Parkland welcomes nursing class of '17

Parkland College welcomed the first group of students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Yorkton with a traditional pinning ceremony October 2.

The program, which was announced in January came about through a partnership between Parkland, the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing and Sunrise Health Region.

"The College of Nursing is excited to celebrate our first Yorkton BSN class today," said Lorna Butler, dean of the College of Nursing. "We are pleased to collaborate with Parkland College and Sunrise Heath Region to offer our BSN program to students in another Saskatchewan community. We look forward to great things to come from the Yorkton BSN Class of 2017."

Patricia Kachman, a U of S alumna and Yorkton resident presented the 10 students with their second year pin.

"The pins are a symbol celebrating the effort that was needed to complete the students' education to this point," Butler said. "The new progression ceremony is a great way to celebrate these milestones, as they move through their years in the program."

Jesslyn Schigol represented her classmates and spoke about how important it was for her personally to be able to complete her studies in Yorkton, where she has the support of her family and a reduced cost of living.

Yorkton MLA and newly minted minister of rural and remote health spoke about how important it is for recruiting in rural Saskatchewan for people to be able to study in or near their home communities. He also mentioned the Saskatchewan government's retention program that pays health care professionals up to $20,000 to work in rural health.

Suann Laurent, Sunrise president and CEO also made a subtle pitch for the students to come work for her organization when they graduate.

Sunrise is a critical partner in the program because students must complete hands-on training as part of their education.

"It is a pleasure to welcome the first students into our health care facilities to complete the clinical practicum components of their education," Laurent said. "As a learning organization we look forward to sharing our expertise with the students and to continued collaboration with our partners in health education."