For term two of Community Older Adults Clinical, a group of students were at Windsor Park Place; however, due to the pandemic, clinical practice has required some modifications and creativity. Since students had very limited site visits, they had to rely on other means to identify health needs in the community. The tenant resource coordinator for the building was very helpful in providing a list of ideas for the public health education topics based on needs she identified in this building, and students choose the topic “Nutrition: Diabetes and Healthy Heart” in term one, which included providing the chef at the building with a recipe booklet, and “Staying Physically and Mentally Active”, for the second term, since this topic is very relevant to the current situation, with many tenants being isolated and with a lack of activities, both physically and mentally.

Students also conducted a windshield survey, which consisted of driving around the area and looking up some statistics and community resources online. In term two, students identified two areas of concern. First, there are no big box stores (such as Superstore, Sobeys, or Walmart) near Windsor Park Place, and secondly, students noted a lack of road signs pertaining to speed limits in the area. In conversation with some local residents who were out walking during this assignment, students found out that they are concerned about speeding in the area. One sign was also occluded by tree branches. Students discussed ways to help address these issues and made some phone calls. They then wrote a letter to the local MP, expressing their concern for safety due to speeding in the area, advocating for proper signage, repositioning of the obstructed sign and a crosswalk on Elizabeth Road. Additionally, students made a brochure to inform the tenants at Windsor Park Place about grocery stores, transportation, medical services, government services and some other relevant services in the area.

Post by Janet Zacharias – Nursing Instuctor

If you live in the Portage la Prairie or Winkler area and are interested in learning more about our Bachelor of Nursing program, register for our upcoming online information session.

The session takes place March 22 from 6-8pm and will cover admission requirements, how to apply, and general information about the BN program.

This Bachelor of Nursing program takes place at the Portage Campus, Portage la Prairie, MB and Winkler Campus, Winkler, MB. Seats are open to residents of Manitoba’s Southern Health Region only.

Register today!

During the code red public health orders throughout Manitoba this January 2021, second year Red River College Nursing students in their Health Promotion of the Older Adult Community rotation had to “think outside the box”.

Their goal is to connect with the older adult population to promote health and wellness. They also collaborate with the Healthy Aging Resource Teams in Winnipeg, community centers, My Health Teams, or other Older Adult resources within the community. During the pandemic, students connect via the telephone with volunteer members of the community where students assess health needs, provide teaching sessions, and practice therapeutic communication.

A challenge that this group of students met head on is “how to promote health as a public education event in a pandemic at a population level”. This group of students collaborated with the Elmwood/East Kildonan Active Living Seniors Centre to hold a “Facebook Live” event on Wellness, Mindfulness, and Optimism. Eight students participated in the thirty minute presentation geared to the over 240 members of the active living community center. To view the presentation just visit the site: Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre page. This is a great example of how Red River College faculty and students are striving to adapt to this unprecedented situation and contribute to the well-being of our older adult population.

Some student reflection on this learning experience:

“Although I was very nervous to be presenting online for so many to see, it was a great experience, and I was happy we were still able to deliver some health education to that community during the unforeseen circumstances of a pandemic.” Samantha Harvie SNRRC

“The Facebook Live event was a creative way to reach out to older adults in the community. The experience gave me and my clinical group the chance to collaborate together while we navigated a new platform to present to older adults.” Madison Macaulay, SNRRC

“My first time doing a Facebook Live for a class was a great experience. As a student nurse learning how to maneuver in the community in a safe manner was a struggle because of all the extra precautions we had to take to limit physical contact. A lot of nursing is hands on or in person; doing a Facebook Live event was a great new way to reach the community and provide care to those who watched. We were able to get a positive message across in a pandemic safe way.” Alyssa Rasmussen, SNRRC

“It was nice to connect with the older adult population in this COVID 19 pandemic time. It gave both of us a purpose of looking forward to communicating with each other.” Megan Small, SNRRC

This clinical experience is constantly adapting to help Red River College Bachelor of Nursing students meet the needs of the older adult community through collaboration and adapting. Students are inspired and motivated through the unique experiences.

Post written by Bonnie Peers and Tracey McCulloch – Nursing Instructors

At the end of each rotation in Clinical Practice: Community Health Settings, 3rd year nursing students have the opportunity to utilize the arts to meaningfully reflect on their clinical practice. Students choose from a wide variety of artistic forms to express their reflection including poetry, video, painting, collage, and more. They then present their reflection via WebEx to their peers, which provides a unique way to review and reflect on the key learning experiences/concepts from this rotation. We were happy to have 3 students volunteer to showcase their Creative Reflections from this past term. Please read on and enjoy!

– Tanya Cole RN BScN Nursing Instructor

Natalie Rocan-Menard

“For community clinical 2, we were tasked with representing our clinical experience in a creative manner. It was important for me to try and do something I have never done in the past. Since our rotation was focused on family health promotion and strength-based nursing, I felt the tree of life was a great symbol to represent that experience. I searched for inspiration and stumbled upon a YouTube tutorial for this macrame tree of life. My interpretation of my project is the tree represents the family/client encircled by the community. The roots are the families’ values, health, and past, and the branches the possibilities, the connections with the community and resources that surround them. Community health nurses are in a position to highlight families’ strengths and help grow their connections and family support. In addition, I felt it also represented both our journey as student nurses and the nursing community, and the resources that surround us as we grow into working professionals.”

– Natalie Rocan-Menard SNRRC

Project inspired and tutorial by: MandalaBunny, August 2, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqpJMYFZk7o

Sara Kinfu

“This painting is my friend’s artwork, it is named “Astir”. For me, this piece of art is a representation that life is full of struggles and hope. The people in the painting are inside a blanket and are struggling to get out of it. They seem to be at different stages in their struggle as they try to pull out and rise toward the light. I like to think of the light as a hope. Some of the people in the painting are close to the light while others are far from it. People that we come across in our nursing journey may be struggling because of chronic illnesses, addiction or mental health issues. They may be at different stages in their struggles. Some may have resilience and resources and others may not have that. As student nurses, we may have our own struggles whether the struggle be trying to find ourselves in the profession or expressing ourselves. For me, the main struggle during my journey as a student nurse was juggling school and family. However, what inspired me and helped me to keep moving on is the light or the hope that I saw in front of me. Drawing on my past experiences also played a role in helping me pull through. This helps me to see the strengths and hopes in my patients. I believe that their struggles could facilitate their strength. This is one of the biggest lessons I have learned in my community clinical, to adopt a strength-based practice and to emphasize on individual’s aspirations, resources and potentials instead of their problems. And, I work in partnership with them to maximize on their strengths to reach their goals.”

– Sara Kinfu SNRRC

Artist Credit: Abreha, Y. (2006). Astir [Acrylic].

Michelle Menon

“Community health nurses serve patients in many ways. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to bring health and healing to vulnerable populations. My creative reflection to resemble the nursing profession includes a stethoscope surrounding a tree. The stethoscope represents the nurse, and the tree can be referred to as the “tree of life”. The tree is interspersed with large sized leaves, which signifies the bigger facilities such as schools, hospitals, and clinics in which nurses are employed in. The smaller leaves represent individuals within the community. You also notice that the leaves are different colours, which represents that nurses are present at every stage of human life, from birth to death, providing care. The green leaves represent birth and younger populations. As individuals get older, the colour of the leaves changes. Adolescence and middle adulthood are symbolized by red and orange leaves, respectively. Older adults are represented by yellow leaves. Finally, as individuals reach their life limit, nurses provide end of life care, this is represented by falling leaves.”

– Michelle Menon SNRRC

Cassidy Bodnik shares her experience and insight since graduating from the BN program in 2020:

Where are you now?

I completed my senior practicum in the NICU at HSC and have been working there since!

How easy was it to find a job after graduation?

I began applying for jobs midway through my senior practicum and acquainted myself with the manager early on, making it clear that I was interested in a position on the unit. I was very fortunate to accept a full time permanent position before I was done my practicum. I would suggest to start working on a resume early on, senior practicum goes by quickly and you don’t want to miss out on your dream job because your resume isn’t updated!

How did you manage the responsibility of going from student to nurse?

Transitioning from student to nurse is tough. I graduated in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was a period full of many unknowns, fears and anxiety- all things new nurses already experience without a pandemic. As a new nurse, I recognize situations where I can be independent and situations where I need to reach out for help. I have found that acknowledging that I still have a lot to learn has been helpful in decreasing my anxiety, and has helped me to put less pressure on myself. There are lots of supports in place for new nurses and everyone is more than happy to help!

How did you build your confidence as a new nurse?

With each shift that I work independently, I learn new things and feel more confident in my competency as a nurse in the NICU. I’m always aware of my own knowledge and ask questions if there is ever a time where I am unsure about something. Utilizing all members of the healthcare team is beneficial as well, as everyone has different knowledge and perspectives that they can share. I work very closely with respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians and physicians who have all taught me many things. I also take the time to educate and familiarize myself with common diagnoses, assessments, and policies/procedures. Having an understanding of why you are doing something really helps you feel confident as a new nurse. The NICU is a highly specialized area and different from a lot that was taught in nursing school, I still have lots to learn.

Thinking back, what were the most important lessons from school that you took into the workforce?

The importance of communication! In first year, I wondered why we needed to have so many courses about communication, and now I understand. Many of my responsibilities as a nurse revolve around communication. Whether it’s educating families about their child who was born premature or if I am contacting a member of the health care team with critical information, communication is an integral part of my job.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?

You don’t have to know it all. Studying for hours and memorizing all the little details on a slide seem important at the time, however you really don’t have to know it all, nobody expects you to. Knowledge and experience come with time, and the more you seek out new experiences and learning opportunities on your unit, the better off you’ll be.

What piece of advice would you give to current students?

Enjoy the process of nursing school. It seems like a long time, but before you know it, you’ll be submitting your senior practicum requests and not soon after that you’ll be studying for the NCLEX and asking yourself where the time has gone.

Make as many friends as you can! Nursing school friends understand what you’re going through more than anyone and truly become your best friends.

Remember to make time for self care. There is always an assignment to do, a paper to write or an exam to study for, but making time for yourself is important in staying grounded and in good spirits.

Thank you Cassidy for sharing your experience and words of wisdom!

Congratulations to this year’s award winners! It’s been another different year to say the least and we weren’t able to celebrate as usual with our luncheon, but none the less, the awards were celebrated virtually and in spirit and were well deserved!

The Association of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Medal of Excellence Award – Machaela Cavanagh : This award was established for a graduating nursing student with the highest cumulative GPA and has excelled clinically throughout their program.

Machaela Cavanagh

Jean Burrows Award Scholarship – Haley McKay : Jean Burrows was the Nursing Department Chair from 1974 to 1998, and upon her retirement, this scholarship was created for a first year student recognizing their outstanding academic achievement.

Bernice Parrott Award – Hailey Campbell, William Gibson, Jalen Roldan, Shannon Bianca Hiebert Sawatzky, Chelsa Chernoff, Rex Gonzales, Kowthar Mohamed, Jessica Woloshyn : This award was established to provide financial assistance to deserving students entering their second or third year in the BN program, to recognize their hard work and efforts.

Hailey Campbell

Shannon Bianca Hiebert Sawatzky

Chelsa Chernoff

Rex Gonzales

Kowthar Mohamed

Jessica Woloshyn

Nursing Students Endowment Scholarship – Emma Collins, Machaela Cavanagh : This award was established from students who, in 1997 as part of their tuition fees, contributed to this endowment fund. In 2001, a portion of the money was dedicated to the creation of this award. The class of 2002 also made a sizable contribution from their own fundraising efforts.

Emma Collins

Machaela Cavanagh

Nursing Legacy Award – Jamie Harland, Michaela Miller, Samantha Thompson, Johanna Toews, Emma Collins, Machaela Cavanagh, Karli-Anne Berezowski, Sydney Plett, Haley Mckay, Kirsten Yaholkoski : This award recognizes outstanding clinical performance of students in years one to three. A student in Nursing Techniques 3 is also recognized for excelling in both their academic and skill performance, while the Health Assessment award recognizes a student who has outstanding academic achievement in both Health Assessment courses. This award was established by combining sources from the Stanton Family, the Duncan Family, and Phyllis Aaron, along with the Nursing faculty.

Jamie Harland

Machaela Cavanagh

Karli-Anne Berezowski

Emma Collins

Kirsten Yaholkoski

Michaela Miller

Thorey Johnson Nursing Award – Melanie Edwards, Jason Juell, Kayla Smith : In honor of their mother, Mrs. Johnson’s daughters have established this scholarship for a nursing student who has expressed a special interest in rural nursing practice.

Nursing Leadership Award – Michaela Miller, Amy McDonald : This award is for deserving students who have gone above and beyond in support and leadership of their peers. This award was established by the awards committee, with nominations from faculty and peers.

Amy McDonald

Michaela Miller

Discipline of Professional Nursing Award – Nicole Bonenfant, Jorien Friesen, Rachel Hotson : This award is presented to students for their outstanding achievement in the courses of Discipline of Professional Nursing 1-5.

Mary Langhan Nursing Award – Britainnie Pillar : This award is presented to a third year student who has demonstrated a high level of skill in the clinical setting and has expressed a special interest in obstetrics and gynecology.

Britainnie Pillar

Karla Ferens Award – Tylar Ehlan Takvam, Angelina Perea Rodallega : This award recipient has displayed the same accomplishments exhibited by Karla Ferens: involvement in sports and leadership qualities. Karla was a 2011 RRC graduate of the Health Care Aid program.

Tylar Ehlan Takvam

Community Service Award – Sarah Fordham, Ryan Penner : This award is presented to second and third year students who have volunteered for a community agency while maintaining sound academic achievement.

Ryan Penner

Karen Wall Indigenous Nursing Student Award – Lauren Thompson : This award is presented to a third year student of Canadian Indigenous heritage who has achieved academic success in the BN program and has demonstrated leadership within the Indigenous community.

Elizabeth Scaife Memorial Award – Ramanpreet Kaur Kainth : This award is presented to a BPIEN (Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses) student who demonstrated outstanding academic and clinical performance.

Ramanpreet Kaur Kainth

Written by Jennifer Johnson – Nursing Lab Manager
with descriptions of awards courtesy of the Nursing Awards Committee

In December, BN graduate Suzanne Guay was featured as a Trailblazer in the Nursing the Future newsletter! Nominated for her hard work, leadership, and professionalism, Suzanne was recognized as an outstanding graduate nurse.

Congratulations Suzanne!

To learn more, check of the ARNM’s news release here.

Post by Meagen Chorney – Nursing Instructor
Content and photo taken from the ARNM Website

BN student Marlo Pereira-Edwards was the recipient of the 2020 CNF Virginia Lindabury Award for baccalaureate nursing students! This highly competitive award provides the recipient with a $3000 scholarship.

Marlo has demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout her education, from her engagement in research to her active role in mentorship.

Congratulations Marlo!

To learn more, check out the Canadian Nurses Foundation.

Post written by Meagen Chorney – Nursing Instructor
Photo from the Canadian Nurses Foundation website

In the midst of a COVID 19 pandemic, the Red River College nursing students came out to support the college students and staff by holding an Annual Influenza Immunization clinic in November. Clinics were held over 3 days in collaboration with the college health unit. There was a lot of nervousness about how the clinic would go this year.

But like everything this year, it was also quite different and needed an extra level of careful planning. More sanitation methods, plentiful social distancing, and daily mask-wearing are all part of the new normal these days.

Since the flu season this year will also be paired with COVID-19 challenges, it’s more important than ever for employers to encourage workers to get the flu shot.

Over the 3 days, we saw about 120-140 people each day, and the students had a very unique experience of working during a pandemic on important skills, including IM injections, screening, and health teaching . I would say the clinics were a success and a great learning opportunity, and a way for our future nurses to give back to the college community.

Thank you to the Health Center for setting this up so well and allowing us to participate. A great team to work with.

Community Clinical – Older Adult NRSG 2811: Bonnie Peers, Diane Ammeter, Tracey McCulloch, Janet Zacharias, and Teri-Lyn Healy

Post written by Teri-Lyn Healy – Nursing Instructor
Photos by Bonnie Peers – Nursing Instructor

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year! Hope the new year will be good to all and bring happiness to everyone.

Please celebrate safe, and share love and happiness with everyone!

Enjoy your holidays; everyone deserves it!!

Written by Jennifer Johnson – Nursing Lab Manager