The student team behind a battery-powered car named SpaRRCky successfully tested their car on Tuesday, November 28. The team designed and built the car for the Shell Eco-Marathon, which they are vying to compete in.
As part of the Radon Action Campaign, the month of November was Radon Action Month across Canada. Led by Health Canada, the New Brunswick Lung Association, the Ontario Lung Association, and Summerhill Impact, the Radon Action Campaign aims to raise awareness about radon and encourages Canadians to take action by testing their homes for radon in order to reduce exposure.
Radon is a radioactive gas and a known carcinogen. It results from the breakdown of uranium in the ground and can enter your home undetected. You can’t see it or taste it. All homes, in all parts of Canada, have some level of radon. The only way to know what the levels are like is to have your home tested.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. It is linked to causing the deaths of 3,200 Canadians every year. Long–term exposure to elevated levels of radon in the home increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers exposed to high levels of radon have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer.
In order to better equip you to answer questions about radon and the need for at-home testing, McMaster University, together with Health Canada, the Ontario College of Family Physicians, and the Clean Air Partnership, have designed a free, certified program to provide reliable, evidence-based information on radon. It only takes one hour to complete – which can be done in one sitting, or multiple sessions. The course is certified by the McMaster University Continuing Health Sciences Program for 1 Mainpro+ credit. It is also an Accredited Group Learning Activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification program of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Additionally, it is approved by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists for 1.0 CSRT CE/CPD credit.
For more information about radon, or to access the course, visit radon.machealth.ca.
Post submitted by Jennifer Morin – Nursing Instructor
Post prepared by Meagen Chorney – Nursing Instructor
The project term is nearing it’s final weeks and our students have been working hard on a number of projects. Stay tuned in the new year to find out more about these projects:
Move over, Princess Peach – there’s a new racer in town. Twenty-three-year-old Automotive Technician student Daren Nuevo will soon be getting behind the wheel of SpaRRCky, Red River College’s battery-electric racecar. Read More →
Mock interviews are like study sessions that build on student ability to perform well and boost student confidence during an interview. Preparing for job interviews can be nerve wracking and stress inducing. Mock interviews provided students with an opportunity to engage and network with individuals who would potentially interview them for future employment opportunities and become their future employer. This strategy has been effective in solidifying student knowledge of the interview process and reducing student anxiety.
The strength of RRC Nursing Department’s relationship with areas of nursing practice was evident in the number of unit managers who agreed to participate in the evening of mock interviews with RRC student nurses. Unit managers from all the hospitals in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and various health care facilities in Regional Health Authorities servicing various areas in rural Manitoba were present. The organizers received agreement and additional requests of patient care managers/unit managers to participate in the event that exceeded what the organizers could accommodate. Unfortunately, this resulted in the organizers having to deny some requests to participate in the event.
Lessons learned during and following the Evening of Mock Interviews and Networking between student nurses and unit managers included both benefits of participation and recommendations for future events. Both students and unit managers identified strengths of the event.
Benefits of Participation
Students identified the ability to meet with unit managers for areas of interest in a nonthreatening environment as a benefit. In addition, receiving immediate feedback from managers after students answered each interview question was beneficial. Some found the preparation information sufficient. Being in small groups was very beneficial and effective in building student confidence. Students identified that scenario questions were helpful. Based on a follow up survey, it was unanimous that student anxieties decreased when answering questions during their interviews for employment as grad nurses. One hundred percent of respondents identified that this event should continue for RRC BN students in the future.
Managers identified having the opportunity to collaborate and meet with potential future employees/nurses was invigorating and inspirational. Managers also identified experiencing professional and self-growth through their participation in the event. Speaking with students also provided them with an opportunity to hear student concerns and questions regarding the interview process, promote nursing and encourage new nurses, and reflect on their interview style and skills. They also stated that they were proud to participate in the student excitement and growth and discover how prepared and ready for the workforce RRC students were. As stated, “no questions stumped the students, they are ready to meet us in real life; well-done RRC.”
Recommendations
Given this was first time this type of event was hosted for RRC BN students, the planning committee was looking for recommendations from both students and facility managers. Students suggested the event occur earlier in their final term of the BN program. It was felt this would have increased student participation. Students also suggested additional preparatory materials such as an employment sheet from RRC Student Employment Services, increased information on the repository with reminders of date, time, and location of the event, along with an agenda for the evening. Managers also suggested increased preparatory materials including map of the campus parking area and room location. Managers recommended increased signage regarding parking and room location, as well as providing them with an agenda and suggesting that they bring business cards to distribute. They also suggested that seating arrangements replicate a panel interview situation, as well as lengthened duration of interviews. Students in their final year of their Bachelor of Nursing degree who participated were thankful for the opportunity to participate and freely shared the benefits they experienced from participating in the Evening of Mock Interviews. The evening concluded with comments from each of the unit managers. Each patient care manager commented on how well-prepared the students were and their desire to participate in similar events in the coming years.
The planning committee of Cindy Boughen, Krystal Boyce Gaudreau, Tracey Fallak, and Patrick Griffith are evaluating and utilizing the feedback provided by students and managers to improve the event in the coming year. Thank you to all those who participated.
Written by:
Evelyn Lundeen – Nursing Instructor
Did you know …
The ACE Project Space not only helps to develop solutions for Entrepreneurs in Residence, there are also a number of resources available in our front office at 321 McDermot Avenue, 5th floor:
What exactly are these organizations able to provide? Read More →
A big thank you goes out to everyone who came out to support our first year nursing students with their Blood Pressure Clinic. It is greatly appreciated from all staff and students!
It’s a great opportunity for students to practice their skills, not only performing the skill of blood pressures, but interacting with patients too.
Watch for our posters and the Staff News for future dates!
Written and photos taken by Jennifer Johnson; Nursing Lab Manager
Third year nursing students in clinical practice child health were able to have a spooktacular good time celebrating with their boo-tiful costumes. Witching you all a Happy Halloween!
Written by Monica Nash – Nursing Instructor
*Click on a photo to enlarge it, and check out our students’ great costumes!
Please take the time to wish our team that are going to China for the Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences International Nursing Skills Competition good luck & safe travels! The team is leaving next Tuesday, November 7th.
The team representing our Nursing Department, and pictured here, are:
Myrna Davis – Lead Instructor
Rachel Rubin – RRC – Year Three Nursing Student
Elyse Griffith – RRC – Year Two Nursing Student
Additionally, we have two other special people to acknowledge who committed time and effort in getting the team prepared:
Sandy Alguire – Instructor
Chris Hofer – Year Two Nursing Student
All members of the team have committed many extra hours in preparation, and we are proud of them.
Watch the blog for upcoming stories and pictures!
Written by Alison Fyfe-Carlson – Nursing Instructor
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.
