Christian Baltus won’t be just another face in the crowd when Niagara healthcare leaders gather in the Allied Health Institute Auditorium on March 30.
Instead of watching from the spectator seats, the second-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) student will step into the spotlight to deliver a powerful message to his peers.
Alongside Elaina Orlando, Director of Research at Niagara Health, Baltus is slated to co-lead a featured session about student research opportunities at “Connected Care: The Landscape of Preparing Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s Healthcare System.” The historic conference, organized by the Myhal School of Nursing and the Centre for Research in Education, will bring regional leaders – including Niagara Health Chief Nursing Executive Simon Akinsulie and Niagara EMS Chief Karen Lutz-Graul, who is also a graduate of NC (Ambulance and Emergency Care,1990) – to speak directly to more than 200 students.
Drawing on his experience as a student researcher and conference planning committee member, Baltus aims to show his peers the importance of research.
“It is important to highlight that research is not reserved for advanced practitioners or graduate studies; it is something students can actively engage in and use to shape their learning and the future of their profession,” said Baltus. “I will discuss what it means to engage in research as a student, from being a participant to becoming a researcher, and the value this brings in developing critical thinking, confidence, and leadership within the profession.”
In advance of his presentation, Baltus noted that in a rapidly shifting landscape, modern healthcare is more complex and patient-centered than ever, requiring students to be equipped with adaptability and the ability to engage in evidence-informed practice. Early exposure to research allows students to question current practices and contribute to meaningful improvements.
“By fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning, we can ensure that future nurses are well-prepared to meet the challenges ahead,” he said. “Ultimately, investing in students today means strengthening the healthcare system of tomorrow.”
While Baltus, who is also a graduate of NC’s Pre-Health Sciences program (Class of 2017), will bring his student perspective to the session, Orlando will offer a view of the Niagara Health Knowledge Institute (NHKI), highlighting the professionalization of the clinical research workforce and its necessity across interprofessional teams.
Elaina Orlando, Director of Research at Niagara Health will co-lead a presentation about student research at NC’s Connected Care conference.will bring his student perspective, Orlando will offer views from the Niagara Health Knowledge Institute (NHKI), highlighting the professionalization of the clinical research workforce and its necessity across interprofessional teams.
“I think it is important for students to understand the type of research happening locally and in a community hospital setting so that as they pursue their careers they are informed about how research fits even in environments not typically associated with clinical research,” said Orlando.
Orlando’s goal is to inspire students to move beyond the sidelines.
“I encourage you [students] to embrace this opportunity because I firmly believe that the shifting research landscape, which includes more community hospitals, will contribute to improved outputs of clinical research,” she said.
“Our program of research actively engages with BScN students, both as core team members and as contributors in various research roles. Currently, Brayden Robichaud and Isabelle Klapatiuk are two BScN students who serve as core members of our research team. In addition, we have had seven BScN students volunteer as research assistants, supporting important aspects of the study including recruitment, data collection, and data analysis.”
Baltus and Orlando will present from 11:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. in the Applied Health Institute Auditorium (AHI 141).
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