Indigenization unite to create more culturally sensitive campuses Efforts to help advance the indigenization process at Saskatchewan Polytechnic continue to emerge from the grassroots level. Sharon Dixon, faculty in the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (SCBScN) says the concept of individuals working together on the different campuses to help address areas of concern began in October 2014 when a group of colleagues became inspired at a conference hosted by the University of Saskatchewan that was attended by individuals from the United States, New Zealand and Canada. “After the conference, a number of colleagues expressed common concerns in areas that we all felt we could make a difference in,” says Dixon. “Our goal was to make the institution more culturally sensitive and culturally safe for the success of Aboriginal students.” She said the group came together under the leadership of Sharon Ahenakew, Aboriginal nursing student advisor, and became known as Kindred Spirits for Indigenization. The group is open to anyone who wishes to become involved, regardless of cultural background, including students. “We have had very strong support from leadership,” Dixon shares. “Our group's purpose is to move forward with indigenization efforts to make the institution more conducive to the success of Aboriginal students. Interest and participation continues to grow.” With a focus on traditional ceremony, the group recently coordinated a sweat ceremony for members in October. In June, the group organized a pipe ceremony. Deanna Speidel, Aboriginal strategy coordinator, has been instrumental in organizing the ceremonies and has been a strong member of the group. Group members take advantage of educational
From left to right: Natasha Hubbard Murdoch, faculty, SCBScN program; Jessica Harper, SCBScN student; Amy Shuya, SCBScN student; Sharon Ahenakew, ANSAP advisor; Judy Kreuger-Jones, faculty, SCBScN; Crystal Whitefish, SCBScN student. offerings that increase awareness of Aboriginal history and culture. Currently, with about 30 members, the group has a large SCBScN faculty representation with additional representation from the Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan (ASAP) and the Science and Health Aboriginal Success Strategy (SHASS) advisors from Regina and Moose Jaw campuses. Some of the topics the group has discussed include fear of discrimination, prevalence of Aboriginal health being taught from a deficit-based approach, and a perceived lack of faculty education and knowledge in Aboriginal history, culture and ways of knowing. Some of the members are beginning a research project on the student experience with self-declaration or self-identiwww.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
fication as Aboriginal people. Judy Kreuger-Jones, faculty in SCBScN, has been involved in Kindred Spirits for Indigenization since January 2015 and is currently working with the research team. “As a result of my involvement with this group and the research project, I have become aware that as a teacher and member of the dominant culture, I occupy a position of privilege that may impact my relationships with students of minority groups, especially if I am unaware of the additional power imbalance they perceive,” says KreugerJones. “I hope I am learning ways to counter this.” She adds that the work will be successful when educators better understand the importance of respectful relations and all develop more cultural competence. l
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FACULTY RECOGNITION
Clubb receives Practical Nursing Education award The Canadian Association of Practical Nurse Educators (CAPNE) has honoured Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing faculty member, Roni Clubb, with its Leadership in Practical Nursing Education award for 2015.
Celebrating 50 years of quality nursing education.
The award was presented during the CAPNE conference in Toronto at the end of October. It recognizes an individual who motivates and inspires excellence at their educational facility. The goal is to honour those individuals who have made sustained contributions to the advancement of practical nursing education. Netha Dyck, dean, School of Nursing congratulated Clubb on behalf of colleagues and the institution. “We are delighted to celebrate this prestigious award with Roni,” said Dyck. “She is an innovative leader, well-respected educator, curriculum development expert, and scholar. With her publications and research, she has made a positive impact particularly in the areas of patient safety and the transition of the new graduate practical nurse to professional practice.” “She has always been a strong advocate for the practical nursing program, contributing to its visibility and never ceases to demonstrate enthusiasm for, and leadership in, scholarship, teaching and learning,” Dyck added. Clubb said it is a privilege to be the 2015 recipient of the CAPNE leadership award and was thrilled for the recognition our program received.
Roni Clubb, faculty, Practical Nursing program, Regina Campus, receives the 2015 CAPNE Leadership in Practical Nursing Education award.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is coming soon. Stay tuned for more details.
thankful for the opportunities. I consider myself fortunate to work among an exceptional group of educators in the Practical Nursing program.” Billy-Jo Howe, program head, Practical Nursing program, Regina campus, identifies Roni is an invaluable member of the Practical Nursing team. “We are fortunate to have an individual with such knowledge, wisdom and expertise,” says Howe. “She is truly a leader in practical nursing education and much deserving of this award.” l
“To be honoured by your peers at a national conference is a memory I will cherish for some time,” said Clubb. “The culture within the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing has allowed me to pursue my professional scholarship and leadership goals and I am
saskpolytech
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Nursing News Fall 2015
INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Teamwork in action at SPICE 2015
Interprofessional student team members transfer a client with dementia from the auto body shop to a chair in the dental clinic as one of the event challenges. From left to right: Michelle Graham, Psychiatric Nursing student; Kathy White, program head, Psychiatric Nursing ("client" in wheelchair); Tori Schick, Dental Hygiene student; Ashley Kohl, SCBScN student. At Sask Polytech’s Regina campus, the word SPICE doesn’t always carry the traditional definition.
sional team building processes prior to engaging in an Amazing Race-style event,” Shand describes.
This year, the highly successful Saskatchewan Polytechnic Interprofessional Challenge Event (SPICE) was no exception. It meant a team that would combine efforts to accomplish many new goals.
The interprofessional student teams then raced through exciting emergency scenarios and other complex tasks and simulation exercises involving clients. They used communication and collaboration to complete tasks and interactions while learning interprofessional principles.
Stacey Shand, interprofessional education coordinator with the School of Nursing, was instrumental in coordinating the October 3rd challenge and says not only was it a lot of fun, but it also helped students and staff understand the various interprofessional disciplines. The event was designed for any student in a human service field. Once students were registered in the free event, they were placed in teams of four, each representing a different program.
This year’s SPICE stations included: handwashing and personal protective equipment; library research; transferring, lifting and repositioning of a client with dementia from the auto body shop to a chair in the dental clinic; a medicine wheel memory challenge; and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while another student drove the ambulance with speed monitored by students from the Aboriginal Police Preparation program.
“For the event, students from a variety of programs participated in interprofes-
The interprofessional student team with the highest score at the end of the event www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
The Spice Girls were the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Interprofessional Challenge Event (SPICE) team with the highest score. From left to right: Neelu Sharma, Practical Nursing student; Freda Bird, Primary Care Paramedic student; Paige Bertwhistle, Psychiatric Nursing student; Landra Schlamp, Dental Hygiene student. was appropriately called the SPICE Girls and included: Landra Schlamp, Dental Hygiene program; Neelu Sharma, Practical Nursing program; Freda Bird, Primary Care Paramedic program; and Paige Bertwistle, Psychiatric Nursing program. Not only was SPICE a truly interprofessional event for students, the design and organization of the event by the core development team was structured on the very principles of interprofessional education described in Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE), 2002: “Interprofessional Education (IPE) occurs when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other in order to improve collaboration and the quality of care.” The core development team included faculty and staff from across Sask Polytech working in collaboration: Carrie Allen, SCBScN program; Ken Exner, Simulation Centre; Marla Fraser, Practical Nursing program; Catherine New, Psychiatric Nursing program; Stacey continued on page 9...
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FACULTY RECOGNITION
Houston’s inspiration creates valuable tool for students About four years ago, Carole Houston, RN and faculty in the Perioperative Nursing program, recognized the need for a modern, handy guide to surgical instruments to help perioperative nursing students learn. Carole was quick to create a technological solution to address this need. Her innovative solution was to develop the InstruMentor™, a mobile accessible website featuring three-dimensional images and audio. Her idea quickly became a reality. Today, her vision continues to unfold. The idea was originally planned as a mobile app, and it continued to evolve. Each of the surgical instruments has its own short video showing the curvatures and details. Houston attributes much of the success of this technological advancement to Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “I like to keep up with technology and stay a little ahead if I can, but it was really as a result of the encouragement and support from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, especially program head, Eli Ahlquist, and Dale Lipp, graphic artist, Learning Technologies, who facilitated the evolution of this process,” Houston says.
...continued from page 8 Shand, interprofessional education coordinator, south; Natasha Hubbard Murdoch, interprofessional education coordinator, north; Greg Riehl, Aboriginal nursing student advisor; Brenda Udahl, Dental Hygiene program; Twana White, Practical Nursing program; Diane Zerr, librarian; and with much appreciated assistance from Melissa Dykhuizen, SCBScN program; Terri Genaille, associate dean’s office, School of Nursing; Michael Hengstler, Paramedic programs; Emily Harder, Simulation Centre; Susan
Carole Houston's background includes more than four decades of clinical practice—including 10 years as a perioperative nurse. She joined Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Nursing five years ago. She has been honoured with the SIAST Innovation Award in 2013 and the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association Innovator Award in 2014. The success was also recently featured within the Canadian Nurses Protective Society CNPS 2014 Annual Report. “We even built in proper pronunciations for the instruments so students would go into the clinical settings in an informed way,” she notes. “Future content is proposed for providing detail on the proper instrument cleaning.”
Houston is excited that InstruMentor™ is being recognized and well received by nurses, doctors and medical device reprocessing technicians throughout Canada. Together with Ahlquist, they have made several presentations to share this innovation, including conferences in Boston, Halifax, Winnipeg and Banff. l
Howell, Psychiatric Nursing program; Chris Isted, Simulation Centre; Dean Lefebvre, Dental Hygiene program; Jason Johnston, Paramedic programs; James Pratt, Aboriginal Police Preparation program; Janaya Teetaert, Simulation Centre; Nina Verishagen, librarian; Kathy White, Psychiatric Nursing program; and Catherine Wright, Dental Hygiene program.
who contributed to the day’s success.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO, Dr. Larry Rosia thanked all those www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
“Interprofessional education experiences offer opportunities for health care teams to address common issues, challenge stereotypes, and gain understanding of diverse professional perspectives,” says Rosia. “Thank you to all the Sask Polytech employees for their brainstorming, support, recruitment, and creativity in delivering SPICE!” Teams are already looking forward to the repeat performance next year. l
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Nursing News Fall 2015
TIME APPRECIATED
Preceptors contribute to future of students What happens when two registered nurses with decades of experience make their time available to someone who is willing to learn from that experience? The answer is clear—the future of nursing evolves. Karen Miller and Judie Rutko, both registered nurses with Saskatoon Health Region Watrous Home Care, have worked together for the past 16 years and currently co-share duties as part of the Home Care nursing team in Watrous. They have always enjoyed their work in the many areas of nursing and have contributed as preceptors in the past. Putting it simply, they share a passion for paying it forward. Fourth year Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) student Earl Candido is the current benefactor of that combined world of knowledge. “My preceptorship experience has really contributed a lot to my nursing practice today. It was during my preceptorship that I was able to apply the full extent of what I have learned in school and I was able to gain confidence in myself and in my abilities,” says Candido. “My preceptors were great sources of new knowledge and were excellent in providing me with much needed support. I really appreciated the fact that I was able to make decisions and carry out tasks independently but still had my preceptors there when I needed help.”
Left to right: at Watrous Home Care - Karen Miller, RN, preceptor; Earl Candido, SCBScN student; Judie Rutko, RN, preceptor. ment experience. “Keeping in touch with the younger people in our profession is important. The aha moments are priceless.” She recommends becoming a preceptor to others.
“I think that the one highlight I will remember from this experience is the bond and the camaraderie that was displayed by the nurses in the areas that I was placed in,” he added. “Even though I was still a student they didn’t fail to make me feel like I was part of the team.”
“There is a time commitment involved but it seems to be diminished when you see the eagerness, hear of the goals and receive the feedback,” she describes.
“It is all about teamwork,” says Miller, whose own experience in nursing has covered more than 34 years in acute care, home care and some manage-
Judie Rutko, a self-described “import from Ontario” came west and has decades of experience across the nation in areas including acute care adult, pedi-
She encourages anyone interested in the preceptor role to “go for it!”
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atric, emergency, air medical evacuation, community care and administration. “The most rewarding thing about working as a preceptor is seeing young, interested nursing students willing to experience various nursing disciplines with a true interest in caring for others,” Rutko says. “Preceptorship gives the opportunity to share knowledge and exchange information. It demonstrates learning opportunities both for the student to preceptor and preceptor to student.” Both agree it is worthwhile and a way to see teamwork and the benefits first-hand. “Go for it!” encourages Rutko with great energy. “You’ll open new doors and have new doors open for you.” l
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LPN TO RN OPTION
New option for LPN to RN proving popular Twenty licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are the first intake of students to pursue their Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) degree through a new process established by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina. Christa MacLean, program head, SCBScN in Regina, says research to study the needs and bring a student-oriented approach began about two years ago. A creative team of faculty including: Sharon Dixon, Roslyn Compton, Lynne Lynch and Holley Schuman, collaborated to examine applicable transfer credits from the Sask Polytech Practical Nursing program 2008 or later and found that students could be credited for their first year of the SCBScN program. “We carefully examined curriculum to make sure elements of the Practical Nursing program clinical experience were considered and established provisions for priority entrance into the SCBScN program,” MacLean says. Following all due diligence, the LPN to RN option was approved by the SCBScN Program Administrative Committee and launched in September 2015. There are currently 11 students in Regina, and nine in Saskatoon. Graduates of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST) Practical Nursing diploma program (since 2008) can complete the program in 24 months with this option. “This is a great solution for those LPNs who wish to pursue their degree while working in the health-care environment,” said MacLean. “Their current experience and interest in learning more to advance their nursing careers is a great program blend.” Chris Barlow, program head, SCBScN in Saskatoon, agrees. “Though the new LPN to RN option is in its early stages, students appear to be very happy with it,” Barlow says. “There are many advantages including bring-
ing a valuable mix of experience from an LPN perspective into the SCBScN classroom.” Barlow also noted that the accelerated aspect of the program is very attractive to these students as they formerly would have taken up to three to four calendar years to complete their nursing degree. In the months ahead, faculty will continue to evaluate the new process and listen carefully to the student feedback to even better serve their needs. Student Amanda Wilcox welcomes this option of LPN to RN. “It’s a hard and heavy workload, but to have the opportunity to further my education in this way, I couldn’t be happier,” says Wilcox. “I am very appreciative that the bridging program returned for LPNs because it means I don’t have to go back to school for all four years and my LPN was credited.” l
Student Amanda Wilcox welcomes the new opportunities.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
UPDATE
Exciting work is underway with ministry, regional, and educational practitioners to create Care of the Patient with Lower Extremity Wounds. Through theory and a clinical practice component, this course will encourage the use of standard treatment protocols in the assessment and management of wounds by multidisciplinary practitioners across the province. The initiative is set to launch in January 2016. www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
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OPPORTUNITIES ON HORIZON
Valedictorian focuses on future Submitted by Angela Altrogge Angela Altrogge, graduate of the Practical Nursing program presented the valedictorian address on behalf of her classmates at the Pinning Ceremony in Saskatoon. This is her address: "It is an honour to be speaking this afternoon on behalf of my classmates. The past two years have been full of so much learning, and there were times when I think we weren’t sure if we would make it to the end. But we did! And here we are. Becoming a nurse is a lot like going skydiving. It seems like a good idea, but then you have to actually jump out of the plane. Except in nursing school you have to jump out of the plane over and over again. Each nursing skill, each clinical practicum, each exam: our instructors pushed us out of a plane. And, they smiled at us while they did it.
Left to right: Jean Busby, program head, Practical Nursing program, Saskatoon campus, with Angela Altrogge, Practical Nursing graduate and valedictorian. you had only known the many ways in which you would become our guinea pigs. The many times we would ask to take your blood pressure or try to find your pedal pulse.
They smiled at us as they pushed us into operating rooms, as they watched us inserting our first catheters, our first IVs, our first injections.
We had an odd relationship to your health problems... we were concerned because we love you, but also excited at the opportunity to practise our skills on you.
They smiled at us when we gave report, when we changed post-op day one dressings, and when we sat with our heads between our knees, trying not to pass out from the new sights and smells.
I must say Dad, your surgery couldn’t have come at a better time, right before my surgical practicum. Thank you for the many times I helped to change your dressing.
But to help us they gave us parachutes of knowledge and encouragement. And we landed safely on the ground.
So thank you family and friends for your love, putting up with all the studying, and lending us your bodies. We couldn’t have made it without you.
Well, most of the time. We have so many people to thank for supporting us during these last two years. First of all, our families and friends. I’m not sure our families knew what we were signing them up for when we were accepted into the program. If
I would also like to take this time to thank all of our nursing instructors for shaping us into the grad nurses we are today. We learned something different from each of you.... So here we are. Graduate practical nurses. Ready to take on the world. And yet, as our time in school has shown www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
us, it won’t be grand gestures but the little things that make a difference. It will be our daily habits as nurses and as people that will have the biggest impact. We are given a choice in every moment. Whether we choose to start over if we’ve contaminated our sterile field. Whether we choose to hold our patient’s hand when we see how frightened they are. Whether we choose to help each other. Whether we choose to sit and complain or pick our battles and fight for the change we want to see. One of my favourite quotes is by the ancient Chinese poet Lao tZu. He said: “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” So congratulations to all my fellow graduates. As we jump out of the plane one last time together today, I look around and I am so thankful we were able to skydive together these last two years. I am excited to see where we will land." l
SCHOOL OF NURSING DEAN’S OFFICE 306-659-4082
COLLABORATIVE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM
The School of Nursing delivers innovative and relevant nursing and health education, generating and disseminating knowledge through scholarship and interprofessional collaboration. GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM
• Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (offered in collaboration with the University of Regina)
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
• Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Degree Completion Program for Graduates 2010 and Beyond • Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Degree Completion Program for Graduates Prior to 2010 • Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) (offered in collaboration with the University of Regina)
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS • Practical Nursing • Psychiatric Nursing
NURSE RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS
• Nursing Re-entry • Practical Nurse Re-entry (admissions suspended) • Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses
POST-RN AND –LPN ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS • Critical Care Nursing • Perioperative Nursing/LPN • Perioperative Nursing/RN
HEALTH SECTOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS
• Diabetes Education for Health Care Professionals advanced certificate • Diabetes Education for Health Care Providers applied certificate • Medical Device Reprocessing Technician applied certificate
www.saskpolytech.ca/nursing
NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION
306-775-7335 cnpp@saskpolytech.ca
CRITICAL CARE NURSING
306-775-7445 criticalcarenursing@saskpolytech.ca
DIABETES EDUCATION
306-775-7573 diabetesed@saskpolytech.ca
• Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam Preparation Workshop • CCA/LPN Completer Courses • Diabetes Education courses (Diagnosis & Therapies) • Mental Health Nursing courses (coming soon) • Practical Nursing Certificate to Diploma program • Foot Care: Principles and Practices course • Leadership in Nursing course • Principles of Nursing Practice for Outpatient Procedures course • Care of the Bariatric Client course • Care of the Patient with Kidney Disease course • Health Assessment for RNs/RPNs course • Clinical Drug Therapy course • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner course • Care of the Patient with Lower Extremity Wounds course (coming soon) • Occupational Health Nursing (coming soon) • TLR Training
NURSING RE-ENTRY
SERVICES OFFERED
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
• Aboriginal Nursing Student Achievement Program (ANSAP) • Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Assessment Centre • Campus nurse practitioner services at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina Campus
306-775-7445 rnre-entry@saskpolytech.ca
NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND COURSES 306-775-7689 or 306-775-7789 nursingconed@saskpolytech.ca
ORIENTATION TO NURSING IN CANADA FOR INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES 306-775-7573 oncien@saskpolytech.ca
PERIOPERATIVE NURSING 306-775-7575 perioperative@saskpolytech.ca
PRACTICAL NURSING, PRINCE ALBERT 306-765-1740
PRACTICAL NURSING, REGINA 306-775-7571 practicalnursing@saskpolytech.ca
PRACTICAL NURSING, SASKATOON 306-659-3790 306-775-7355
SCBScN SASKATOON 306-659-4085
SCBScN REGINA 306-775-7989