Academic News

Red River College Nursing student Amber Menzies graduated in 2011. She has since gone on to an exciting and meaningful career as a registered nurse (RN).

I began my nursing journey at St. Boniface Hospital where I had completed my senior practicum, cardiac sciences. I enjoyed my time there as I had fantastic educators and a great group of co-workers that were always there if you needed an extra hand. After having my first child, my husband and I decided we wanted to move closer to his family. We moved 4 hours away from Winnipeg. What I missed most? Restaurants and convenience of shopping any time I wanted!
I began working in the Shoal Lake ER as an RN. My first day I naively asked “what time does the unit clerk start?”, the answer was “you’re it”. I soon learned I would be the only RN each shift along with an LPN. It was very difficult at times as more hands make for lighter work as they say, but it was quite rewarding at times. While I was on maternity leave, the hospital ER closed and I had the opportunity to take a position as a Client Care Coordinator at another rural facility. I worked there for a year, but quickly learned that the position was not what I was looking for.

Last year I decided to take a position in Brandon Hospital on Single Room Maternity Care (SRMC). It is an hour commute, but I absolutely love it there. I continuously feel I am learning something new and love going in to work.

Amber also shares some advice for current and future students:

Life Balance: When I started working as a nurse, I was a newlywed ready to take on anything. I loved the quick pace of cardiac care. When I had my daughter and moved 4 hours out of the city, and was working full time, I felt I did not have a great life balance. I worked all week and rarely saw my 1 year old and 3 year old. I learned quickly that I was not happy with my “life balance” and sought out a way to improve it. I currently work a .5 EFT and get to see my girls grow up. It may change as they grow older, but was glad I found my balance.

Working Rural: I wish I had paid closer attention to what opportunity lies in working rural, as well as possibly drawbacks. In nursing school I figured I was a lifer in Winnipeg…then life happened! Working rural you can also seek out the rural municipality or town as they may help with those student loans.

—Amber Menzies, RN

Thank you Amber for sharing your story with us!

(posted by Meagen Chorney, BA MA, Nursing Instructor)

The Teacher Education department at Red River College is hosting a Fall Information Night for prospective students interested in the Business Education, Industrial Arts and Technical Vocational Teacher Education programs.

Learn about the five-year Integrated, three-year After Degree and one-year Accelerated degree programs that are delivered jointly with The University of Winnipeg.

Meet in A-137 tour Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus, meet current faculty, and learn about how the program prepares students for certified career paths in Manitoba’s middle and secondary schools. We will provide program information and details on how to apply.

Everyone is welcome.

For more information contact Daryl McRae, Academic Coordinator, at 204-632-3765 or dmcrae@rrc.ca  or Monique Pishak at 204-632-2300 mlpishak@rrc.ca

At the end of our last school year (June 2017), I had the pleasure of sitting down with our new Dean and asking her a number of different questions – personal and professional. RaeAnn’s passion for both nursing and education are clearly evident in her answers. She is a woman of great leadership and vision, while remaining very down to earth and approachable. ENJOY!

1. How did you come to be a nurse; i.e. what made you decide to go into nursing?

It was a life-long dream since I was little. My mother had been a nurse; she was my role-model and always spoke fondly of it.

2. Where were you educated?

I completed my undergraduate (Nursing) and graduate studies here in Winnipeg, at the U of M.

3. Do you have any funny or poignant stories from your nursing education that you would be willing to share?

*Chuckles* Well there are many stories I could share – mostly from my years of living in the Nurses’ Residence at Misericordia Hospital. I lived with other nursing students (from Misericordia) and engaged in typical unhealthy student lifestyle habits …like unhealthy food choices, hours and hours of studying, and abiding by (or trying to abide by) evening curfews.

4. Where were you employed as a nurse?

I worked in Community Health and in Intensive Care. My first teaching position was at Misericordia. I also taught at U of M for 8 years, instructing and course leading. I was in nursing supervisory/managerial roles at the Canadian Red Cross and at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

5. Why did you decide to come to Red River College?

I kept coming back to education – and I had the opportunity to join RRC in 1997 moving from Canadian Blood Services.

6. What positions have you held at the College prior to becoming our Dean?

In 1997 I took the role of Program Officer, Health Sciences for Continuing Education. From 2004-2014, Dean, School of Continuing Education. And then assumed the role of A/Vice President, Community Development from 2013-2016. Most recently I have served as A/Dean (and now present Dean – since Sept. 2017) of the School of Health Sciences & Community Services as well as Interim Dean, School of Indigenous Education.

7. What are some of the challenges in your new position as Dean?

Recognizing that there are 26 other programs in our school and needing to understand the world of other professions. I was already familiar with nursing but need to learn and gain understanding of their needs – learning how we can work together and learn together – looking at interdisciplinary curriculum.

8. What do you see as future challenges for nursing?

In education we need to move forward. Funding – we need to be cost-effective and efficient in our program while still responding to staff and student needs. Ie. look at clinical/practicum placements locally and globally.

9. What do you think the faculty at RRC can do to help with those challenges?

To be there and support students to be successful in preparing for today and tomorrow – the students respect and admire their faculty.

10. Anything else you would like to add?

In providing quality education we need to be very responsive to student needs – incorporating innovation and research, and evidence-based decision making… and also looking at how we can incorporate indigenous and global competence.

Thanks for the interview RaeAnn! 

— Tanya Cole RN BScN, RRC Nursing Instructor

We are excited to announce that Manitoba’s first BTM Talent Mash will take place on Saturday, October 28 at Red River College’s Roblin Centre in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. Talent Mash events are held at post-secondary institutions across Canada which offer Business Technology Management (BTM) programs.

This event will give students, industry representatives, and RRC staff the opportunity to talk about the BTM program and how graduates can help to bridge the gap between the business and technology functions of an organization. Speakers representing various industries will discuss the roles, skills, and career paths of business analysts and other related professionals in their organizations.

BTM is a new diploma program at Red River College and our first students will graduate in December. The program includes a co-op or industry project term so that students can apply the skills they have learned.

The BTM Talent Mash includes a keynote speaker, panel discussions, and a networking event:

9:30    Registration and breakfast
10:00  Welcome and Opening Remarks (Kirk Johnson, Jan Hall, David Jones)
10:15  Keynote Address – Loren Cisyk (IBM)
11:15  Business Analyst Alumni Panel
12:00  Lunch
1:00  Industry Panel
1:45 – 3:30  Networking session
2:30 and 3:30  Tours of the ACE Space at 321 McDermot Avenue

The Talent Mash is free of charge for BTM students and industry guests. If you register as an industry representative, we will contact you about options to showcase your organization during our afternoon networking sessions. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To register, please follow this link.

Congratulations to all our graduates! We wish each and every one of you the very best in your new beginnings and wherever your path may take you!

Congratulations to Allison Kiziak who was our recipient for the ARNM Gold Medal Award for highest academic and clinical achievement!

Our Pinning Ceremony has great meaning; the pins mark transition from education and preparation into the profession of Nursing.

Thank you to all the supporters (families and friends) that helped our students through the rough patches and to the staff for being who you are and organizing a lovely Pinning Ceremony.

Written by: Jennifer Johnson LPN

Nursing Lab Manager