NURSING NEWS
saskpolytech.ca
Published by Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing
First SCBScN grads READY FOR FUTURE l History in the making for Nursing l Research capacity grows l New beginnings
Fall 2014
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Nursing News Fall 2014
Inside Nursing News School of Nursing makes history.....................2 First SCBScN grads cross the stage..................3 First SCBScN graduation class receives pins............4 Applied research momentum builds............6 InstruMentor™ App wins innovation award.................7 Nurse practitioner makes a difference...........8 Polytech brand launches new era..............9 SCBScN achieves National Standards of Excellence....................10
message from the dean
School of Nursing makes history We witnessed history in the making at our institution in the past few months with the establishment of the new Saskatchewan Polytechnic. This descriptive new name embraces our role and contribution in the delivery of post-secondary education, including baccalaureate degrees and participation in applied research. For Nursing, the new academic year began with fanfare as we celebrated the inauguration of the new School of Nursing. The change to a School of Nursing better reflects the instrumental role of the school as a primary provider of a broad range of 15 nursing education programs. The School of Nursing is ecstatic to have the opportunity to deliver Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s first solo degree—the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program, launched last September.
NUrsiNg NEWs
saskpolytech.ca
Published by Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing
First sCBscN grads rEadY FOr FUtUrE l History in the making for Nursing l Research capacity grows l New beginnings
Celebrating these achievements is a real privilege and marks significant milestones in the evolution of the School of Nursing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Together with the University of Regina, we were delighted to celebrate with our inaugural graduates of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program. It was an honour to host the historical first Pinning Ceremony and present each graduate with a graduation pin, commemorating their entry into the profession of nursing.
We are also proud that the School of Nursing is a key contributor to applied research and scholarship. As an example, under the leadership of Sandra Pettit, the School of Nursing received an unprecedented $750,000 from Health Canada to revise the instruments used to assess the competencies of internationally-educated nurses and ensure the instruments reflect the new competencies and standards.
The implementation of the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program (CNPP), in partnership with the University of Regina, marks another remarkable inaugural event. This online program was launched with a cohort of 18 students who are living and working in various communities across our province.
I know you will enjoy the many articles featured in this newsletter. They showcase significant progress and inspire us all to contribute further. Thank you for all of your work and patience as we have turned a historical page in this province’s post-secondary education sector. l
Fall 2014
Cover: Members of the first graduating class of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) degree program jump for joy as they complete the program in an accelerated way.
Netha Dyck, dean of Nursing
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Cover Story
First SCBScN grads cross the stage There was a sense of great pride and accomplishment when the first graduates of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program walked across the stage for their graduation ceremony on October 17. The Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, and the School of Nursing, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, entered into a collaborative partnership to offer the program in 2010. The first intake of students began their studies in the fall of 2011. The program celebrated with 54 graduates who have completed this part of their professional journey. This was made possible through the establishment of an accelerated option in which students study over two summers to complete their courses approximately eight months earlier than the traditional offering. Students who began in the program at the same time and followed the traditional four-year schedule will convocate in the spring of 2015. “We have come a long way since the program began in the Fall of 2011, and during this exciting time, we feel proud of the work we have accomplished as a collaborative program,” says Netha
Dyck, dean, Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing. University of Regina Faculty of Nursing Dean david Gregory describes the historical event as a momentous occasion that speaks to the quality of the partnership between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina. “We take great delight in the first convocation of our nursing graduates from the SCBScN,” Dean Gregory says.
Award recipients for Fall 2014 Convocation are: Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association Gold Medal for Excellence in Clinical Practice – Recipient - Heather Thompson. The SRNA Gold Medal is awarded at each convocation to a graduate of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program who demonstrates excellence in clinical practice through the attainment of the highest combined average in four required 300-level clinical courses. Dr. Sheila Dresen Prize in Nursing Recipient - Heather Thompson. The Dr. Sheila Dresen Prize in Nursing is awarded at each convocation to a student obtaining their first degree with a minimum cumulative grade point
average of 80.00%. Heather Thompson is also the recipient of this award, as the most distinguished graduate of the SCBScN program with a cumulative grade point average of 84.51%. Faculty of Nursing/Saskatchewan Polytechnic Deans' Medal – Recipient Megan Alberts. The Faculty of Nursing Dean's medal is awarded at convocation to a graduate from the Faculty of Nursing receiving a first degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 80% who has shown leadership in and commitment to extra-curricular activities while a student in the program. This award is presented as The Faculty of Nursing/Saskatchewan Polytechnic Deans' Medal when the recipient of this award is from the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The next round of convocants will be the first group of fast track (December exits) who will be finishing their requirements in the Fall 2014 semester and the first regular cohort students who will be completing their requirements in Winter 2015. The 2015 Spring Convocation Ceremony will be in June 2015. l
Continuing education for LPNs, RNs and RPNs: Enhance your skills and knowledge • Commendations go to the Continuing Education Consultant team on developing a provincial dialysis course. The course will be offered as an orientation for nurses working in dialysis units in Saskatchewan. With this education, the education provided to nurses working in dialysis units will be standardized across the province. The blended learning course is 12 weeks in length.
• In October, Continuing Education was contracted by Regina-Qu’Appelle Health Region to deliver Medical Device Reprocessing technician courses to their employees. • The Department of National Defence has selected the Medical Device Reprocessing courses to be delivered nationally starting in January 2015.
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Nursing News Fall 2014
Ceremony is proud tradition for nursing
First SCBScN graduation class receives pins
A number of the 34 Saskatoon SCBScN join dignitaries for an important ceremony. A historical milestone for the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Nursing (SCBScN) program was reached in August when members of the first graduating class were presented with symbolic class pins at special ceremonies in Regina and Saskatoon. Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing Dean Netha Dyck says the first pinning ceremony was for students in the accelerated option of the SCBScN program. Through the accelerated option, students continue their studies during the spring and summer session and complete the program requirements in August as opposed to the following April, about eight months ahead of schedule. “We were proud to celebrate this significant milestone for each of the 34 graduates in Saskatoon and 20 graduates in Regina with a special pinning ceremony,” says Dyck. “We were also
delighted to celebrate the graduation of three Aboriginal students and host a luncheon with their families to commemorate their achievement.”
of the pin represents the SCBScN conceptual framework and curriculum model. Encircling the pin is the name of the program and the year.
“The graduation pin is a historical symbol of entry into a noble profession and serves as a signal to everyone that these individuals are graduates of the SCBScN program,” Dyck added, noting the tradition of the pin for the nursing profession dates back to the era of Florence Nightingale.
Dean Dyck says the teamwork between the program’s partners, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina, has been inspiring.
Florence Nightingale presented the pin to encourage her graduating students to faithfully serve the injured, sick and dying in often challenging situations. Over the years, this medal evolved into a pin indicating successful completion of a specific nursing program. The SCBScN pin was designed by a fourth-year SCBScN student, Lyndsie Bachtold. The stylized tree in the centre www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
University of Regina Faculty of Nursing Dean david Gregory agrees, and commends all whose work helped to build the program. “The pinning ceremony welcomes graduates into the nursing profession,” Gregory says. “On behalf of the University of Regina’s Faculty of Nursing, I extend our heartiest congratulations to you, the first 54 students who are graduating from the SCBScN; you are history in the making. Welcome to the nursing profession and to the possibilities of nursing as a career.”
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Regina graduates mark a historical event with dignitaries from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina. Mary Martin-Smith, former program head, SCBScN, Regina Campus, says being at the event to witness the students, their families, faculty and staff felt especially historical. “It was so symbolic to see the partners together to celebrate this milestone, and also to reflect upon the great progress and high quality of the program.” Chris Barlow, program head, SCBScN, Saskatoon Campus, describes the pinning ceremony as a “rite-of-passage.” “We all felt such immense pride as we realized the symbolism of pinning for new nurses,” says Barlow. “It was a heartfelt ceremony and validated the significant efforts of everyone who contributed to the students’ success. It was all so worthwhile.” Karrie Orr, SCBScN faculty member, said faculty was proud to witness each student’s transition to nursing practice
and their accomplishments over the past three years. “Many students who attended were surrounded by their family and friends who helped support them,” says Orr. “As I sat there watching the students, I reflected on all the late nights, hard work, and challenges students experienced along the way.” The program has been described as addressing contemporary health care issues and employing state-of-the-art learning methodologies. Graduates of the nationally-accredited SCBScN program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and are eligible to write the national licensure exam and and then be eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA). The official convocation took place on October 17 at the University of Regina. l
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Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina entered into the partnership to deliver the SCBScN program in 2010, with the first class of students on campus in the fall of 2011. This direct-entry program is currently offered in Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current, with applications accepted for all three locations from October to February annually. Students may apply directly from high school or from another post-secondary education program. A pre-requisite year of post-secondary classes is not required.
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Nursing News Fall 2014
New energy in research emerges
Applied research momentum builds It is clear that the institutional vision Dr. Lyle Grant, coordinator, Institute for Nursing Scholarship, has for applied research within the School of Nursing is not only on track, but is gaining momentum. The list of current applied research activities is impressive. More so, it is continually expanding to help strategically position the School of Nursing’s research focus and build collaborative partnerships with other educational institutions, industry, professional associations and communities. “This strategic direction includes development and support of dedicated researchers within the School of Nursing and development of a new cadre of applied researchers in Saskatchewan who will dedicate part of their working time to research,” says Grant. “Faculty and professional staff at the School of Nursing are beginning to feel the new energy that a wide-spread applied research agenda can bring, and there is a renewed enthusiasm for scholarly undertakings. This also benefits students on multiple levels.” Highlights of some of the research activities currently underway includes: • A study, funded by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Humber College, is exploring supports and challenges to encouraging nursing faculty conducting research at vocational or polytechnic institutions and the role of library services in supporting this research. With its completion, Saskatchewan Polytechnic will be the first to collect empirical evidence of this focus. • Research exploring licensed practical nurses’ processes and attitudes towards use of evidence in practice. Expected to include LPNs from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, this initiative has received funding from the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN) and has practising LPNs contributing
Dr. Lyle Grant works with numerous teams to advance Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s research reputation. as part of this team. Results ultimately support LPNs who strive for best practices in nursing.
national Minerals Innovation Institute and is the only project of its nature in North America.
• An examination of Saskatchewan perioperative nursing teamwork and factors impacting surgical patient outcomes.
• Research related to “Moving 3D Technologies to Clinical Teaching Environments” promises new developments in education delivery through enhanced availability of high-fidelity simulated learning anywhere.
• A collaborative, multi-disciplinary inquiry related to enhancing cultures of safety and safety engagement in the Saskatchewan mining industry. Even within the early stages, there are more than 70 individuals, in 12 teams, working collaboratively as part of this effort—the largest Saskatchewan Polytechnic applied research project in progress. It has been provided funding of $786,000 over two years from the six major mining companies in Saskatchewan through the Interwww.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
• As part of the strategic plan, a Centre for Applied Research in Rural Community Wellness (CRCW) is in its conceptual and development stage. The centre will help drive and support applied research focused on aspects of Saskatchewan living that contribute to the wellness of rural communities. This ultimately contributes to the wellness of the province and its people.
Nursing News Fall 2014
Breaking new ground, and led by the School of Nursing, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has just formalized eligibility for funding from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF). “This new funding arrangement is one further step in our agenda to increase the prominence of Sask Polytech in healthrelated research of an applied nature” says Grant. “Our first funding application to SHRF is capably led by an interprofessional team that plans to examine the impact of interprofessional education for healthcare students on culturally and linguistically diverse clients.”
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Tremendous vision in action
InstruMentor™ App wins innovation award
The success of the focused efforts by many is clear. “We continue to increase the amounts and diversity of our competitive grant funding awards,” says Grant. “Within the last two years, our teams have secured over $1.6 million in new funding to support applied research in the School of Nursing.” “We continue to build active applied research collaborations with other education institutions, including Humber College, University of Manitoba, MacEwan University, Western University, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina; industry partners such as the mining industry, International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), and community and professional partners like SALPN.” He adds that Saskatchewan Polytechnic will continue to strategically develop capacity and infrastructure that supports ongoing, new and renewed applied research projects in the School of Nursing. This helps to continue to refine a focus of applied research that has the potential to support a national and international reputation for the School of Nursing in applied research topics related to rural community wellness that include aspects of safety, mental health, education, and professional practices. “We are strengthening our capacities to manage larger-scale projects and an increasing number of applied research and other scholarly projects as our momentum increases,” Grant notes. l
Perioperative nursing graduate, Kara Moore, shows the technology in action. A highly innovative resource developed for all health professionals practicing or involved with surgery, the “InstruMentor™ app,” has won innovation awards from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the League for Innovation in the Community College.
desire of students for mobile learning opportunities.”
This mobile learning tool frees the learner from being tethered to a computer or textbooks, and offers learning that can take place any time, “just-in-time.” It has been widely adopted by the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Perioperative Nursing RN/LPN programs, Medical Device Reprocessing program, medical students and other health professionals.
Ahlquist acknowledges the tremendous vision of Carole Houston of the Perioperative Nursing Faculty for coming up with the idea, establishing the concept and working to develop it, as well as Dale Lipp, graphic artist, Learning Technologies, for creating the first version of the app.
Eli Ahlquist, program head for Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Perioperative Nursing program, says students can reference their device in the practice environment while observing and working with surgical instruments. “InstruMentor™ is an innovative learning resource that is available in the palm of your hand,” says Ahlquist. “It offers flexible learning that best suits the www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
The resource enriches the learning experience in a way that no text book can, offering audio pronounciations, 3D rotating images and dynamic assessments.
“The tool embraces the fact that students want to learn in even more dynamic environments,” Ahlquist adds. “It is the result of incorporating student feedback by creating a resource that is designed to meet their desire for mobile learning. Overall, students have been really happy with it.” Medical students are also now making use of this technology. l
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Nursing News Fall 2014
Rewarding steps in progressing career
Mary Ann Denton packs up equipment and supplies for her home care visit.
Nurse practitioner makes a difference About a dozen years ago, Mary Ann Denton embarked upon her career as a registered nurse. Today, not only is she is a registered nurse, but also the first nurse practitioner currently working in home care within the provincial Home First Project, Saskatoon Health Region. Denton completed the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner advanced certificate program at an accelerated pace in just over a year, compared to the typical two-and-a-half years. It is an impressive accomplishment, now representing her third post-secondary program completion—following Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Science undergraduate degrees. “It was definitely the hardest but most rewarding challenge to date,” says Denton. Now, she is practising as a key member of the Home First Project team, whose aim is to improve access for seniors to supports in the community that will
allow them to safely age within their own homes and progress with other care options as their needs change. The pilot will:
ports, project managers and schedulers. There are currently Home First Programs within Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Lloydminster.
• Enhance and improve home care’s response to crisis and intensive shortterm service needs;
“I am privileged to work with exceptional individuals who are very dedicated to meeting the needs of many who may otherwise need to be within health facilities,” says Denton. “It has been rewarding to be in a position to help with assessments, recommend prevention approaches and play a role in helping directly within communities that individuals live in.”
• Support transition from acute care to community options; • Prevent unnecessary admissions to emergency departments; and • Engage additional service providers in the system and in the community to support seniors in their homes. The interdisciplinary team of colleagues consists of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, registered nurses, continuing care assistants, pharmacists, community client coordinators and mental health nurses. Other important roles include psychiatrist supwww.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
What will the next dozen years in her career bring? Her next academic goal is to pursue her Masters of Community Development degree. “It is important to keep learning and developing new skills and expertise,” Denton adds. “It feels good to contribute in whatever way I can.” l
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World-class focus
Polytech brand launches new era The official launch of Saskatchewan Polytechnic on September 24, 2014, marked the start of an era for a new educational enterprise in Saskatchewan. President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia describes the polytechnic’s mandate as student-focused and employer-driven, now enabled to engage in degree programming in Saskatchewan through the proclamation of The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Act. “Our new post-secondary organization is launching across Saskatchewan, building on the solid foundation established by SIAST employees and alumni,” says Rosia. “SIAST’s approach to practical education, our industry-tested faculty, and our close connections with employers have resulted in a consistently high grad employment rate and high employer satisfaction.” “Saskatchewan Polytechnic will offer a full suite of learning opportunities, including bachelor degrees, apprenticeship training, certificates and diplomas, with the depth of programming based on workplace requirements,” says Rosia. “We are excited with the opportunities to expand our institution’s reputation and be seen as a world-class polytechnic.” The new brand, guided by a steering committee with agency development, evolved over several months. The process was informed by extensive research and consultation to ensure the new brand was reflective of the institution’s aspirations and realities. The new brand is essential for the organization to meet labour market demand
The School of Nursing helped to celebrate Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s new brand launch. Dean of Nursing, Dr. Netha Dyck and Jason Seright, Director of Aboriginal Strategy participate in the unveiling celebration. in the face of demographic change, social trends and economic growth, Rosia says. School of Nursing Dean Dr. Netha Dyck was on hand for the launch event and says the rebranding to Saskatchewan Polytechnic reflects a welcomed change. “The new name better reflects the role and contribution of the educational institution in delivering a full range of post-secondary education from applied certificates to degree programs, as well as applied research,” Dyck says. “It is particularly significant to the School of Nursing as the School of Nursing is delivering Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s first degree program—the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program.” The School of Nursing is also delivering a collaborative degree program in partnership with the University of Regina—the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program. Furthermore, the School of Nursing is collaborating with the University of Regina on the delivery of the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
Program—a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) program. Applied research is a key differentiator for polytechnics. Applied research has been gaining momentum within the institution in recent years with a nine-fold increase in funding in just over five years. The School of Nursing has provided leadership in advancing research and scholarship. Faculty are engaged in more than 10 research projects and are presenting their scholarly work at provincial and national conferences and publishing their work in leading journals and book chapters. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is Saskatchewan’s primary institution for postsecondary technical education and skills training. It offers apprenticeship training and certificate, diploma and degree programs, serving 26,000 distinct students through campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. l
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Nursing News Fall 2014
CASN Accreditation
SCBScN achieves National Standards of Excellence A remarkable effort involving numerous colleagues with tremendous focus and rigour has resulted in the achievement of national accreditation status through the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) for the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program. The accomplishment was especially momentous for the collaborative partners, the School of Nursing, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and the Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina. Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s president and CEO, Dr. Larry Rosia, thanked all involved for their extraordinary efforts for the SCBScN program. “Achieving this milestone speaks to the strength of our collaboration and partnership in the delivery, as well as the quality of this program,” says Rosia. The accreditation process included a comprehensive self-assessment report based on the standards of excellence established by CASN. A site visit was conducted in Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current by a team of four outof-province expert reviewers to assess the achievement of the standards and appropriate educational and financial resources. The expert external reviewers met with and obtained input from students, graduates, faculty, staff, senior leaders, program advisory committee members and employers. School of Nursing Dean Netha Dyck notes that accreditation promotes and denotes excellence and is recognized worldwide as an important, objective method to assess professional education programs. “Engaging in the accreditation process has provided an excellent opportunity for us to examine and celebrate our strengths and identify opportunities for improvement,” Dyck says. “The timing of this accomplishment is significant in that it was achieved prior to the
Achieving national accreditation status is a significant accomplishment for the SCBScN program. In centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Dean of Nursing, Dr. Netha Dyck, and University of Regina Dean of Nursing, Dr. david Gregory join first graduates of the SCBScN program. celebration of our first graduates of the program. We are proud that all of our graduates will have graduated from an accredited program.” On behalf of the collaborative partner for the program, University of Regina Faculty of Nursing Dean david Gregory is impressed by the achievement in such a short time. “This is a remarkable achievement for such a new nursing program,” Gregory says. “Our SCBScN students are graduating from an accredited nursing program in which national standards of nursing education excellence have been achieved and recognized by CASN. I extend my thanks and appreciation to the nursing faculty and staff from both the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the tremendous work expended during the past three years. Congratulations on a job well done!” While all of the multiple elements of the review process are critical and significant, it is the faculty and staff that make the difference to their students and their colleagues on a daily basis that are key to this process. The invaluable contribution of faculty and staff to the student learning and experience is foundational to the achievement of accreditation. www.saskpolytech.ca / 1-866-467-4278
Chris Barlow, program head, SCBScN, Saskatoon Campus, says the process showcases the innovation and hard work performed by everyone, even before the program had officially commenced. “We all felt a sense of accomplishment and validation,” Barlow says. “All the due diligence paid off, and the process continues into the future. The curriculum must always evolve so it is responsive to the needs of the population and jurisdictions we serve.” Mary Martin-Smith, former program head, SCBScN, Regina Campus, notes the significance of the accomplishment. “It is especially meaningful when one reflects on the collective work of all faculty and staff during such a compressed timeframe,” says Martin-Smith. “It speaks to the commitment to quality of all throughout the development and implementation of the program.” “Our exceptional team of faculty and staff are dedicated to the delivery of quality education and supporting students to achieve success,” says Dyck. “Their teaching excellence and use of innovative teaching and learning strategies help our students develop the knowledge, skills, critical thinking and judgment that is critical to their success.” l