College, Riverside work together to revive nursing program here

After being on hold for four years, Confederation College’s practical nursing program is off the ground here again thanks to Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc.
With an enrolment of 18 students, the program now is being conducted in a lab modified by staff at La Verendrye hospital–a partnership commemorated during a special presentation there Friday morning.
“Five years ago, we got together with Riverside to deliver the nursing programs. And for four years, we promoted the program but then had to cancel it each year due to low enrolment,” said Don Lovisa, campus manager at the college here.
“And the room originally intended for this was turned into a storeroom,” he added.
But after learning the program had 55 applicants this summer, Lovisa contacted the hospital to see if the lab space was still available.
“When [hospital staff] learned about this, they really got brainstorming. They really put themselves forward to get this going,” noted RN Sharon Myers, who is lead instructor of the program.
Over the summer, maintenance and supply staff worked at re-painting and re-tiling the third-floor room. Beds were moved in, along with other equipment, and cabinets were stocked with linens and other supplies.
Lovisa mentioned the training area contained “everything from real hospital rooms,” as well as two mannequins which are used to teach how to move and lift patients.
“We couldn’t provide [the program] at the college. There isn’t the equipment or the space,” he noted.
Lovisa presented staff with a plaque commending their work.
Susan Ossachuk, director of nursing practice for Riverside, noted she was excited to see student nurses once again since none have trained at La Verendrye since 1995.
“We’re so pleased to be training nurses from our community back in the hospital,” she said to this year’s class.
“I remember years ago, when students nurses were here, we’d be used to seeing you in your little yellow uniforms–when you were called ‘little yellow birds.’”
Practical nursing students will spend some of their 18-month course in the lab, then gradually work more around the hospital.
Until now, the nearest training centre for practical nursing was the college’s Thunder Bay campus. But several students noted they might not have taken the program if it wasn’t available here.
“It’s very convenient, especially since you’re likely going to be working here after you graduate,” said student Audra East of Fort Frances.
“You don’t have to leave home, or your family, or experience the whole dorm thing,” chuckled Briana Boldero.
And with 18 students hailing from here, Emo, Barwick, Atikokan, Stanjikoming First Nation, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay this year, Lovisa added the program’s future is looking strong.
“If you looked at the headlines four or five years ago, all the headlines said ‘Nursing cuts,’” he noted. “Now, there’s a shortage and that gives students a brighter future.
“It’s a good chance for employment,” he remarked.