Practical Nursing student Victoria Bertrand has been appointed to the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario’s Board of Directors as its student representative. Her one-year term began at RPNAO’s Annual General Meeting, held October 27, 2016.
Practical Nursing student Victoria Bertrand has been appointed to the RPNAO’s Board of Directors as its student representative. Her one-year term began October 27.
The Association represents the voice of Ontario’s 39,000 registered practical nurses by advocating on behalf of its members and promoting quality health-care in the province. In her role, Bertrand will attend quarterly board meetings and said her initial priority is to learn and adapt to the rules, regulations and responsibilities related to board member duties.
“I really did not think that I was going to be selected for this position. When I got the call from the president to inform me that I had been chosen, I was in disbelief. Disbelief quickly turned into excitement and gratitude,” said Bertrand. “I immediately informed my coordinator and thanked her for her support in the whole process. I would not be where I am right now if it wasn’t for the overwhelming support from the faculty and staff and my colleagues at University Gates.”
Bertrand applied for the board position to further develop her knowledge and leadership skills as a nurse professional and thought the role would help her increase her knowledge of nursing policy, legislation and regulation: “I firmly believe that I can be an asset to the board as a student advocate and make the voice of my fellow nursing colleagues heard. I am extremely passionate about the field of nursing and wanted to do anything and everything in my power to see positive change in the future of the practical nursing profession.”
Currently in her final term of the Practical Nursing program, Bertrand said she chose Conestoga because of the quality programming and unique opportunities associated with the college’s satellite campus at University Gates. The "living classroom" Bertrand attends is part of the Centre of Excellence -- an innovative new facility that will enhance the quality of life and care for seniors through collaboration between health-care professionals, researchers, students and educators. The Centre, a partnership between Conestoga, Schlegel Villages and the University of Waterloo, sits on the north campus of the University of Waterloo and is home to the Village at University Gates, a 192-bed long-term care home operated by Schlegel Villages, and a new 30,000-square-foot research facility for the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging.
Conestoga delivers personal support worker and practical nursing programs on-site within the long-term care environment. Featuring both classroom and clinical teaching in addition to technology-enhanced learning, the integrated programs improve graduate preparedness for working with seniors.
Conestoga’s School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services delivers a comprehensive array of career-focused programs that combine theoretical and hands-on learning to support our community’s growing need for individuals with the skills, knowledge and determination to make a difference. For more information, visit www.conestogac.on.ca/health