Annual conference hosted in Saskatoon for nursing faculty from across Western Canada
February 16, 2016 - Nursing faculty from across Western and North-Western Canada will be gathering in Saskatoon from February 17 to 19 as part of the Western and North-Western Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (WNRCASN) annual conference, co-hosted this year by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.
"The annual conference is an opportunity for nursing faculty from colleges and universities to share their nursing education experiences and gain insight into teaching and learning best practices," says Noelle Rohatinsky, nursing faculty, University of Saskatchewan and planning committee co-chair. "Research projects and innovation in classrooms, labs and clinical will also be showcased."
This year's conference features keynote speakers Dr. Lois Berry, RN and interim assistant vice-provost, Health, University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Marnie Kramer-Kile, RN and faculty, College of the Rockies and University of Victoria. Dr. Berry's keynote address will focus on nursing education as a leadership practice. Dr. Kramer-Kile will address the role that Canadian nursing educators can play in the preparation of students for the national licensing exam.
"We have approximately 140 faculty from 20 nursing schools from across Western and North-Western Canada who have registered for the conference," says Patricia Christie, nursing faculty, University of Regina and planning committee co-chair. "The planning committee is extremely pleased with the level of interest for the program presented."
In addition to the two keynote sessions, over 70 presentations are being held which include breakout sessions, round table forums and poster presentations. Social events and wellness activities have also been planned ranging from ice skating to early morning walks and runs along the riverbank.
Approximately 40 nursing students have volunteered their time to assist with registration, handle speaker introductions and host the planned wellness activities.
"It's a great opportunity for our Saskatchewan nursing students to gain leadership experience and meet national nursing mentors," says Chris Barlow, nursing faculty, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and planning committee co-chair. "They also have opportunity to attend all of the presentations and keynote sessions."
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
The University of Regina is home to 10 faculties and 25 academic departments which have established reputations for excellence and innovative programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.In Fall 2015, approximately 14,400 full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University and its federated colleges.
Established in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan has a long history of excellence. We are a member of the U15 group of Canada's top research-intensive universities, offering unique facilities such as the Canadian Light Source, VIDO-InterVac and the Global Institute for Water Security. The university is committed to First Nations, Métis and Inuit student success and to welcoming diverse perspectives and ways of knowing, both from across Saskatchewan and around the world. Our graduates are known for their work ethic, resourceful nature and determination, and will continue to build on our history of success to address the world's challenges now and in the future.
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