The Seven Generations Education Institute says there’s a critical need of nurses in northwestern Ontario, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
That’s why it has announced plans to offer a nine-month All Nations Nurses post-secondary Entry program starting in 2019.
Brigitte Loeppky says the course will be offered in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Fort Frances.
Loeppky says the ultimate goal is graduating home-grown nurses who will stay and practice in their community.
She notes her research has found that there is high demand for such a program if the student can access it without leaving home.
Loeppky says the program will give students the knowledge and experience they need to enter a Collaborative Bachelor of Nursing program in partnership with Lakehead University.
She notes “courses include chemistry, biology and math on a health care level, as well as courses in nursing to provide students with an idea on what defines nursing including care and compassion”.
Loeppky says “students will also be able to practice their theory on a simulation scenario and then be able to safely transfer that theory that they learned into a real life critical setting, on a real patient”.
All campuses will have state-of-the-art simulation equipment.
Loeppky stresses the curriculum is infused with cultural content, so when students complete the program, they will have been exposed to Indigenous culture.
She says that will allow them to provide culturally competent care.
A public information session is being held in Sioux Lookout Thursday from 7:00pm until 8:00pm at Queen Elizabeth High School.
For additional information e-mail brigittel@7generations.org or call 807-468-3096 ext. 37.
You can also visit the Audio link below to hear all about the program and its requirements.
