NURSING NEWS
saskpolytech.ca
Published by Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing
50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS l Future-focused l Alumni reflections l History captured
SUMMER 2017
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Nursing News Summer 2017
Inside Nursing News Connecting with alumni..2 School of Nursing 50th anniversary timeline........3 Alumni reflect and celebrate progress...........6 Career takes Class of ’69 graduate around the world.............................7 Reunion celebrations enjoyed................................8 Hope and encouragement for future of nursing.........9 Pledge renewed................9 Fifty year distinguished career......10 Memories shared............. 11 50th anniversary planning committee...... 16
COVER: Alumni share memories and laughs at the 50th Anniversary welcome reception in Saskatoon on May 12, 2017.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Connecting with alumni The 50th Anniversary celebrations this year have provided an excellent opportunity to honour and thank our alumni for their pioneering efforts in advancing nursing education and increasing research and scholarly work, as well as to celebrate the achievements of our current students, graduates, faculty and staff. The compelling stories of our alumni were inspirational and motivational. Whether their career spanned 50 years or less, our alumni have made, and are continuing to make, significant contributions to the profession of nursing, quality nursing education, and the provision of quality patient and family-centred care. Many of our alumni traveled a long distance to join the festivities—from across Canada and the United States—but would not have missed it for anything. There were reunions and renewals of relationships, reminiscing of the past, discoveries of how things have evolved over time, and discussions about the future. The festivities concluded with a re-pinning ceremony that served to bring nurses together as they pledged their continued commitment to the nursing profession and those entrusted in their care. The School of Nursing has the distinct privilege of offering education that spans the entire family of nursing and specialized areas of practice. The School of Nursing has prepared tens of thousands of caring and competent graduates for practical nursing, psychiatric nursing, registered nursing, and nurse practitioners, as well as in specialty areas of perioperative, critical care, emergency, diabetes education and occupational health nursing. We have also assisted hundreds of internationally educated nurses to transition into professional practice in Saskatchewan. The celebrations served to bring nurses with varied backgrounds together in celebration of nursing. To sustain the rich legacy, we established a Legacy Trust which reached the www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
L to R: Honourable Bronwyn Eyre, Minister of Advanced Education, Dr. Anne Neufeld, Provost and VicePresident Academic, and Dr. Netha Dyck, Dean of the School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences goal of $50,000 through donations and the sale of the commemorative 50th Anniversary bracelet to support nursing student scholarships. Our appreciation goes out to the stellar 50th Anniversary planning committee including chair Cindy Smith, Candace Alston (RPNAS), Helen Bourget (SALPN), Sharon Dixon, Terri Genaille, Billy-Jo Howe, Adam Lehmann, Pam McLellan, Victoria Muzychuk, Carole Reece (SRNA), Sheena Robinson, Regan Sittler, Sharon Staseson, and Natasha Stefaniuk, who worked hard behind the scenes for many months to bring this all together for us. As well, thank you to the many alumni, faculty, staff and students who volunteered their time to plan and host these festivities. The celebrations including banquets, tours, fashion shows and an amazing compilation of memorabilia were all a tremendous success. We hope you enjoy reflections we have captured in this special edition of Nursing News. We thank the Honourable Bronwyn Eyre, Minister of Advanced Education and Eric Olauson, MLA for Saskatoon University constituency, for the special anniversary recognition we received in the Legislative Assembly. Together, all these memories of the past 50 years will stay with us for a lifetime. l
TIMELINE
1966 Decision to locate the Diploma Nursing Program at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Saskatoon. By Order in Council the name of the Institute changed to the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (SIAAS).
SEPTEMBER 1, 1966 The Nursing Division Department of Education was established. 1967 The School of Diploma Nursing established as a post-secondary diploma program within SIAAS.
SEPTEMBER 11, 1967 The first class of 250 students of the School of Diploma Nursing registered. This was the largest enrolment of any diploma nursing school in Canada and the first basic education program in Canada to be under the Department of Education. 1968 The program’s second year also offered in Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Yorkton (Psychiatric Nursing rotation). AUGUST 22, 1969 School of Diploma Nursing first graduation exercises.
1970 Combined SIAAS Diploma Nursing, Nursing Assistant Graduation (photo). 1972 The Department of PostSecondary Education assumed responsibility for all diploma and certificate nursing education in the province. With the closing of the hospital based programs and the establishment of what is now Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina Campus, the Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs came under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.
1985–1988 The Nursing Update program (now called Nursing Re-entry) was offered via distance delivery from the Wascana Campus. 1987 Twenty students enrolled in the first Indian Diploma Nursing Program (IDNP) under a partnership between SIAST Kelsey Campus and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).
SEPTEMBER 1972 A new southern Saskatchewan Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (WIAAS) opened in Regina enrolling 300 students in the Diploma Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and Nursing Assistant programs. The curriculum was unique as it established a “core” program consisting of a common first and second semester of theory and clinical for all students in the three nursing programs.
1975 The Advanced Placement (bridging) Program for Certified Nursing Assistants was introduced (Saskatoon).
1978 The Nurse Refresher course for inactive nurses was established (Saskatoon).
1988 The Operating Room Nursing and Techniques program (now the Perioperative Nursing RN program and Perioperative Nursing LPN program) was offered (Regina).
JUNE 1988 The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) was established with campuses at Regina (Wascana Campus) and Saskatoon (Kelsey Campus) and Prince Albert (Woodland Campus) delivering nursing education programs.
Gerontological Nursing program, a competencybased distance delivery model, was offered (Regina).
1992 The name was changed to the Practical Nursing program to reflect the title of the practitioner. The faculty from the nursing programs at Wascana Institute SIAST, Kelsey Institute SIAST and the College of Nursing University of Saskatchewan began to develop a single nursing education program for Saskatchewan—the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS). The Continuing Nursing Education Department was formed (Regina).
2005–2006 The Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan Second Degree Entry Option (NEPS SDEO) was launched with 50 seats and then further expanded by 100 seats. AUGUST 2005 First graduates of the Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner Applied Certificate program.
SEPTEMBER 1993 The first intake of the Advanced Clinical Nursing program. 1994 The Home-Based Nursing program was developed in response to the changes within the health districts when long-term care and other less critically ill patients were moved into the community (Regina). 1995 Development and delivery of the Practical Nurse Refresher and the Psychiatric Nurse Reentry programs (Regina).
2013–2014 Final intake for the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Nursing Division students and faculty participated in two Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) projects with partners in Nepal health and educational institutions. 1997–1998 Concurrent with the major restructuring of SIAST, the Nursing Division and the position of Dean of Nursing were established. The Advanced Pharmacy for RNs Providing Primary Health Care program was developed.
2007 The Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses program was launched.
2008–2009 The Institute for Nursing Scholarship was established to further support faculty in scholarly endeavors.
The OH&S Practitioner program was developed for online delivery, in addition to full-time on-campus delivery.
A state-of-the-art interprofessional Simulation Learning Centre opened at SIAST Regina Campus. The Practical Nursing program exit credential was changed from a certificate to a diploma.
A new partnership was established with Kawacatoose First Nation for the delivery of the SIAST Practical Nursing program for 18 students from Kawacatoose First Nation and surrounding bands.
SEPTEMBER 2013 Memorandum of agreement was signed with SIAST, University of Regina, Great Plains College and Cypress Health Region for the delivery of the SCBScN program in Swift Current (8 students).
SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 The launch of NEPS occurred in Regina and Saskatoon.
The IEN Assessment Centre opened, the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 Implemented the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Degree Completion for Graduates of 2010 and Beyond. 2014–2015 First graduates of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. First two graduates of the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Degree Completion Program, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s first independent degree program.
1998–1999 SIAST’s Nursing Division, together with the Regina Health District and Saskatoon District Health developed the Basic Critical Care Nursing program. In response to a shortage of operating room nurses, SIAST’s Nursing Division partnered with Saskatoon and Regina health districts to offer the Operating Room Nursing and Techniques program to their employees. The Practical Nursing program partnered with Northlands Regional College and Parkland Regional College to offer the full Practical Nursing program in La Ronge and Yorkton respectively.
The Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program was launched with an intake of 30 students. SIAST was advised that the NEPS partnership would be discontinued following the September 2010 intake, that SIAST and the University of Regina would collaborate as one provider on the development of a degree program, and the University of Saskatchewan would be a separate provider.
JANUARY 2014 Critical Care Nursing Online program implemented with expanded delivery sites to include Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and the Northwest Territories.
SEPTEMBER 2014 SIAST and University of Regina entered into a partnership to offer the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program leading to a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) degree with 15 seats.
JULY 1, 2014 The School of Nursing was established to align programs with economic and public sector partners.
The Practical Nursing Program offered its first international experience in Uganda with a group of eight students. Delivery of the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician courses was expanded to include Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Newfoundland.
MAY 24, 2000 The first 120 graduates of NEPS convocated at the University of Saskatchewan. LATE ‘90s TO 2004 The Basic Critical Care Nursing program was offered (Regina).
2000–2001 The Practical Nursing program established partnerships to offer practical nursing with seven regional college sites and Dumont Technical Institute.
OCTOBER 21, 2000 The first 25 graduates completed the Basic Critical Care Nursing program. A memorandum of understanding was developed between the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, SIAST Nursing Division, University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing, the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training and the Department of Health regarding the delivery of the NEPS curriculum in northern Saskatchewan.
2010–2011 A state-of-the-art interprofessional Simulation Learning Centre opened at the SIAST Saskatoon Campus. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Northlands College and SIAST to deliver the Northern Online Practical Nursing program launched with 15 students from nine northern communities.
2001–2002 The name of the Advanced Clinical Nursing program was changed to the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. 2003 A new Academic Partnership Agreement was signed adding a third site, Prince Albert, and a third partner, the First Nations University of Canada with 40 additional NEPS seats. Amendments were made to The Registered Nurses Act to include Registered NurseNurse Practitioner (NP).
2011–2012 Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was launched with 195 students (Regina) and 150 students (Saskatoon). 2012–2013 SIAST achieved degree granting authorization for the delivery of the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing Degree Completion program. This represented SIAST‘s first degree program.
2010–2011 With the establishment of a two provider model for nursing education, this was the last intake into the NEPS. The NEPS LPN Bridging Option was implemented at Wascana Campus.
The Aboriginal Nursing Student Achievement Program was implemented.
The Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner Certificate program was approved.
SIAST and U of R signed an agreement with the University of Colima, Mexico, for an International Student Exchange Project.
AUGUST 2015 Launched the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician program with three intakes of 20 students.
2017 Implemented the Emergency Nursing advanced certificate program with four intakes of 15 students.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, a School of Nursing Legacy Trust Fund in support of student awards and scholarships was established.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 SIAST becomes Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
OCTOBER 2015 Final cohort of the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program completed the program.
The School of Nursing celebrates 50 years of providing quality nursing education in Saskatchewan.
The School of Nursing offers 16 innovative and awardwinning programs to more than 3,600 students annually across the three campuses located in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.
2015–2016 Signed a Memorandum of Agreement with North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China and Saskatchewan Polytechnic for faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research and data and scientific information sharing.
SEPTEMBER 2016 Implemented Occupational Health Nursing post-graduate certificate program with three intakes of 10 students.
Photo: UofR Photography
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ORIGINAL CLASSMATES SHARE THOUGHTS
Alumni reflect and celebrate progress
L to R: from Class of '69, Terry Kroeger, Charlotte (Wolffe) Parkinson, Doreen Wingrove-Bourke, Rose-Marie Smith, Karen (Madland) Morrison, Maureen (Gillen) Gerein, Olga Kirunchyk, Sharon (Erb) Staseson, Elaine (Hauck) Hope, Nadine (Boyko) Clarke, Mary (Kinnaird) Yaremchuk, Sharyn (Wilkinson) Johnson After decades in the nursing profession, several graduates from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (SIAAS)’s first nursing class gathered at the 50th Anniversary celebrations and enjoyed their opportunity to reunite and reminisce. Mary (Kinnaird) Yaremchuk, Charlotte (Wolffe) Parkinson, and Olga Kirunchyk, were alumni from that first class. All pursued careers in different destinations in 1969, and all credit their great baseline from the institute now known as Sask Polytech. Their interviews are featured in this issue of Nursing News.
my former classmates,” says Mary. “My compliments to the dean and all for their vision in planning this celebration for us. We thoroughly enjoyed it all.” She was excited to find her graduation uniform and cap, and enjoyed seeing it modeled as part of the reflections. “It was like a trip down memory lane.”
Mary plans on retiring from her current part-time role in June after what she describes as a rewarding career which still includes contributions as an instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. “I have loved nursing through the years,” says Mary. “Hearing the many stories of those who have pursued their dreams in this profession was inspiring.” l
MARY YAREMCHUK Within her career, Mary had positions in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, nursing in the areas of medical, surgery, intensive care and pediatrics. Over the years, she also worked in Kamloops, BC, Shellbrook, SK and has been in Red Deer, AB since 2001. In Shellbrook, she assumed administrative responsibilities as Director of Care for the hospital and nursing home. “The Anniversary was a marvelous opportunity to get together with some of
Mary (Kinnaird) Yaremchuk (left) from the Class of '69 enjoys the reunion with Kim Neudorf and many friends. www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
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FUTURE PATHS
Career takes Class of ’69 graduate around the world Olga Kirunchyk flew from her home in Los Angeles to attend the 50th Anniversary celebrations. She is one of the infamous Class of ’69! “Having flown from Los Angeles for the event, it did not disappoint,” says Olga, commending the organizers for the mix of history and chances for personal reunions, blending banquets, speakers, and even cruise-ship quality bus rides from the hotel to Sask Polytech facilities tours. “The tour of the simulation labs made me want to take that portion of training again,” she adds. “The Class of ’69 really pioneered the transition from hospitalbased nursing to a more academicfocused curriculum.” A highlight of the weekend included reconnecting with roommate Sharon (Erb) Staseson, and another nursing best friend, Maureen (Gillen) Gerein. “It was evident we were still ‘besties’ after all these years. We shared so many stories and the weekend’s welcome back and love we felt was surreal.” “Our lives all took different paths so it was important to reunite and share stories living in residence at St. Paul’s Hospital, transitioning to an apartment with multiple nurses sleeping on pullouts,” she chuckles. There is no question, Olga’s career path as a registered nurse has been intriguing. It included working at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, with roles also at Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary as part of Open Heart Surgical Unit and Emergency Room teams. As a single mother, she pursued a role at a Medical Centre in California in 1987 where
L to R: Maureen (Gillen) Gerein with Olga Kirunchyk, classmates from 1969 enjoy some reflections from the past. she dealt with the adjustments of socialized medicine in Canada to the United States’ health care system. She took the Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate program at UCSD LaJolla and formed a business called Med.Al Legal Nurse Consultants with a Canadian nursing colleague. Then, even more adventure called. She moved to Saudi Arabia in 1996 to work in the ER at the King Faisal Specialist and Research Hospital. “I was immersed in a unique culture as well as within an environment of medical diagnosis I had never heard of,” Olga says. She returned to California, then Calgary in 2000 before heading to the far off ocean call for five years onboard Carnival Cruise Lines as a ship’s nurse, as well as to the shipyards in Italy to set up the medical center on the Carnival Liberty. From there, beginning in 2006, she got her feet back on shore as medical op-
To the new grads, continue to challenge yourself in nursing as there are many opportunities for growth. Bedside nursing in the beginning is the most challenging and where your best experience will be obtained. Throwing yourself into an uncomfortable situation is the key to success.
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All this was accomplished only with an RN after my name.
erations supervisor at Princess Cruises corporate office in Valencia, California. It was equally meant to be as she also enjoyed time with a granddaughter there. “In 2009, I was promoted to a Medical Operations Manager at the Carnival corporate office in Miami managing 26 ships medical centers onboard,” says Olga. “I sailed with a Carnival ship from San Diego to the Vancouver Olympics where I worked with the RCMP and Special Forces housed on the ship. This job came to an end in 2012 because of its 24/7 demand.” Today, she is back in Los Angeles, and is presently working as a Medical Disability Nurse Case Manager for Liberty Mutual. She commends SIAAS for the professional roots that took her around the world, with employers always hopeful to recruit more Canadian-trained nurses. “The training I received at SIAAS was world-class and has been a testament of how well respected the program has been over five decades,” says Olga. l
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REFLECTIONS
Reunion celebrations enjoyed
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L to R: Charlotte Parkinson (Class of ’69) with sisters Michele (Class of ’96) and Gerrie (Class of ’72) as together they enjoy the 50th year celebrations at their nursing school. For alumnus Charlotte (Wolffe) Parkinson from first nursing Class of ’69, the weekend together with her sisters and her former classmates was fulfilling and created its own memories and commitments. Following graduation, she worked at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, moving soon after to Edmonton to work in orthopedics and at the Allin Clinic. From Edmonton, she was on to Calgary in
1977 and has been at Foothills Hospital ever since. Her career has been multifocused.
“I plan on retiring in December,” says Charlotte. “Being in nursing as a profession has been such a great choice.”
Now, after 48 years as a registered nurse, 40 years at Foothills Hospital, serving the past 15 as a Hospitalist Liaison Nurse, it is very clear she has never been short of patience for patients. Not only that, she balanced career and family with a husband, three sons and daughter.
The opportunity to reacquaint with former classmates was magical. “We had a full, busy weekend with tours, and chances to catch up,” Charlotte notes. “We were so impressed with the tours and facilities now in place at Sask Polytech.” “Over the years we had lost some contact, so have renewed our commitment to stay in touch. It is like a new starting point in our life’s journey!”
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To purchase a bracelet, contact Natasha at (306) 659-3845 Proceeds go to the School of Nursing Legacy Trust to support student scholarships. All other donations to the Legacy Trust accepted by emailing Barb Bissonnette at barb.bissonnette@saskpolytech.ca.
www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
For future plans, Charlotte looks forward to no alarm clock for waking up and trying some new things including yoga teacher training. She will also do some volunteering, continuing her life’s purpose as a way of caring and giving back to her community. “My husband and I will do more travelling, golfing and farming in Saskatchewan,” she says. “It will be wonderful to spend more time with family and friends, including our five grandsons. There will be no time to be bored. Life is great!” l
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ANONSON KEYNOTE
Hope and encouragement for future of nursing Dr. June Anonson, keynote speaker at the 50th Anniversary celebrations in Saskatoon, described the nursing program evolving at Sask Polytech as transforming her life. “I came from a line of many nurses who encouraged me to go into the profession,” June shared with the 225 attending the banquet celebrations in Saskatoon. She reminisced about the past, her positive experience as a student and what she saw on the horizon for the profession. Her passion for nursing started with roots as a candy striper in the Birch Hills Hospital, then into the Kelsey Diploma Nursing program class graduating in 1976. “Kelsey or KIAAS as it was called in those days taught me more about how to conduct myself professionally more than any other educational program I entered into before or after that,” says June. “It was all about the people we were surrounded by. We learned how to be professionals, leaders and compassionate caring nurses.” She describes herself as an ambassador for the profession and continuous nursing recruiter. June challenged each nurse to do the same and to advocate for nursing publicly and through political forums. “We’ve seen so many changes in our practices in health care,” June shares. “But our future in nursing shines through. The program at Sask Polytech is one of the top nursing programs in the country.”
Dr. June Anonson, director, Institute for Nursing Scholarship (centre) with current dean, Dr. Netha Dyck (left), and her first nurse leader, Diploma Nursing program head, Mercedes Montgomery.
Her current role is as director of the Institute for Nursing Scholarship and she continues in her role as professor at the University of Saskatchewan as well. “Throughout my career, I've had the privilege to work with great leaders, educators and researchers from the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” she notes. She underscores the need to prepare nurses for the future and changing times. “I hope we can re-focus, re-group and get back to some of the basics such as caring for and being a support and advocate for our patients, clients and colleagues,” says
I encourage all nurses to become more involved and active in their roles as we support each other daily.
One of the most important things we must do on this journey is to support, encourage and mentor each other. It matters not our age!
June. “Empowering patients to speak up provides important input for us all.” “It doesn't matter if we are baby boomers, Gen Xers, etc., what role we have—supervisors, managers—whatever generation or position we are, we all need mentors, role models and supporters! We need to start that support with each other, our own colleagues and team members.” “Our future is bright as we are well prepared through nursing program offerings at Sask Polytech,” June says. “We have so many amazing students and graduates to take us forward into the next decade.” l
PLEDGE RENEWED
At the celebrations, those gathered renewed their nurse's pledge: … I will strive to gain knowledge through continuing education and will help strengthen fellow nurses, encourage and welcome future nurses, and provide leadership to advance the aims of the nursing profession …. www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
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STASESON KEYNOTE
Fifty year distinguished career Sharon Staseson’s roots were in nursing from the day she was born, but it took until the age of three for her to decide to pursue the profession she has now enjoyed for more than five decades. As the keynote speaker at Regina’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Sharon took a walk down memory lane, describing her time growing up in small town Saskatchewan, the daughter of a registered nurse “back in the day”. “I fondly remember my mother’s starched long-sleeve uniform and cap,” Sharon reflects. “I was in awe of this white ensemble that gave her a new identity in my young mind.” Years later when she finished high school, she went for interviews for her own entry into the profession. She was overjoyed when she was chosen as one of the 125 within the first nursing class at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Science (SIAAS) in Saskatoon in 1967. “As students we became close as we moved into our clinical groups,” she describes. “I remember every one of the instructors who inspired, encouraged and challenged us with their expert knowledge, humour and caring. We would not be here tonight without those ‘angels’ who saw us through the good, the bad and sometimes experiences our young minds could barely comprehend.” Throughout her career as an active researcher, registered nurse, instructor and leader, she has lived in Ottawa and Vancouver with her husband and three daughters. Her positions have been varied including teaching at Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa School of Nursing; the Canadian Institute of Child Health, Health Canada, the BC
Every year there was a nurse's kit under the tree from Santa.
L to R: Emily Depatiee, fourth year nursing student with Sharon Staseson, keynote speaker. Reproductive Care Program and finally “moving back home” as Executive Director of Women’s and Children’s Health in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. As a lifelong learner, Sharon completed a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Consultation at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington in 1994. Over the years she has served in nearly every field of nursing from pediatrics, obstetrics and psychiatry and has advocated and developed policy for a variety of areas including perinatal care, antenatal care and postpartum depression in childbearing. She joined Sask Polytech’s School of Nursing as an instructor in 2004. “Change is constant,” says Sharon. “Not only with the advances in research and technologies, it is imperative to keep current with policies, practices and be ever-mindful of all the community resources available.” From the academic side, Sharon says research must be at the absolute forefront of curriculum development. She commends Sask Polytech for excelling in supporting and presenting innovative ideas that enhance and ensure the very best in learning, caring for patients and families, and supporting colleagues. www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
It is heartening to see a much wiser development of critical thought coming into curriculum development, reflective learning, and an effort to communicate in clear, practical, relevant, evidencebased and inclusive ways. As for reflections on the 50th Anniversary activities and opportunity for reuniting with her fellow classmates and colleagues, she couldn’t be more pleased. “In so many ways it was like time hadn’t passed,” she smiles. “We picked up where we had left off, caught up with each other and committed to keeping in touch. It was a great time to celebrate nursing (doing so in our “pjs” after the formal celebrations). Twelve from our original class attended the Saskatoon event from as far as Los Angeles, California.” l
Sharon closed her keynote reflecting on the energy brought forward by those currently studying to be nurses. She introduced fourth year nursing student, Emily Depatiee who reflected passionately on her reasons for wanting to be a nurse. “I wanted a career where I could make a difference.” According to Sharon, Emily is most certainly on her way to fulfilling her goal.
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MEMORY BOOK QUOTES
Memories shared There were so many wonderful memories shared in the 50th Anniversary memory book. Here are some of these reflections through images and thoughts.
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Most stressful times became the most fun. True friends were made because we leaned on each other to get through the program.” Brenda Schindel, 1993–1995
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Miss the Pit—this was a common ground
for the CNA, RN and RPN students to unify as ‘one’, all with a common purpose to serve and care for the patient.” Tara Redenbach, 1980 www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
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Made a couple of lifelong friends.
Great education. Found a job easily because of the school’s reputation.” Lorna (Tieszen) Warkentin, 1980–1982
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I remember taking seven different classes the first year which meant seven finals to study for. I carried a bag of books everywhere I went for two years as studying was required seven days a week.” Janet Lukey Ebel, 1976–1978
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A and P labs, clinicals in our pale blue uniforms, getting our cap bands… It was all so amazing.” Joanne Petersen, 1987–1989 current SRNA president
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This school prepared me for 33 years of a wonderful career.”
Gail (Sanderson) Smith, 1982–1984
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These two years were the
best thing I could have ever done—proud to be a nurse and thankful for the wonderful patients and co-workers I’ve met over the years.” Robin Haukaas-Le Courtois, 1986–1988
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50TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE “The School of Nursing 50th Anniversary celebrations were a tremendous success. We are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful group of volunteers to help us with the planning and coordination of the events, the development of the Legacy Trust and the compilation of our history. Through the promotion of the 50th Anniversary we also saw a remarkable increase in our alumni registrations. We are looking forward to keeping connected with our alumni and sharing with them the wonderful things that are happening in the School of Nursing.” — Cindy Smith, chair, 50th Anniversary Planning Committee L-R: Dr. Netha Dyck, dean of the School of Nursing; Della Howe, former chairperson of WIAAS Health Sciences; Cindy Smith, associate dean of the School of Nursing; and Billy-Jo Howe, academic chair in the School of Nursing.
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Becoming a nurse allowed me
to travel the world. I spent four years in Saudi Arabia and Doha, Qatar. Travelling the world gave me life experiences and friends. The friends I developed while attending Nursing School are still my best friends.” Alison (Cooper) Jones, 1976–1978 www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278