Nursing News - Spring 2016

NURSING NEWS

saskpolytech.ca

Published by Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing

ENGAGEMENT AND EXCELLENCE l Customer service l Relationships and partnerships l Understanding and recognition

SPRING 2016

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Nursing News Spring 2016

Inside Nursing News Employee engagement inspires excellence...........2 Customer service commitment builds excellence each day.........3

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Employee engagement inspires excellence

Interprofessional education opportunities gear up for new fall term......................4 Indigenization goal advances common focus...6 Commitment and communication part of engagement success.......7 School of Nursing employee engagement highlights............................7 Residency week proves engaging for nurse practitioner students and faculty..........................8 Mentorship fosters community and enhances well-being........9 New program for emergency nurses to launch in 2017..................10 Save the Date!.................. 11 Honorary SALPN award for Clubb............................ 11 International collaboration supports nursing research and education.................. 12

COVER: L to R: Stephanie Beauchesne, faculty, Practical Nursing program, Prince Albert Campus with Karen Ullyott, program head, Practical Nursing program, Prince Albert Campus

Netha Dyck, dean of Nursing, meets with Jan Cochrane, faculty, Diabetes Education programs.

Each day at our School of Nursing, many lives are touched, whether as a student or a member of the faculty or leadership team. Celebrating our contributions is an honour, not only for reflection at our heartfelt pinning ceremonies and convocation ceremonies, but daily as we engage and inspire others.

This spring 2016 edition of Nursing News showcases several examples of active engagement of faculty and staff. We are proud of the ongoing teamwork, mentorship of colleagues and students, advancements in interprofessional education, introduction of new programs, and increased capacity for research and scholarship. It is motivating when this excellent work is recognized internally, as well as by our external partners.

The common thread within this timely snapshot is that highly engaged individuals have contributed to the success of students and colleagues while doing their part to further our organization’s vision, mission and values. All efforts, loyalty, advocacy and dedication are appreciated and truly making a difference.

In this edition, we have also included some highlights of our recent employee engagement survey. There are many areas of strength, as well as areas requiring www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

more focus. Our leadership commitment is to enable a workplace and culture that is inclusive and engaging for all. To make this happen, your involvement, ideas and insight are most welcome.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate many for notable achievements including the outstanding and distinguished service provided by four of our nursing colleagues to registered nursing in Saskatchewan. Congratulations to Sheila Clements, Joan Hiebert, Diane Jensen, and Candace Skrapek on being awarded the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) Life Membership. The Life Membership was recognized at the SRNA Awards banquet in Regina, is granted to a practicing member or a former practicing member of the association who is retired from registered nursing and have rendered outstanding service to registered nursing in Saskatchewan.

As many of you prepare for a welldeserved summer with family and friends, I take this opportunity to say thank you for your contributions to our School of Nursing and the future of health care in this province. It is exciting to look forward to our new academic year and ushering in our 50th Anniversary celebrations! l

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GOALS SET DAILY

Customer service commitment builds excellence each day Deb Pearson is known for her strong work ethic balanced with her sense of fun. She brings these qualities to her role as office assistant, while managing tight deadlines and juggling multiple priorities every day.

Her supervisor, Christa MacLean, program head, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN), says Deb has been supporting the SCBScN program for almost two years, but has been part of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic team for five-and-a-half years. Before coming to Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 2010, she worked in law firms for 21 years.

“Deb cares about doing a good job as she willingly helps faculty with anything they need and shows leadership in whatever is asked of her,” says MacLean.

“Our team is so much stronger because of her focus and reliability.”

Joleen Klassen, faculty, SCBScN has numerous examples of that commitment to draw from.

“Faculty know that Deb can be counted on for her quality work in editing manuals, exams, and other materials,” says Klassen. “When she says she will get something done, she will, and often it will even get done early, which allows for time to double-check and for any last-minute changes.”

“She demonstrates engagement and excellent customer service, going the extra mile for faculty,” adds MacLean.

“She multi-tasks with enthusiasm, while maintaining her sense of humour. She has my loyalty and respect.”

For her part, Pearson says she does her job to the best of her ability, starting

each day with a set of goals in mind, both work-related and personal.

“Paying attention to detail, organization and prioritizing was a necessity in the law firms,” says Pearson. “I have carried these skills to my position here.”

“I think that having a positive attitude towards others definitely goes a long way and has enabled me to have a great rapport with my co-workers,” says Pearson. “It is important for me to get a job done well, but it is also important for me to have fun at work and there is a need for laughter in the workplace. I like to start each day with laughter.”

Patti Manson, curriculum coordinator for the SCBScN program, notes Deb’s organizational skills.

“Without this support, I would not be able to so effectively manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines and consistently deliver quality work which supports faculty and, in turn, students,”

Deb Pearson, office assistant, SCBScN program, Regina Campus.

says Manson. “Deb recognizes and resolves workplace problems or barriers that impact effective, efficient job performance.”

In short, colleagues agree that she demonstrates engagement and dedication every day. l * The SCBScN program is offered in partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina.

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 Spring 2016

SERIES OF EVENTS PLANNED

Interprofessional education opportunities gear up for new fall term

Student participants with Stacey Shand, IPE coordinator (right) at the SPICE event in October 2015 at Regina Campus.

Student participation and faculty support is key as Saskatchewan Polytechnic spearheads a number of interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities, with a goal to even further expand participation this fall.

Interprofessional education coordinators, Stacey Shand from School of Nursing, Regina Campus and Natasha Hubbard Murdoch from School of Nursing, Saskatoon Campus say these collaborative experiences help to build respect among the various professions.

The development and release of additional interprofessional resources for faculty has been an important step forward for integration of IPE at

Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The coordinators describe the recent launch of the IPE curriculum as a highlight of this academic year. It is designed to be a user-friendly, approachable tool for faculty to access when including IPE competencies in their classroom or clinical activities. In addition, they have developed a faculty guide and a series of workshops designed to assist faculty with the curriculum.

A number of events held this year showcase the application of interprofessional outcomes as add-in components to health care programming. As an example, plans are underway for the second annual Saskatchewan Polytechnic Interprofessional Challenge Event www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

(SPICE), an Amazing Race type of event for students.

“During this event, students studying from within a range of professions form teams to share knowledge and skills to race to the finish,” says Shand. “It is an excellent way for all to learn more about other professions.”

Hubbard Murdoch says another great example of interprofessional learning has taken place within the health care perspectives experience, in partnership with Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) faculty and students. She is pleased to see the experience is being considered for Saskatoon as well as Regina.

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Students participate in a number of interprofessional education opportunities from driving the ambulance and doing research in the library with their teams during SPICE to large class experiences with students from different programs.

“This experience provides students with the skills to communicate interprofessionally, articulate their professional role and collaborate in teams while remaining focused on client-centred care,” says Hubbard Murdoch. “The network of potential partners for an interprofessional experience consists of faculty and students across 48 programs in the Schools of Health Sciences, Human Services and Community Safety, and Nursing.”

Finally, the interprofessional problembased learning (iPBL) scenario of a family in crisis engaged over 190 faculty, staff and students in Saskatoon. March 2017 will be the ninth delivery of an iPBL scenario at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

iPBL promotes professional autonomy in planning care with minimal guidance on the interprofessional process from trained faculty tutors. The steady growth of student participants and trained faculty champions over the years shows it is a valued interprofessional experience.

Both of the IPE coordinators are excited about an upcoming project - a faculty development course - which is currently in production. They anticipate these additional resources will encourage new ideas and agree that working on interprofessional initiatives is a rewarding experience. l

www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

“Interprofessional education (IPE) is the foundation of collaborative patientcentered practice. In order for collaborative teams to be successful, these concepts and skills must be part of the pre-licensure curriculum. IPE is a complex process involving a continuum and integration of learning that stretches from the classroom to health care practice and community setting. IPE differs from traditional interdisciplinary education with the integration of the different branches of knowledge by focusing on the educational process where two or more professional or disciplinary student groups are brought together to facilitate each individual learning about, from and with each other, thereby enabling collaboration for the improvement of patient care quality.”

- Interprofessional Education Curriculum Overview, March 2016

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Nursing News Spring 2016

ENGAGEMENT ACHIEVES RESULTS

Indigenization goal advances common focus With more than 18 per cent of its student population self-identifying as having Aboriginal ancestry, Saskatchewan Polytechnic formally focused its organizational indigenization efforts in 2015 with Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, signing a protocol for faculty, staff and students to build on and contribute to.

The School of Nursing was well underway with its indigenization efforts before this formalization, actively engaging faculty and students to achieve results by identifying opportunities for change and removing barriers to success.

Aboriginal nursing student advisors Sharon Ahenakew, based in Saskatoon, and Greg Riehl, based in Regina, continue to work together with students and faculty to try to meet their needs.

“We have a growing demand for how to indigenize curriculum and provide those important supports needed for our Aboriginal students,” says Ahenakew. “One example has been the development of an Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan (ASAP) which sets out to remove barriers to success for Aboriginal students and enhances their experience by incorporating Aboriginal ways of thinking and learning into the everyday culture of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.”

Riehl agrees and believes that through the formal vision of an indigenization plan for the organization, the interest and activity has increased.

“We have made some good progress, and we can always do more,” says Riehl.

“We are pleased with the active engagement and some progress already made. We look forward to the day where indigenization of curriculum and supports for students and faculty become part of our day-to-day operations and fully integrated into the operations of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.”

Some of the Aboriginal nursing student advisors’ work has included discussions

Jessica Harper, SCBScN student from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan says with her degree she will have a broader way to help. with Elders, outreach at career fairs, powwows, establishing new protocols, discussions with educational counsellors and parents, participation in conferences, faculty development sessions and making contact with students very early in their learning years.

Both Ahenakew and Riehl view their roles as ever changing and are pleased when they see their efforts having a positive impact on others. There is no single solution.

“The campuses and students all have different needs,” says Riehl. “For example, we reach out to students in grades 3, 4 and 5, talking about the importance of classes like math and sciences while at the same time helping high school students with hands-on assistance with some of the application forms.

“We are always encouraged if we can help make the path to student success an easier one,” says Ahenakew.

She also commends some of the early work of the volunteer group, Kindred Spirits, as they initiated some informal discussions on indigenization in 2014 and continue to contribute their insight and thoughtfulness.

* The SCBScN program is offered in partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina.

www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

“Kindred Spirits has been a grassroots group which includes nursing faculty and students who have joined together to identify some very practical ways of making a difference,” she notes. “We all just want to work together in a variety of ways to provide services for our students and remove barriers to success.” l

Indigenization at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to the indigenization of our institution.

Ensuring indigenization at Saskatchewan Polytechnic enriches and benefits all aspects of our institutional culture is our social and collective responsibility.

Belief statement We indigenize by holistically integrating Aboriginal ways of knowing, teaching, and learning within all of the institutional practices, procedures and services we provide to students, staff and communities. This results in Aboriginal people seeing themselves and their realities reflected in our institutional practices.

It also results in non-Aboriginal people gaining the skills and knowledge that enable them to work with and live alongside their Aboriginal neighbours knowledgeably and respectfully.

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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Commitment and communication part of engagement success When it comes to identifying someone who always seems to be there at the right time, whether to lend a hand or engage with colleagues in the School of Nursing or across campus, Terri Genaille’s name comes up repeatedly.

SCHOOL OF NURSING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Cindy Smith, associate dean of Nursing says Genaille, her administrative assistant for about five years, approaches her work and colleagues consistently, with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to help.

“She is pleasant and co-operative regardless of the many tasks, either assigned or as a volunteer,” says Smith.

“We appreciate her high quality performance and dependability.”

Genaille began her career with Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 2009. On top of her busy workdays, she and her husband enjoy their three active children.

“I enjoy my job, so it’s not difficult to find the energy to do it,” says Genaille.

“I also really like the people I work with, those within the School of Nursing and those in other areas of Sask Polytech.”

Some of her tasks include a range of responsibilities from volunteering at student welcome week, convocation, and other campus events. In addition, she works on Nursing Week celebrations and annual meetings, pays meticulous attention to detail with database management, School of Nursing 50th Anniversary preparations, participates in or organizing committees and subcommittees, proofreads, organizes the office and distributes Nursing News!

Smith says Genaille is highly organized, a great writer, has excellent communication skills and develops strong, respectful relationships with colleagues.

“She is a true team player,” adds Smith.

Employee engagement: work done well Good with others everyday −Zinger

Terri Genaille, administrative assistant to the associate dean of Nursing, School of Nursing, Regina Campus.

With her keen interest in helping to move the School of Nursing forward, she also looks for ways to support employee engagement.

“I’m involved in planning a number of events for the School of Nursing each year,” explains Genaille. “We really try to ensure that these events are inclusive of all of our faculty and staff and that they offer opportunities for both professional and personal development while also providing networking and teambuilding opportunities.”

“We’ve also started using ourCollaborate, a SharePoint site for the School of Nursing, to share information with everyone in the School,” she adds. “I try to keep the homepage inviting and current with new information about the School of Nursing and on-campus events and initiatives. In an effort to encourage participation and engagement on the site, we even developed an online scavenger hunt (complete with a prize!) to encourage our faculty and staff to try it out.” l www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

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Smith shared highlights of the School of Nursing Employee Engagement results including that the School’s employee engagement index is 78% which represents a very high level of engagement.

Strengths include:  Job design  Psychological environment  Organizational integration and teamwork  Occupational health and safety  Management  Physical environment  Systems, tools and technology  Diversity Employee engagement teams are addressing development opportunities related to:  Staffing  Learning and development  Reward management Individuals interested in learning more or volunteering, should contact Terri Genaille at terri.genaille@ saskpolytech.ca or 306-775-7822 or Cindy Smith at cindy.smith@ saskpolytech.ca or 306-775-7925.

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Nursing News Spring 2016

INVALUABLE CONNECTIONS

Residency week proves engaging for nurse practitioner students and faculty

Nurse practitioner students, faculty and staff at a gathering during their residency week experience.

Distance education can sometimes feel isolating, so the opportunity to finally meet colleagues and faculty face-toface is invaluable.

Students, faculty and support staff from the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP) for 2016 met in Regina for their residency week from April 11 to 15.

Time was spent at both the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus, and provided a great opportunity for student-faculty and student-student relationship building.

Joyce Bruce, program head for CNPP, says the class cohort involved 17 students, eight faculty, five high-fidelity simulation centre staff and two support staff.

“The week was an exceptionally rewarding one for all involved,” says Bruce.

“There was such a positive feeling of collaboration of everyone involved. It is

an honour to witness such teamwork and professional engagement.”

Dr. Glenn Donnelly, associate dean of Graduate Programs & Research in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina, also participated in the week.

“The residency week was a marvelous opportunity for University of Regina faculty to meet with students face to face and to work with our Sask Polytech colleagues,” says Donnelly. “Although I work with Joyce almost on a daily basis, the faculty rarely get to meet with their colleagues face to face. University of Regina faculty quickly were integrated into the activities of the week including working in the simulation lab with students. I personally got to meet with several different students and attended some of their sessions - this is most valuable. It is so different than meeting online. I am very grateful to the Sask Polytech faculty for the inclusiveness www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

they demonstrated to us.”

Erin Weisbeck, student, says she was impressed with meeting the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic CNPP faculty members and instructors, deans from both institutions, and the administrative staff.

“The week came with a mix of anticipation and awesomeness as we prepared to be evaluated on our diagnostic reasoning skills, and learned and practised a number of procedures,” says Weisbeck. “All of the presentations including motivational interviewing, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and women’s health case studies were valuable information that will be an asset as we move forward in the program and into nurse practitioner practice.”

School of Nursing faculty member Frankie Verville, who provided leadership for the week, says that the student CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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INTERNATIONAL PROFILE NOTEWORTHY

feedback was positive and encouraging.

Mentorship fosters community and enhances well-being

“Students felt the time was well spent,” says Verville. “It was so important for the faculty from both University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to spend time together with the students during various activities so we can help improve the delivery of the entire program. The direct engagement promotes dialogue and provides insight into all of the courses taught.”

During the week, a significant amount of time is spent in the high-fidelity simulation centre.

“The team in the lab went above and beyond to prepare simulated conditions for the students to practise on,” describes Verville. “All those involved showed exceptional leadership to ensure the students were successful in meeting course outcomes.”

There is also plenty of work required behind the scenes to make sure all the details are in place.

Jeannine Bruce, administrative clinical coordinator, is involved with the program for a number of the logistical elements.

“There are a number of pieces from booking rooms, ensuring the teaching materials are ready for each day, and making sure that the administration of the residency week goes as smoothly as possible,” says Bruce (Jeannine). “It is such a great experience to meet the students and it helps us to understand and meet their needs. We look forward to next year’s chance to convene with the nurse practitioner students.”

With 2016’s success and collaborative focus to build from, there is no question that the 2017 cohort will benefit from their invaluable time together.

The Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP) is an online graduate level program offered through a joint partnership between the Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina. l

School of Nursing faculty members Caroline Hoffart and Lynde McKinley at a mentorship meeting via Skype with Saskatoon colleague, Cathy Baerg, clinical coordinator in the School of Health Sciences.

Caroline Hoffart, faculty member in the School of Nursing approaches her work, and this world, with a future-oriented mindset.

In her capacity as chairperson, Caroline dedicates her time and energy towards fulfilling the Mentorship Team’s vision of Saskatchewan Polytechnic as a recognized leader in mentorship at all levels organizationally, provincially, nationally and internationally. This vision moves closer to reality as she returns from presenting at an international mentorship conference in Auburn, Alabama.

“Mentorship is a major international thrust,” says Hoffart. “The work we are doing right here at home is timely and leading edge.”

She is proud of the progress at Saskatchewan Polytechnic over the past few years. The Mentorship Team recently created a five-year strategic plan that aligns with the institution’s strategic plan and the proposed academic model.

“Mentorship enriches an organization’s culture,” says Hoffart. “Three key goals related to mentorship have been outlined for the upcoming year. These include: maintain and grow a mentorship www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

culture; be internationally recognized for mentorship; and establish a visible, fully integrated, formal mentorship centre.”

The academic model refers to the establishment of mentoring initiatives within schools or as an institution-wide project. The model recommends the development of "initiatives to connect faculty within a common subject matter area, to foster a community of practice and sharing of information across Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses and beyond to other polytechnics" as a way to achieve instructional excellence.”

Hoffart says with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s plan, there are a number of internal and external stakeholders who will benefit from mentorship initiatives.

As examples, it contributes to overall employee engagement, retention and recruitment; employees have more opportunities for professional and leadership development; students have been introduced to resources for socialization into their professions; and industry receives competent, entry-level employees.

“Our team is excited about the future of this strategic plan which is gaining momentum and positions the institution well for meeting student, employee and the stakeholder needs,” she adds. l

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ADDRESSING URGENT NEEDS

New program for emergency nurses to launch in 2017 The School of Nursing will launch the Emergency Nursing advanced certificate program beginning January 2017.

The program is offered in response to Saskatchewan health regions indicating an urgent need for Saskatchewan Polytechnic to develop a program that addresses the shortage of emergency nurses in both urban and rural settings.

Yvonne Harris, program head, says the development has involved a tremendous team effort with significant research on the curriculum framework and consultation with stakeholders on program outcomes over the many months.

“This program will address the needs of employers for emergency nurses,” says Harris. “With its implementation, Saskatchewan Polytechnic will be providing important programming to build the province’s workforce for emergency nurses and contributing to the goal of providing quality emergency care and eliminating wait times in emergency departments.”

The specific role of the emergency nurse can vary based on the size and type of the health care agency, their level of certification and experience, and services offered.

“We have seen the need for emergency nurses to work independently as well as to take on leadership roles,” adds Harris.

Yvonne Harris, program head, Critical Care Nursing and Emergency Nursing.

“There has been significant work completed in developing the course outcomes and curricular content, and ensuring the learning outcomes are clearly articulated,” she says. “This is a post-basic registered nurse education program that is designed for students to acquire specialized knowledge and skills and achieve the national competencies for emergency nursing.”

The specialty nursing education program includes a number of new courses such as: Fundamental Concepts of Emergency Nursing, Health Assessment and Diagnostics, Specialty Concepts of Emergency Nursing, Emergency Nursing Lab and Emergency Nursing Clinical Practice Education.

The power of storytelling for learning is evidenced in history throughout the ages. In keeping with that fine art, the Emergency Nursing program includes a true story of a couple’s emergency experience. “Dianne and Joe’s” story is used throughout the course to illustrate the major concepts in each course.

By reframing their initial experience, we see the importance of patient and family-centered care, and the necessity of thorough ongoing reassessments to detect clinical deterioration. We learn of the challenges of caring for the critically ill patient and their family in the emergency department including activities to stabilize, transport and prepare family to deal with changing levels of care. In essence, Dianne and Joe’s story demonstrates the skills required to be an emergency nurse and embody the components of this program.

Theory courses will be delivered online and practice education will be delivered throughout the province to allow maximum flexibility for adult students.

The program will be the first of its kind for Saskatchewan. Other jurisdictions including British Columbia and Alberta have programs in place.

“We look forward to launching this new program,” says Harris. “We are confident it will contribute to meeting our province’s needs for emergency health care by providing the unique emergency nursing education and training required in emergency care settings.” l

YEAR CHAMPION VOLUNTEER ROLE Contact former students from your graduating year to encourage them to sign up online at http://saskpolytech.ca/student-services/ alumni/register.aspx. Once registered, they will receive future updates about the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing’s 50th anniversary celebration activities in 2017. A list of names of your year’s “lost” graduates will be provided to you. Please feel free to recruit others from your year to assist in tracking down alumni.

www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

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SCHOOL OF NURSING 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1967–2017

SAVE THE DATE! You are invited to attend the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2017.

You will not want to miss these once in a lifetime activities.

• April 21, 2017 – Prince Albert Campus • April 28 and 29, 2017 – Regina Campus • May 12 and 13, 2017 – Saskatoon Campus Complete the alumni registration form at saskpolytech.ca/alumni so you don’t miss any news.

Cindy Smith, associate dean of Nursing and chair for the 50th Anniversary celebrations with Stephanie Beauchesne, faculty, Practical Nursing program.

We need your help reconnecting with students from each graduating year.

Help us by staying in touch with your fellow classmates.

Please email us at nursing.50th@saskpolytech.ca or call 306-775-7822.

saskpolytech.ca/nursing50th

Honorary SALPN award for Clubb Congratulations to Roni Clubb, faculty, Practical Nursing program, Regina Campus, on being recognized by the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN) with an Honorary Member Award. The Honorary Member Award is awarded to nonLPNs who have provided distinguished services to the practical nursing profession in Canada.The SALPN Council commended Roni for her dedication and commitment to Practical Nursing education in Saskatchewan sustained over many years. l L to R: Billy-Jo Howe, program head, Practical Nursing program, Saskatchewan Polytechnic; Kari Pruden, president, SALPN; Roni Clubb, faculty, Practical Nursing program, Saskatchewan Polytechnic; Lynsay Nair, executive director, SALPN; Netha Dyck, dean, School of Nursing, Saskatchewan Polytechnic. www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

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ENGAGEMENT FOSTERS INTERNATIONALIZATION

International collaboration supports nursing research and education

Members of the NSMU and Saskatchewan Polytechnic teams at signing ceremony for Memorandum of Agreement establishing further working relationships.

Dr. June Anonson, Director of the Institute for Nursing Scholarship (INS) in the School of Nursing, and three faculty from the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, participated in research and served as guest lecturers at the North Sichuan Medical University (NSMU) in Nanchong, Sichuan province in China.

The April 4 to 16, 2016 experience provided an opportunity for SCBScN

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L to R: President Dr. Du Yong of NSMU wearing a Métis sash presented to him by Robyn Kobussen, June Anonson, Stacy Hunt and Melissa Dykhuizen.

faculty to collaborate with graduate and undergraduate nursing students, nursing professors, administrators and nursing leaders from the community, as well as medical and related health sciences students and faculty from NSMU. Anonson, also Acting Director of the Office of Applied Research and Innovation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, says this diversity enabled faculty to share best practices in the fields of nursing research, high acuity nursing, mental

We were fortunate to be able to live with a homestay family. I believe homestays are a valuable component to international experiences. I was quickly absorbed into my homestay family's daily routine. Within a couple of days, I felt comfortable to walk alone in our area, navigating my way through the winding streets. The local people soon became accustomed to me and were quick to wave or call out Nĭ hăo (hello). My homestay family's flat was quite small, (typical for Nanchong) and thus we would go out each evening to a different park for exercise. Billy, their four-year-old son, particularly enjoyed this aspect of his day. I was moved by the sheer volume of people who enjoyed these parks, either for simply walking about, or by participating in group or line dancing, or Tai Chi. - Robyn Kobussen

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health, restorative health, community health, and internationalization. The focus was on improving health outcomes through nursing leadership, sharing best practices and interprofessional research.

"The experience was thought-provoking and enriching," says Anonson. "Transcultural travel opportunities offer unparalleled enrichment for our faculty to apply to their professional practices and increases their own social and cultural awareness. It was an ideal opportunity to exchange best practices and engage in collaborative research."

The participating faculty, teaching graduate-level students, learned that very different approaches to teaching and learning were equally effective and gained an appreciation for one another's health systems.

Robyn Kobussen, nursing advisor, says international practice education has become an integral process of nursing education.

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Of all the groups I have taken to China, this is a group that embraced every experience without question and provided many, many different best practices to share with their international colleagues. Each and every member was supportive and encouraging in such a joyful way that it was a delight to work with each of these individuals as their leader!

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- June Anonson

Saskatchewan Polytechnic team together on the Great Wall of China.

"As faculty, it is important to prepare graduates to work with diverse populations," says Kobussen. "As registered nurses and educators, it is imperative to increase our own cultural awareness, sensitivity and knowledge to be able to assist students. China provided this opportunity."

Faculty members Melissa Dykhuizen and Stacy Hunt confirmed that transcultural travel opportunities offer unparalleled enrichment both in professional practices, personal growth and social awareness.

"The biggest impact I felt from the trip was the deeper understanding of

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cultural awareness versus culturally safe practice," says Dykhuizen. "All of us stayed with different homestays so we really got an amazing glimpse into a different culture."

"My empathy for new to Canada immigrants and refugees has grown," she adds. "I never really thought about how hard it might be to board the right plane, or order vegetarian food at a restaurant. Even paying for a hotel room or getting money out of an ATM was a challenge."

Hunt says she was impressed with the respectful and welcoming response the Saskatchewan Polytechnic team received as visiting scholars.

"We dealt with the language translation as best we could, sometimes even using charades to describe complex concepts," says Hunt. "Student feedback was encouraging and they were very eager to learn more. Many, including senior medical staff and nurse managers, were impressed by the depth of our knowledge and the level of our professionalism."

"We provided advice about common values such as team leadership, patientcentered care, work-life balance, and respectful workplaces," adds Hunt. "It became apparent that, as women, we face similar challenges and, as nurses, we share universal concerns within our profession that transcend culture." l

I would 100% do this again. I honestly wouldn't have changed anything about the trip. The people I traveled with are amazing women with a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share. It was an incredible experience to share something like this, and really get a chance to know the people I work with every day. I have so much respect for each and every one of them. They really are incredible.

I learned so much from my travel companions, our Chinese hosts at the college as well as the homestays. I enjoyed working with the nursing graduate students and faculty at the college. They shared so much about their challenges as nurses and as educators. They were so passionate and engaged in wanting to learn from us and with us. It was such a transformative experience, and I am so grateful for the support we were given from our leadership team at Saskatchewan Polytechnic to be a part of this. I hope that opportunities like this get extended in the future, as I felt like it was an amazing and enriching experience.

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- Melissa Dykhuizen

* The SCBScN program is offered in partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina.

www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278

SCHOOL OF NURSING DEAN’S OFFICE 306-659-4082

COLLABORATIVE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM 306-775-7335 cnpp@saskpolytech.ca

CRITICAL CARE NURSING

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)

NURSING CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

• Critical Care Nursing • Diabetes Education for Health Care Professionals • Emergency Nursing (first intake January 2017) • Perioperative Nursing/LPN • Perioperative Nursing/RN

• Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam Preparation Workshop • Care of the Bariatric Client • Care of the Patient with Kidney Disease • Care of the Patient with Lower Extremity Wounds • CCA/LPN Completer • Cervical Screening for RNs • Clinical Drug Therapy • Clinical Decision-making for Authorized Practice • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act • Foot Care: Principles and Practices • Health Assessment for LPNs • Health Record Documentation for LPNs • Leadership in Nursing • Practical Nursing Certificate to Diploma • Principles of Nursing Practice for Outpatient Procedures • Psycho-Social Assessment • Safe Medication Administration • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner • Therapeutic Communication Skills • Transferring, Lifting and Repositioning Training • Venipuncture

APPLIED CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

SERVICES OFFERED

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)

POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM • Occupational Health Nursing

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS • Practical Nursing • Psychiatric Nursing

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

• Diabetes Education for Health Care Providers • Medical Device Reprocessing Technician • Nursing Re-entry • Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses

www.saskpolytech.ca/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 criticalcarenursing@saskpolytech.ca

DIABETES EDUCATION

306-775-7573 diabetesed@saskpolytech.ca

MEDICAL DEVICE REPROCESSING TECHNICIAN 306-775-7575 mdrt.regina@saskpolytech.ca

NURSING RE-ENTRY

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

PSYCHIATRIC NURSING AND BACHELOR OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 306-775-7355

SCBScN SASKATOON 306-659-4085

SCBScN REGINA 306-775-7989