Megan Jacobsen, a third-year student at the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan Prince Albert Campus, received the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association Ruth Hicks Award for student leadership. The presentation was made in Regina on May 3.
Jacobsen grew up in Preeceville and currently resides in Melfort. She is the daughter of Liz Jacobsen and Wayne Trach of Preeceville. Grandparents are: Helen and Peter Shewchuk of Okla and Paul Trach of Hazel Dell and Honor Trach of Margo.
"In the winter of the 2015-16 academic year, Megan, along with a number of students, decided to begin the process of creating a Nursing Student Association at the Prince Albert campus," said Lesley Stronach, SNRA representative.
"Megan took a leadership role within the group and became the president of the Saskatchewan Nursing Student Association for Prince Albert and North SNSA-PAN. She has worked with colleagues in her year, and those in years two and four of the program to bolster support, enthusiasm, and to help raise funds for the association. Under Jacobsen's leadership, SNSA-PAN has focused on running events that contribute to the professional development, educational success and the development of a community of nursing students.
“For example, in the fall under the guidance Saskatchewan Nursing Student Association-Prince Albert and North (SNSA-PAN ), year-three students ran a mock Objective Structural Clinic Examination (OSCE) for the year two students. In addition, the association organized a speed nursing event targeted at year-three and four students to help raise awareness of different professional roles, post-graduation.
“Amongst a number of fundraising and social events, the group has also recognized the diversity of their student body and is planning a family fun night for everyone to enjoy getting together with their families and children. I think that this speaks to a deep awareness of the various needs of the student body -- both academically and personally,” said Stronach. “Jacobsen is a strong advocate for the students and represents their needs clearly and professionally."
The Ruth Hicks award for student leadership is given to a nursing student or group of nursing students who have made a significant contribution and demonstrated leadership as a student leader or as a group. The recipients must be enrolled in a Saskatchewan-based degree nursing program.
