Students and faculty from NC’s Myhal School of Nursing continue to demonstrate their commitment to research dissemination and nursing education excellence.
This past summer, Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Professor and Program Coordinator Dr. Holldrid Odreman and third-year students Christian Baltus and Brayden Robichaud attended Sigma‘s 37th International Nursing Research Congress in Toronto.
The three-day conference welcomed nursing researchers and healthcare leaders from around the world to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and shape the future of nursing science.
Participating in the conference was an opportunity for the group to highlight NC’s BScN program and the research being conducted by Odreman’s Nursing Scholarship and Education Team (ONSET).
“Being present allowed us to represent the undergraduate nursing student perspective and demonstrate that students at Niagara College are actively involved in research and contributing to the advancement of nursing practice,” said Baltus, who noted that he and Robichaud were among the few undergraduate nursing students at the conference.
“It was also an opportunity to see firsthand the different directions nursing research can take and the impact that research has across education, clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare systems,” he added.
Baltus and fellow ONSET member Ryan McNally, a registered nurse and Master of Nursing graduate student at the University of Toronto, presented a research abstract for the study “Virtual Reality Simulation Prebrief: Promoting Psychological Safety and Clinical Reasoning.”
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Simulation in Learning, aimed to determine the extent of differences in the experience of psychological safety and in the performance of clinical judgement across three pre-briefing techniques. The research found that as collaboration and interaction between the learner and educator during a pre-briefing activity increase, the learner’s support for learning and confidence-building also increases.
Presenting at the prestigious conference was a milestone for ONSET and recognition for the team’s ongoing commitment to develop evidence-based research that helps inform teaching practices and curriculum within nursing education.
“Some of the most meaningful work I’ve been involved in has not been producing research itself, but rather watching students become researchers,” said Dr. Odreman. “When nursing students move from simply consuming knowledge to creating, sharing, and contributing to it, something remarkable happens. Their confidence grows, their professional identity strengthens, and they begin to see themselves as leaders in advancing nursing practice.”
Throughout the conference, the team had valuable opportunities to connect and network with students, researchers, healthcare professionals and leaders who are making important contributions across various areas of nursing care.
One particularly memorable highlight was the chance to meet Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman. Dr. Chapman is a former colleague of Dr. Odreman from his time working in Hamilton, making the experience especially meaningful for the group.
Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Leigh Cunningham (middle) with members of ONSET
ONSET’s research continues this fall. The team is currently in the writing and publication process for three studies: Hand Dexterity & Proficiency in Medication Preparation; Designing Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) using Escape Rooms; and Emphasizing Clinical Reasoning in Pediatric Physical Restraint Education.
Upcoming recognition
Later this month, Dr. Odreman will be honoured for his dedication to nursing education and research on a global stage. He has been selected as a finalist for the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics’ Awards of Excellence in the Outstanding Educator category.
Awards will be presented at WFCP’s 2026 World Congress, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from Nov. 23-27.
Related article: Dr. Holldrid Odreman to receive a global award of excellence from WFCP
