In commemoration of National Nursing Week (May 6 – 12), Niagara College participated in an engaging executive round with Niagara Health. On May 7, Niagara Health welcomed members of NC’s executive team to the St. Catharines Marotta Family Hospital, offering an insightful exploration of the onsite facilities and collaborative partnership between the two institutions.
Niagara College and Niagara Health teams at meet-and-greet.
The round began with a meet-and-greet facilitated by Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero who was recently presented with an Honorary Diploma in Health Studies at NC’s Spring 2023 convocation ceremonies. Niagara Health’s executive team then provided a comprehensive tour that involved engaging discussions highlighting the synergy between education and healthcare.
During the tour, NC’s Fiona Allan, Vice President, Academic, Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement, and Dr. Sinead McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences, got to explore various facets of Niagara Health’s operations, gaining a firsthand understanding of vital sectors within the hospital. These discussions spotlighted the environments where students from the School of Allied Health and School of Nursing and PSW programs engage during field placements.
The tour covered pivotal hospital units including Pharmacy, Rehabilitation (encompassing Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy), Diagnostic Imaging, and Oncology. Each stop offered a glimpse into the latest advancements, current demands, and the significant impact of student placements for both Niagara College and Niagara Health.
While touring the different hospital units, NC’s executive team interacted with students undergoing field placements, including those in the Pharmacy Technician, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, and Practical Nursing programs. The team had the opportunity to directly hear about the students’ hands-on learning experiences and how these placements complemented their classroom education, effectively preparing them for future careers in the healthcare sector. They also connected with various NC alumni employed at Niagara Health and within the hospital, while getting to witness alumni collaborating and supporting current students in their placements.
Dr. Sinead McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences, Gord Arbeau, Vice President, Advancement and Fiona Allan, Vice President, Academic engaging with an NC Practical Nursing student on field placement at the Marotta Family hospital.
At various points throughout the round, the Niagara Health team expressed their high regard for NC students, sharing their appreciation for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by these students throughout their placements at the hospital.
Niagara Health’s Executive Vice-President of Practice, Clinical Support, and Chief Nursing Executive, Simon Akinsulie, highlighted the critical role of mentorship in healthcare and the ongoing goal to strengthen mentorship connections for current students with aspiring careers in the sector. Akinsulie also emphasized the diverse needs of healthcare students, and that through the collaborative efforts of NC and Niagara Health, there are numerous opportunities to enhance the training of Nursing and Allied Health students and prospective Niagara Health employees.
NC’s Alumni Relations also played a pivotal role in fostering connections and honoring the accomplishments of NC alumni during National Nursing Week. On May 7, an interactive booth was set up at the hospital, providing alumni from the School of Allied Health, School of Nursing and PSW programs with a platform to reconnect with their alma mater and explore opportunities for future mentorship support.
Tom Price, Alumni Engagement Officer, engaging with an NC alumna at the Marotta Family hospital.
This initiative not only strengthened the Nursing and Allied Health alumni network but also paves the way for continued engagement and support for upcoming students, including those starting NC’s new Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program launching in Fall 2024.
The festivities culminated in the Nursing Week Celebration and dinner held at John Michael’s Banquet & Event Center on May 9, organized by the Nursing Advisory Committee. Alumni Relations participated as a community partner alongside other vendors, engaging with an impressive turnout of NC alumni. This event provided another valuable opportunity for Alumni Relations to build connections with NC Nursing alumni and nurture relationships within the alumni network.
This year’s National Nurses Week activities showcased Niagara Health as a pivotal employer and partner for the College, while fostering meaningful engagement with NC Allied Health and Nursing students and alumni and identifying prospective volunteers eager to contribute to mentorship opportunities for the new Nursing program.
