Copper Ridge Place - A Learning Experience For Student Nurses
For Release ##08-139
June 9, 2008
WHITEHORSE – Six nursing students from Camosun College have just completed a successful six-week practicum at the Copper Ridge Place continuing care facility.
The practicum was the first of its kind for both Copper Ridge Place and the Victoria-based college, where a group of students, along with an instructor, were placed in one location to be mentored over a six-week period.
The idea started when a nursing student wanted to return to Whitehorse to complete her practicum. However, since Copper Ridge Place didn’t have the time or resources to provide the mentorship component necessary in a practicum session, the college came up with an alternative – they’d send a class and a teacher.
“It’s been an amazing experience for all of us,” Marlene Welsh, student instructor, said. “The students are incredibly impressed with the philosophy of care that is followed by staff here at Copper Ridge, and by the team work shown by all staff members. I think a few of them are ready to return home and start a revolution in our continuing care facilities.”
Students also attended evening social and learning events sponsored by the Yukon Registered Nurses Association and the Committee on Abuse in Residential School Society.
Marilyn Hubley is one of the program managers at Copper Ridge Place and she’s been working closely with the students and with Welsh.
“These students have been fantastic. They have fit right in with the staff and have made a great contribution to our residents,” Hubley said.
Some have expressed interest in returning to Yukon upon graduation to work in continuing care.
“This program has been an excellent example of the kind of creativity we have been encouraging as part of our health human resources strategy,” Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers said. “Providing opportunities for young people to see what we have to offer here, and how they can fit into our services, serves to strengthen the way we deliver health care in Yukon.”