On June 13, 2007, North Island College proudly congratulated its first class of Practical Nursing graduates based out of Port Hardy at a graduation ceremony held at NIC’s local campus. The ceremony was the culmination of the college’s 17-month Practical Nursing program, which united instructors, students, and resources from four regional campuses to make the program accessible to a larger population across the college region. The Campbell River/Port Hardy joint program produced 23 highly skilled and much-needed healthcare professionals for the region — a win-win situation for the community and graduates alike.
According to Jeannie Wheeler, VIHA’s Manager of Rural Health Mt. Waddington, having local people educated to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) is a tremendous asset for the region.
“It’s very difficult to recruit for rural areas like the North Island,” explains Wheeler. “That’s why I strongly encourage our local people to pursue education in healthcare. We have an immediate need for more LPNs, and with future retirements, that need is expected to grow.”
During the program, Port Hardy students travelled to Campbell River campus two days a week to complete lab and practical components of the program. For the theory component, students attended Port Hardy campus, using NIC’s Interactive Television media to participate in classes taking place at the Comox Valley campus.
All of the students graduating in Port Hardy expressed their heart-felt gratitude for the support they received from family, friends, NIC instructors, preceptors, and peers in achieving their goals. Many commented on how completing the NIC program has changed their lives.
“I had always wanted to become a nurse, but didn’t have the opportunity to pursue my interests until it became available in my home town,” explained graduate Arlene Clair, who was working in her community, the Quatsino First Nation, as a Community Outreach Worker before starting the program. Clair is looking forward to providing LPN service for area hospitals and/or First Nations communities before furthering her education to become a registered nurse.
For graduate Roseanna Dugas, who was working in the fish processing industry before starting the program, becoming a nurse was something she too had dreamed about for a long time. Dugas remarked at how the program had a significant positive impact both on her life and her family’s. “Now she (my daughter) wants to go to school and become a nurse. I am glad that she has had the opportunity to see me follow my dreams and for her to know that they are achievable.”
Graduate Siobhan Taylor, who first began pursing her interest in Gerontology at university, was taking a break from post-secondary when she considered trying the Practical Nursing program through Port Hardy campus. “It (NIC’s program) turned out to be the hands-on experience that I was searching for.” Taylor is looking forward to working as an LPN while completing her university degree and has future ambitions to work in the field of Psycho-Geriatrics.
For more information about North Island College and its programs offered through the region, visit www.nic.bc.ca or call 1-800-715-0914.
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Image: Left to Right: NIC’s Port Hardy Practical Nursing graduates Julia Sherlock, Siobhan Taylor, Chrystal Menzies, Roseanna Dugas. Unable to attend: Arlene Clair
For further information contact:
Susan Toresdahl
Director College Relations
(250) 334-5271
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