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Nursing News

Already positioned as a leader in su-perior education, SIAST is againpoised to further that reputationwith the launch of a state-of-the-

art, interprofessional simulation learningcentre (SLC) for more than 800 healthcare students at SIAST Wascana Campusin Regina.

The first dedicated and comprehensiveadvanced medical simulation lab inSaskatchewan, the SLC will producemore competent, confident students –students who will be better prepared fortheir practicums and ultimately for thereal world of their chosen profession.

The learning centre consists of threesimulation rooms that resemble hospitaltrauma rooms, two control rooms, a de-briefing room, health assessment roomand fully-furnished apartment to simu-late a home setting, and office and stor-age space.

“We have three simulators,” saysYvonne Warnes, project manager. “Twoemergency care simulators (ECS) bringreality to the environment with program-mable features such as airway function,breath and lung sounds, eye reactions,and even verbal communication. The hu-man patient simulator (HPS) builds onthe capabilities of the ECSs with adminis-tration of anesthetic and many other ad-vanced functions.”

Ninety simulated clinical scenarios thataddress all areas of practice and includeall age groups will assist faculty with theuse of patient simulation in facilitatinglearning and assessment of competency.

To create an environment that preciselyduplicates the clinical or home setting, the SLC includes related audio-visual andsupport equipment, from stretchers,medication carts and crash carts to appli-CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Simulationlearning centre opensat SIASTWascanaCampus

Second-year NEPS students assess their “patient” in one of SIAST’s new interprofessional simulation rooms.

A NEWSLETTER PRODUCED BY THE NURSING DIVISION AT SIAST WINTER 2007-08

2 | Nursing News WINTER 2007-082 | Nursing News

FROM PAGE 1ances and furnishings in the apartment.

The prodigious task of turning the vi-sion of the SLC into a reality was led by afirst-class team of faculty and staff fromacross SIAST’s health sciences and nurs-ing programs, as well as by representa-tives from SIAST’s finance departmentand Virtual Campus.

“The team has contributed countlesshours of creative energy and expertise intheir respective areas, with the commonaim of providing the best educational ex-perience possible for SIAST health carestudents,” says Warnes.

Overall management and leadership ofthe SLC is the responsibility of CindySmith, program head of Practical Nurs-ing, SIAST Wascana Campus.

Susan Morhart will coordinate daily ac-tivities; Terry Boll will provide technicalsupport to develop and run the scenarios;and two faculty members, Elaine Abrookand Jennifer Williams, will work withother faculty. There will also be simula-tion assistants and an administrative as-sistant.

Simulation learning centre opened at SIAST Wascana

80/20 assignment supportsmentorshipBy Bonnie Petrowich & Norma Wildeman

Abalance of new and experiencedfaculty is essential for the NursingEducation Program of Saskatche-wan (NEPS) to ensure quality un-

dergraduate nursing education. Creatingthis balance requires a viable strategy tohelp novice faculty adjust to the nurse ed-ucator role and to retain experienced fac-ulty.

One such strategy, the 80/20 assignmentpilot project, is based on research thatshows mentoring can play a critical role inthe enculturation and retention of new fac-ulty.

“I believe that mentoring is powerful and

plays an important part in developingnursing faculty,” says Jayne McChesney,NEPS faculty member, of her experience asa mentee. “For me, it has been about shar-ing knowledge and experiences, and mymentor has enriched my leadership abili-ties.”

The 80/20 project, funded by Saskat-chewan Health, makes the mentoring pro-cess possible by altering the work assign-ment of selected novice and experiencedNEPS faculty at SIAST Wascana Campus.These faculty devote 80 per cent of theirtime to teaching and the remaining 20 percent to mentor/mentee activities.

For novice faculty, mentor/mentee timeis dedicated to an extended orientation,development of teaching and evaluation

skills, and socialization in the nurse educa-tor role. A reduced teaching load also al-lows more time for advanced educationcourse work.

For experienced faculty, reduction of thedirect teaching workload allows time to fo-cus on mentoring activities. Engaging ex-perienced faculty in this way encouragesthem to stay with SIAST and continue toprovide a valuable resource for new facultyand students.

With the coordination committee inplace, facilitated by Norma Wildeman,NEPS program head at SIAST WascanaCampus, and participating faculty selected,the 80/20 assignment pilot project got un-derway in September and will be evaluatedat the end of the current academic year.

● PILOT PROJECT

Jodi Found, NEPS instructor, demonstrates to NEPS students how to complete a head-to-toe assessment of their “patient.”

Nursing News | 3WINTER 2007-08

● LEADING-EDGE LEARNING

By Candace Skrapek

The SIAST Nursing Division receivedfunding from the Saskatchewangovernment’s Technology Enhan-ced Learning (TEL) program to un-

dertake an innovative project that putspersonal data assistants (PDAs) into thehands of faculty in clinical settings. Hav-ing the ability to access large amounts ofinformation quickly and accurately expe-dites patient care and student learning.Benefits include time saved for facultyand students; increased confidence instudents’ knowledge and abilities; andpatient care based on accurate, up-to-date information. The technology sup-ports and adds to knowledge gained inclassroom and lab situations.

The project builds on previous experi-ence with PDA technology. In the springof 2006, SIAST Nursing Division investedin 16 PDAs for use by selected faculty andstudents in a limited trial to explore theeffectiveness of the technology in clinicalsettings. The preliminary review of theproject was positive. A more formal eval-uation process of the TEL-funded projectis underway.

By Joyce Bruce

Traditional paper and binder portfo-lios have long been used by educa-tors to evaluate student achieve-ment of learning objectives. The ad-

vent of the internet, however, has createdan opportunity to embrace electronicportfolios.

In the spring 2007 semester, SIAST’sPrimary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP)program piloted and evaluated the effi-cacy of an e-portfolio tool. The projectwas supported by the SIAST TechnologyInnovation Fund as well as by SIAST’s In-structional and Leadership DevelopmentCentre (ILDC), Recognition of PriorLearning (RPL) and Virtual Campusstakeholders.

The project began by determiningwhich key features would fit with otherSIAST groups on the end product. Usingstreaming video webcast educational ex-perience, a literature review and an inter-

nal discussion paper, nine key featureswere identified. This led to the identifica-tion of five potential e-portfolio tools,with TaskStream rating the highest.

To launch the initiative, six PCNP stu-dents used the e-portfolio tool to documenttheir attainment of course competencies.Six SIAST faculty worked with the tool, ei-ther to support student competency devel-opment or to evaluate it for their depart-ments. An evaluation of the experience hasbeen completed. PCNP program studentsand faculty continue to use the tool.

The e-portfolio tool has the potential toenhance the learning experience incourses across SIAST. The tool enhancesstudent engagement in the learning ex-perience, allows for sharing of authenticexamples of progress to competencyachievement, and connects theory andpractical learning experiences. Addition-ally, e-portfolios promote lifelong learn-ing and advance academic credit forlearning beyond program courses.

E-portfolio tool usedin Primary Care NursePractitioner program

Classrooms that click: Using technologyto enhance student engagementBy Lucia New & Tracie Risling

Student response systems (SRS)have arrived at the SIAST NursingDivision! At the division’s annualmeeting in August 2007, faculty

heard about a recent SRS pilot project bythe Nursing Education Program ofSaskatchewan (NEPS), and they had anopportunity to try the technology. SRStechnology includes handheld “clickers”that enable students in a classroom toelectronically register simple responseswith a receiver used by their instructor.

After experiencing the power of SRS,faculty were eager to try the technologyin their own classrooms and labs. This en-

thusiasm was the catalyst for a proposalto the SIAST Technology InnovationFund for expansion of the SRS technol-ogy division-wide.

The use of SRS in the classroom can cre-ate an environment that is both techno-logically innovative and learner centred.This kind of instruction is being exploredas the effectiveness of traditional teachingmethodologies is debated in education lit-erature. The power of SRS in the class-room is largely based on the voice it pro-vides to each student in the learning en-vironment. Even those who may hesitateto raise a hand or share a comment, espe-cially in a large classroom, can safely andprivately register an opinion or answer a

question in a SRS classroom. The impact on the learning atmosphere

in the NEPS pilot project was tangible.Students were able to see the results oftheir responses immediately and engagein discussion in which each participanthad already invested an answer. Class-room discussions not only saw increasedparticipation, but also a noticeable im-provement in focus.

SRS is one of many strategies availableto promote an active learning environ-ment. It will allow Nursing Division fac-ulty and students to pursue innovativeapplications as they continue to collabo-rate in the creation of dynamic learningenvironments.

PDAs expeditelearning

4 | Nursing News WINTER 2007-08

PracticalNursingofferedin SaskatoonBy Bonnie Petrowich

Twenty-eight students began theirstudies this fall in the first offering ofthe 65-week Practical Nursing pro-gram at SIAST Kelsey 4th Avenue

Centre in Saskatoon. The program willhave an annual intake. Accessibility of pro-gramming is a key initiative for the NursingDivision. “Offering annual intakes of thePractical Nursing program in Saskatoon isan important way to meet that goal,” saysnew Program Head Jean Busby.

Student reaction to the program’s expan-sion has been positive.

“I’m so glad they started the program inSaskatoon,” said first-year student JudyJanzen, who had planned to take the pro-gram in Prince Albert. “That would havemeant moving to PA by myself, away frommy husband and family. It would have beena culture shock. This is great! I don’t haveto move or leave my family,” says Janzen.

“The downtown location is perfect,” saysclassmate Ashley Kohlen.

Joining Busby are faculty membersElaine Maksymiuk, Nancy Anweiler, SherryMcDonald, Robyn Beitel, Joanna Sooko-cheff and Alice Salter. Rounding out theSIAST Kelsey Practical Nursing programteam are Naomi Jansen, administrative as-sistant, and Lori Roy, nursing simulationlab coordinator.

“I’m excited about the many challengesthat lie ahead and look forward to workingwith faculty and staff as we focus on stu-dent success in this program,” says Busby.

By Reny Loewen

SIAST nursing faculty and studentswill soon have access to a moreglobal perspective on nursing. TheNursing Education Program of

Saskatchewan (NEPS) at SIAST and theNursing Education Program at Red RiverCollege in Manitoba have recently re-ceived a grant from Human Resourcesand Social Development Canada(HRSDC) for an international student ex-change project. In this project, SIAST andRed River College will partner with twouniversity degree programs in Mexicoand two associate degree nursing pro-grams in the United States to jointly de-sign and implement an accredited cross-cultural nursing course over the next fouryears.

The six partner institutions will collab-oratively develop an online theory courseand a clinical immersion exchange coursefor undergraduate nursing students. Theintent of these courses is to provide an en-hanced understanding and appreciationof cultural diversity and differences inhealth care practices across North Amer-ica. Nursing educators are increasinglychallenged to design curricula and offerprogramming to increase cultural sensi-tivity, knowledge and competence amonghealth care practitioners.

Over the four years of the project, eightstudents from each of the six partner in-

stitutions will participate in a clinical ex-change program lasting approximatelyfour weeks.

Participants will have an opportunity toincrease their awareness and recognitionof unique health care beliefs and valuesin each of the three countries, and to ex-amine the impact of different culturesand health care systems on the role andscope of nursing practice.

In Canada, participating nursing stu-dents will be from SIAST’s Wascana andKelsey campuses and from Red River Col-lege. SIAST students will be in their sec-ond year of a four-year degree nursingprogram.

The experiences in each host countrywill include classroom and seminar dis-cussion, as well as clinical and observa-tional experience. Prior to departure, stu-dents will be oriented to the country, lan-guage, culture and nursing collegeselected for the exchange. Language sup-port and programming will be providedbased on assessed needs.

Faculty from each institution will ac-company students during the clinicalpracticum to provide support and ensurethat course intents are met. During theclinical immersion exchange and uponreturn to their home countries, studentsand faculty will be invited to share knowl-edge and experiences with peers, col-leagues, and other members of the healthcare community.

● CROSS-BORDER NURSING EDUCATION● ACCESSIBILITY

Program helps buildbridges betweenCanada, Mexico, U.S.

June 2007 convocation at the Univer-sity of Saskatchewan included 26graduates from the initial intake ofthe Nursing Education Program of

Saskatchewan (NEPS) Second DegreeEntry Option. Implementation of the Sec-ond Degree Entry Option in 2005 was de-

signed to expand capacity of the NursingEducation Program of Saskatchewan.The option, a partnership between theSIAST Nursing Division and the Univer-sity of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing,allows students who have already com-pleted a degree in another field of study

to pursue full-time intensive study withprogram completion in less than two cal-endar years.

The SIAST Nursing Division congratu-lates the first graduates on successfulcompletion of the program.

– Candace Skrapek

First NEPS Second Degree class graduates


● NURSING DIVISION EXPANDS

Major growth is underway withinthe SIAST Nursing Division. Re-sponding to the challenge ofpreparing the next generation of

nurses, SIAST, the primary provider ofnursing education in the province, hasformed new partnerships, developed newdelivery methods, and added seats tomany of its nursing programs.

“Program development and expansionis a top priority for us,” says Netha Dyck,dean of nursing. “Increasing the capac-ity of our programs, and access to them,are important steps in addressing theneeds of the Saskatchewan health caresystem.”

Specifically, the division-wide expan-sion includes:

Nursing Education Program ofSaskatchewan (NEPS)● 18 additional seats at SIAST Kelsey

Campus in Saskatoon in September2007

● 25 additional seats at SIAST KelseyCampus in September 2008

● 49 additional seats planned for SIASTWascana Campus in Regina in Sep-tember 2008

NEPS Second Degree Entry Option ● 10 additional seats in May 2008● 18 additional seats in May 2009

Practical Nursing program● 28 seats at SIAST Kelsey Campus in

September 2007● conversion to annual intake at SIAST

Wascana Campus in Regina and SIASTWoodland Campus in Prince Albert

● new online delivery in partnership withNorthlands College and Peter Ballan-tyne Cree Nation

● additional brokering through regional

colleges for a total of 136 seatsthroughout the province

● 10 new seats for online deliverythrough SIAST Wascana Campus

Basic Critical Care Nursing program ● 20 additional seats

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program ● 8 additional seats

“The transformation within the divi-sion is necessary to keep pace with howthe profession is changing,” says Dyck.“We have a 40-year history of deliver-ing superior nursing education, a repu-tation we take very seriously. Our pro-gramming must be responsive, relevantand accessible if we are to ensure high-quality, safe and competent care for thepeople of Saskatchewan in the 21st cen-tury.”

Educating more nurses now fora healthier tomorrow

First nursing instructor graduatesfrom SIAST’s faculty program

By Bonnie Petrowich

The Faculty Certification Program(FCP) at SIAST has seen its firstNursing Division graduate: CaroleReece, faculty of the Nursing Re-en-

try program, SIAST Wascana Campus. “The program was a positive experi-

ence for me,” says Reece, “One thatgreatly enhanced my development as ateacher.” Reece obtained her certificationin August 2007.

The program, developed in partnershipwith the University of Regina and offeredthrough SIAST’s Instructional and Lead-ership Development Centre (ILDC), re-flects SIAST’s commitment to developinga professional community of practice.Courses in the three-year program in-clude evaluation, instructional design,

technology in education, professionaland instruction skills, and adult develop-ment and leadership. Courses are offeredthrough a combination of online and on-site classes.

“An added bonus for me was the net-working,” says Reece. “I learned howother programs handle situations withstudents, and I learned about some of thevaluable resources available out there tohelp me in my job.”

Graduates receive 18 credits in theBachelor of Adult Training and Education(BAET) program at the University ofRegina, with the potential for up to an ad-ditional 30 credits for experience gainedin the program.For further information, visit:www.siast.sk.ca/departments/ildc/index.htmCarole Reece


By Joyce Bruce

Interprofessional collaborative prac-tice is one solution proposed to ad-dress Canada’s human resourceshortage in health care. Interprofes-

sional teams can improve health care(McNair, R., et al., 2001) by improving pa-tient outcomes, health professional satis-faction and patient safety, and by increas-ing efficiency and innovation.

SIAST’s Nursing Division and Scienceand Health Division have established anInterprofessional Education (IPE) team.Programs involved are the Nursing Edu-cation Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS),CPR/First Aid, Occupational Health andSafety Practitioner, NEPS Second DegreeEntry Option, Psychiatric Nursing Re-en-try, Practical Nursing, Medical Diagnos-tics programs, Emergency Health Careprograms and Primary Care Nurse Practi-tioner. A student rep from Recreation andTourism is also involved.

Interprofessional collaboration is alearned behavior (Stemas, K., et al.,1999). While individual SIAST programshave initiated projects that provide op-portunities to learn interprofessionalteam skills, the IPE team recognized thatthe greatest challenge is limited aware-ness of strategies to facilitate such teams.The team’s goal is to increase faculty ca-pacity and subsequently curriculum con-

tent and student opportunities for inter-professional teams.

As a first step, six IPE team members at-tended a course delivered by the Office ofInterprofessional Education, Universityof Toronto in June 2007. The course fo-cused on developing academic leaders ininterprofessional education to teach bothlearners and fellow colleagues the art andscience of working collaboratively for pa-tient-centred care.

Since then, the team has successfullysecured funding from SIAST’s QualityLearning Organization program to haveIvy Oandasan, director, Office of Inter-professional Education, University ofToronto, help develop a professional edu-cation day for August 2008. Future activ-ities include plans for an interactive IPEwebsite, common IPE language and amarketing plan.

Both the Nursing and Science andHealth divisions have been involved insuccessful interprofessional education ex-periences. Close to $1.2 million in HealthCanada funding through the Interprofes-sional Education for Collaborative Pa-tient-Centred Practice is enabling Saskat-chewan to develop Patient-Centred Interprofessional Team Experiences (P-CITE) between 2005-08. As a result,SIAST students and faculty have been in-volved in several P-CITE projects:● 28 students from NEPS, NEPS Second

Degree Option and University ofSaskatchewan Kinesiology were in-volved in an interprofessional clinic-based project on falls assessment andprevention, which demonstrated theneed to provide more introductory in-formation to students.

● A project focusing on quality improve-ment and primary health care wascompleted in the fall term with SIASTnursing students and University ofSaskatchewan physical therapy andpharmacy students. Two presentationson this project were made at the Prac-tice Makes Perfect Education of HealthProfessionals in Community, Clinicaland Simulated Settings InternationalConference 2007 in Vancouver.

● 14 SIAST students from NEPS and med-ical diagnostics programs participatedin a problem-based learning project ondementia care in June 2007.

References: McNair, R., et al. (2001). Rural interprofessional education: Promotingteamwork in primary health care education and practice. Australian Journal of Rural Health. 9(Suppl.): p. S19-S26.

Stemas, K., et al. (1999). Nursing andmedical teaming for service learning inpartnership

● INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Cross-functional collaboration improvespatient, professional outcomes

Effective relationships and ongoingpersonal and professional develop-ment are the hallmarks of a strongmentorship program. Building a

mentorship culture at SIAST has becomea priority for the Nursing and Science andHealth divisions.

Informal mentorship has long been partof the Nursing Division, but in 2004 men-tors and mentees began meeting. Thefeedback from these meetings laid thegroundwork for the Nursing Division Men-

torship Project Team, created in 2005.Lynn Sheridan, program head of

CPR/First Aid and Occupational Health& Safety, assumed the role of chair andwith funding from SIAST’s Quality Learn-ing Organization (QLO) program beganwork on a formal program. The team ex-panded to include the Science and HealthDivision in 2005.

Nursing Education Program of Saskat-chewan (NEPS) faculty members TracieRisling and Caroline Hoffart were hired

as mentorship coordinators with fundingfrom Saskatchewan Health. Their rolesare to develop training and handbooks,and to initiate the formal program. Withadditional QLO funding, they are also de-veloping e-mentoring through the cur-rent WebCT mentorship framework.

Members of the team presented at theWestern Region Canadian AssociationSchools of Nursing conference last yearand at the SIAST Nursing Division annualmeeting in August.

Interprofessional mentorship project


● CONFERENCES

The Canadian Association of Practi-cal Nurse Educators (CAPNE) annual conference will be held inRegina on October 6-8, 2008 at

the Hotel Saskatchewan.“Our team is thrilled to be able to host

this important national conference andto show off Regina at the same time,”says Cindy Smith, program head of Prac-tical Nursing at SIAST Wascana Campus.

“Everyone attending can be assured ofa great learning experience and a valu-able opportunity for networking with col-leagues andfriends fromacross thecountry.”

A prelimi-nary call forabstractshas beendistributed,inviting pre-sentationsthat buildon thetheme, To-ward theFuture:Commonali-ties and Col-laboration.

For fur-ther confer-ence information or to submit an ab-stract, contact:

Odette Galbraith, administrative assistant, Practical Nursing program, SIAST Wascana Campus, 4500 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4P 3A3. Tel: (306) 775-7571 Toll free 1-866-goSIAST (467-4278) Fax: (306) 798-2027email: [email protected]

SIAST to host CAPNEconference

By Bonnie Petrowich & Sandra Pettit

SIAST is excited to play host to theannual conference for educators ofinternationally educated nurses(IENs) in Regina, April 30-May 2,

2008. “The conference is targeted at nurses

who work with IENs in facilitating theirintegration and success in the Canadianworkforce,” said Sandra Pettit, confer-ence organizer and program head, Re-en-try, Orientation to Nursing in Canada andDiabetes Education programs at SIASTWascana Campus.

Based on preliminary plans, conferencediscussions will cover such topics as cul-tural awareness and diversity, patient-centred care and communication, lan-guage challenges, and designing individ-ually-tailored teaching programs.

The conference ties in with a projectSIAST is currently involved in withKwantlen University College in BC, CégepJohn Abbott College in Quebec and RedRiver College in Winnipeg.

“SIAST is one of the partners piloting aseries of modules for educators of IENs,”said Sandra. “The use of these moduleswill be part of the conference agenda.”

There will also be an opportunity toshowcase SIAST’s new interprofessionalsimulation learning centre (SLC) to con-ference participants.

Conference information will be avail-able soon. Contact: Sandra Pettit, program head, Re-entry,Orientation to Nursing in Canada & Diabetes Education programs, SIASTWascana Campus.Tel: (306) 798-5577 Toll free: 1-866-goSIAST (467-4278). Email: [email protected]

Conference plannedfor educators of international nurses

The Orientation to Nursing in Canada for Internationally Educated Nurses program pro-vides internationally educated nurses with a better understanding of the Canadianhealth care system and develops the knowledge necessary to work as a nurse in Canada.


By Judy Boychuk Duchscher

In September 2007, the SIAST NursingDivision instituted a new faculty posi-tion: facilitator of scholarly programsand projects. The purpose of the po-

sition is to identify, evaluate, encourageand actively support ongoing research,evidence application initiatives, andscholarly activities within the Nursing Di-vision. It is an exciting new initiative thatwill advance the process of scholarshipdevelopment and foster a sense of profes-sional fulfilment and job satisfactionamong participating faculty. In addition,profiling the exceptional scholarship ofnursing faculty will make more evidentthe organizational benefits to SIAST ofsupporting the discovery, integration andapplication of new knowledge by nursingfaculty.

During the course of the upcomingmonths, I will be devoting two days aweek to scholarship development in theNursing Division. Approximately 80 per

cent of this time will be spent assessing,reviewing and evaluating five designatedprojects:● 80/20 Mentorship Project● Interprofessional Mentorship Project● Personal Data Assistant Project● Second Degree Entry Option Adjunct

Clinical Educator Position Project● Interprofessional Simulation Learning

CentreThe remaining 20 per cent will be spent

assisting individual faculty, students orscholarship groups as they initiate or de-velop their visions of knowledge applica-tion in nursing and health care.

I encourage you to contact me [email protected] withquestions about your scholarship plans orjust to have an informal dialogue aboutnursing education, research, teaching, orpractice. My door is “virtually” alwaysopen, and I hope that you will use me asa sounding (or drawing) board for yourcreative ideas! Take advantage of schol-arly discussion forums such as the Arm-

chair Scholarship Group and watch outfor upcoming opportunities to share yourscholarship inspirations. Looking for-ward to hearing from you!

By Sue Myers

SIAST has been given a wonderfulopportunity to develop a qualityprogram that will address the men-tal health needs of the people of

Saskatchewan and to demonstrate lead-ership in psychiatric nursing education.

The timing is excellent because Reginais to host the World Congress for Psychi-atric Nurses in May 2008 and national ini-tiatives such as the Kirby Commission andCanadian Collaborative Mental Health Ini-tiative are raising the profile of mentalhealth.

In March 2007, the provincial govern-ment announced that SIAST would de-velop and deliver a psychiatric nursingdiploma program with an annual intakeof 16 seats beginning in September 2008.

This was welcome news to registeredpsychiatric nurses (RPNs) throughout theprovince, as well as to other psychiatricnursing programs in the western pro-

vinces. There has been much interest, en-thusiasm and renewed energy since theannouncement.

In July 2007, 14 additional seats wereannounced, increasing the total programintake to 30 students.

The curriculum will be client-focused,

with strong emphasis on mental healthpromotion and primary health care. Us-ing some courses already developed forthe Nursing Education Program ofSaskatchewan (NEPS), such as biologicaland social sciences, will support interpro-fessional education initiatives.

● PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Position supports scholarship, research

SIAST gears up for psychiatric nursing

Judy Boychuk Duchscher – Facilitator ofScholarly Projects and Programs

Psychiatric Nursing Visioning Meeting, June 2007. Left to right, standing: Marion Rieger,Sue Myers, Helen Timm, Karen Barss, Don Froese, Kathy White. Seated: Caroline Hoffart,Linda Rabyj


By Bev Fast

The nursing shortage evident acrossCanada is making it tough for manysmaller Aboriginal communities torecruit and retain nurses. It’s a situ-

ation Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation(PBCN) Health Services Inc. in northernSaskatchewan is determined to address.PBCN Health Services Inc. serves approx-imately 8,400 members in eight commu-nities. It is collaborating with SIAST andNorthlands College in an innovative part-nership to deliver SIAST’s Practical Nurs-ing program directly to three remotecommunities.

The pilot project launched in Septem-ber 2007. There are 11 students: eight inPelican Narrows, two in DeschambaultLake and one in Southend. Using simulta-neous distance education, the studentsare being educated as practical nursesright in their home communities. This iswhat sets the program apart.

“We don’t have to leave to go to the city,that’s the biggest advantage,” says AlvinaMerasty, one of the Pelican Narrows stu-dents. “If you move to the city you haveto pay rent, you have to drive back andforth – there’s a cost factor. And there’sfamily too.”

Freida Olson, the lone student inSouthend, agrees. “One of the reasonsthe program appealed to me is that it al-lows me to stay home with my family.When people first heard I was taking itthey asked me when I was moving away.I said I don’t have to move away, I take thecourse right here over the internet. Oncethey heard that, they became very inter-ested.”

Having to move away from home is amajor barrier to post-secondary trainingfor Aboriginal people in northern Sas-katchewan. When you move, you leaveyour supports behind – family, friends,community. The resulting emotional, so-cial and financial stress adds to the aca-demic stress. And for many older stu-dents, moving away isn’t an option; theyhave responsibilities to children, parents,partners and extended family.

SIAST has a rich history of extendingaccess to learners through distance edu-cation. It is a leader in online learningand has won awards for course develop-ment work through its Nursing Division.The Practical Nursing program, being de-livered through the partnership withPBCN Health Services Inc. and North-lands College, is the same two-year cer-tificate program as SIAST’s on-campusprogram. It features a combination of in-teractive distance learning, simulationlabs delivered in the community and clin-ical experiences arranged as close to thehome communities as possible. Coursework and hands-on experience preparesstudents for careers as licensed practicalnurses (LPNs).

Northlands College provides studentsupport in the PBCN communities. A pro-gram facilitator fluent in Cree travels tothe communities, delivering exams andother resources, answering questions andhelping students stay motivated.

Students attend “class” full time, buttheir classroom is virtual. As the only stu-dent in Southend, Freida works onlinefrom her home. In Pelican Narrows, Alv-ina joins fellow students in a commonarea at the local school, where they each

access coursework via computer. A vari-ety of media and technologies are used toenhance the learning experience. Stu-dents talk to each other as well as to theirinstructors via email and SKYPE internetphone calls. They use iLinc web confer-encing tools to watch presentations andask questions.

“It’s like having somebody right there,because you can hear the instructor whilephysically seeing what she’s talkingabout. I find that very helpful,” Alvinasays.

Both Freida and Alvina admit they misshaving face-to-face contact with instruc-tors, but find interacting with the otherstudents is helpful. “Staying in touch withyour peers is important,” Freida says.“You also have to have a lot of enthusi-asm, self-discipline and be able to lookahead. It’s a tough course, but I’m reallyenjoying it.”

Graduation day in 2009 holds greatpromise. The success of the partnershipbetween PBCN Health Services Inc.,SIAST and Northlands could open thedoor to new opportunities in post-sec-ondary education and career laddering inAboriginal communities across northernSaskatchewan.

Partnership delivers nursing program to remote First Nation communities

● ACCESS FOR ABORIGINAL STUDENTS

Doreen Ballantyne takes Susan Morin's blood pressure during a session on assessing vitalsigns. Both students are taking SIAST's Practical Nursing program online through a part-nership that includes SIAST, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Northlands College.


● MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Innovation and leadership are requi-site to effective collaboration andchange management. The healthcare system is experiencing un-

precedented change and relentless chal-lenges relating to the nursing shortageand changing needs of Saskatchewanpeople. We have chosen to embrace thepace of change and be invigorated by itsinherent opportunities.

The advancement of nursing educa-tion is a proactive approach to address-ing the needs of the health care system.The SIAST Nursing Division is providinginnovative leadership by moving for-ward with program expansions, newprogram development and educationaltechnological advances.

Increasingly, students are finding iteasier to access nursing educationacross the province. Program expan-sions are providing opportunities forgreater numbers of students. The modeof program delivery is continuallychanging to keep pace with studentneeds and provide access throughoutthe province and beyond. Leading edgetechnologies are being integrated intonursing education to enhance the learn-ing experience and prepare students forprofessional practice.

The capacity of the Nursing EducationProgram of Saskatchewan (NEPS) wasexpanded in Saskatoon by 18 seats inSeptember 2007 and will be further ex-

panded by 25 seats in September 2008.A 49-seat expansion is being planned forthe Regina site. The Second Degree En-try Option (SDEO) will be increased by10 seats in May 2008 and another 18seats in May 2009.

The Practical Nursing program contin-ues to grow, increasing the number ofseats in existing sites, adding new sites,establishing creative partnerships, andincorporating innovative educationaltechnology. We were delighted to beginoffering the Practical Nursing programin Saskatoon in September 2007. The 28students are excited to be able to accessthe education in their home community.Changing to an annual intake in Reginaand Prince Albert will result in gradu-ates every year, which will better meetthe needs of employers.

Converting the entire Practical Nurs-ing program to online delivery is creat-ing flexibility and increased access. Theinnovative partnership developed be-tween SIAST, Northlands College andPeter Ballantyne Cree Nation has proven

an effective approach to delivering theonline program. Students from De-schambault Lake, Pelican Narrows andSouthend can now remain in their homecommunities while completing the theo-retical courses and nursing labs. Addi-tional delivery partnerships are beingpursued with regional colleges.

The growing necessity to addressmental health needs in Saskatchewan,along with the shortage of professionalsskilled in mental health care and pro-motion, led the provincial governmentto announce the establishment of a 30-seat psychiatric nursing program. Ateam of expert psychiatric nursing fac-ulty is enthusiastically preparing tolaunch the program in September 2008.

With the introduction of a state-of-the-art interprofessional simulationlearning centre (SLC) at SIAST WascanaCampus, students will have the opportu-nity to develop competencies and partic-ipate in team-oriented clinical experi-ences using “real life” simulators. TheSLC offers a controlled environmentwhere there is no risk to patients. Alongwith psychomotor skills, students willlearn communication, planning, priori-tizing and teamwork, and will gain valu-able insight into the roles of their futurecolleagues. They will engage in variousclinical experiences that they might nototherwise encounter in clinical agen-cies. The SLC will provide experiences

Advancing nursingeducation throughinnovation and leadership

NethaDyckDean of Nursing


to more than 800 health care studentsper year, producing competent, confi-dent students who are well prepared fortheir clinical practicum.

Recognizing mentorship as a key fac-ulty recruitment and retention initia-tive, the SIAST Nursing Division hasmoved forward on a number of initia-tives. Mentoring is being embedded ineveryday activities. Each new facultymember has at least one designatedmentor to assist with his or her transi-tion, and mentor/mentee workshops areconducted to clarify and prepare facultyfor their roles and responsibilities. Withthe appointment of two interprofes-sional mentorship coordinators, addi-tional mentorship resources are beingdeveloped and implemented, includinga resource manual and a web-basedmentoring course.

I applaud the excellence of the SIASTNursing Division team and congratulate

the team on being the recipient of the2007 Saskatchewan Healthcare Excel-lence Award (SHEA) for leadership. In2006, the team received the ElizabethVan Valkenburg Award for Leadership inNursing Education presented by theSRNA.

The SIAST Nursing Division team ex-emplifies innovation, dedication andstudent-centred education. The scholar-ship of faculty is advancing the develop-ment and implementation of teachingbest practices, integration of patientsafety concepts into all nursing pro-grams and collaboration on interprofes-sional education. This work is being en-

couraged and supported through men-torship, our scholar-in-residence pro-gram, and the recently established posi-tion of facilitator of scholarly projectsand programs. Faculty have presentedtheir scholarly work at various provin-cial, national and international confer-ences, and have also published in profes-sional journals. Workshops and profes-sional development activities areplanned to assist faculty in further devel-oping teaching excellence, interprofes-sional education and use of simulation.

I look forward to continued collabora-tion with our many partners, programadvisory committees, students, facultyand staff in providing innovation andleadership. Together, we are advancingnursing education to meet the needs ofthe health care system and the citizensof Saskatchewan.

Netha Dyck

SIAST Nursing Division leadership team. Left to right, back row: Kathy Dreher, Cindy Smith, Karen Ullyott, Janet Johnson, Joyce Bruce,Sandra Pettit; front row: Diane Harrison, Lynn Sheridan, Marian Morrissey, Netha Dyck, Candace Skrapek, Norma Wildeman, Sue Myers.

“The SIAST NursingDivision team exemplifiesinnovation, dedication and student-centrededucation.”


Award Recipients

The star blanket is steeped in FirstNations’ ancient lore. It is be-lieved that stars have the power towatch over mortals on earth and

impart spiritual blessings. Blankets woven with the star symbol are given asgifts to pay tribute to those whose ac-tions have positively affected others.Each blanket is unique and custom-made for the recipient. So when LouiseFrederick, retiring program head ofPractical Nursing at SIAST WascanaCampus received one, she was over-whelmed.

“I was honoured and deeply touched,”says Frederick. “The blanket is a beauti-ful work of art and holds very special

meaning.” Chief Dennis Dustyhorn of the Kawa-

catoose Cree Nation presented the one-of-a-kind blanket to Louise at her retire-ment dinner in June. Hand-made espe-cially for her by Doreen Dustyhorn, askilled local artisan and wife of ChiefDustyhorn, the blanket was wrappedaround Louise’s shoulders in a signifi-cant gesture symbolizing affection andacceptance.

“Louise was a great help and inspira-tion to the people of Kawacatoose. Shewill always be remembered for her hardwork and determination in the startupof the Practical Nursing program inKawacatoose,” says Chief Dustyhorn.

● SIAST's Nursing Division receivedthe 2007 Saskatchewan Healthcare Ex-cellence Award (SHEA) in Leadership.

● Lynn Sheridan, program head,CPR/First Aid and Occupational Healthand Safety Practitioner programs, re-ceived the 2007 Saskatchewan Regis-tered Nurses’ Association MentorshipAward.

● Judy Boychuk Duchscher, facilitatorof scholarly projects and programs, re-ceived the 2007 Saskatchewan Regis-tered Nurses’ Association Effie FeenyAward for Nursing Research.

● Yvonne Warnes, former programhead, Basic Critical Care and Periopera-tive Nursing programs and current proj-ect manager, SIAST Wascana CampusSimulation Learning Centre, received aSaskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Asso-ciation Life Membership.

● Marie Darichuk, former Nursing Ed-ucation Program of Saskatchewan fac-ulty and current casual faculty, receiveda Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ As-sociation Life Membership.

● Kim Neudorf, former Nursing Educa-tion Program of Saskatchewan, pro-

gram and clinical coordinator, Prince Al-bert site, received the MentorshipAward presented by the College of Nurs-ing, University of Saskatchewan.

● Lorna Weisbrod, faculty and clinicalplacement coordinator, Nursing Educa-tion Program of Saskatchwan, SIASTWascana Campus, received the Saskat-chewan Health Bursary (SpecializedProfessional – Nurse Educator), Saskat-chewan Government Employees UnionBursary Award and Athabasca Univer-sity 2007 Excellence in Research Schol-arship Award.

Saskatchewan Healthcare Excellence Award in Leadership

Lynn Sheridan Judy Boychuk Duchscher

Yvonne Warnes Marie Darichuk Kim Neudorf

First Nation honoursretiring program head

Kawacatoose Cree Nation pays tribute toLouise Frederick with a star blanket


New Appointments● Sue Myers, program head,Psychiatric Nursing program ● Lynn Sheridan, program head,CPR/First Aid and Occupational Healthand Safety Practitioner programs ● Cindy Smith, program head, PracticalNursing, SIAST Wascana Campus ● Jean Busby, program head, PracticalNursing, SIAST Kelsey 4th Ave Centre ● Judy Boychuk Duchscher, facilitatorof scholarly projects and programs ● Tracie Risling and Caroline Hoffart,interprofessional mentorshipcoordinators ● Kathy White, mental health /psychiatric nursing educationcoordinator, SIAST Wascana Campus

Basic Critical Care Nursing Faculty● Trina Hill

CPR/First Aid Faculty● Lise MacInnis

NEPS, SIAST Kelsey Campus Faculty● Cheryl Brunoro● Bernice Burkhart● Val Churko● Joanne Folstad● Kristen Haase● Don Leidl● Sheri McCrystal-Orange

● Cindy Olexson● Karrie Orr● Teri Schroeder

NEPS, SIAST Wascana Campus Faculty● Sherry Arvidson● Charlene Dunn● Deanna Dunville● Jodi Found

● Allison Hall● Kandy Hennenfent● Jan Patrick● Jennelle Schermann

NEPS, Second Degree Entry Option Faculty● Roslyn Compton● Sheila Kiryk● Sybil Morgan

● Elaine Abrook convocated from Uni-versity of Mary, October 2006. Thesis:The Public’s Perception of the Nurse Practi-tioner’s Role in an Urban Center.

● Judy Boychuk Duchscher convocatedfrom University of Alberta, November2007 with a PhD in Nursing. Dissertation:Professional Role Transition into AcuteCare by Newly Graduated BaccalaureateFemale Registered Nurses.

● Cheryl Brunoro convocated from Uni-versity of Saskatchewan, October 2007.Thesis: Clinical Nurse Perceptions of WhoGoverns the Professional Environment in-

cluding Control over Practice in ProvincialHospitals in Saskatchewan.

● Jeniffer Dupuis convocated from Uni-versity of Saskatchewan, October 2007.Thesis: An Exploratory Study of PhysicalActivity and Body Mass Index in a Sampleof Rural Saskatchewan Children.

● Pam Farthing will convocate from Uni-versity of Saskatchewan, May 2008 witha master’s of science in community healthand epidemiology from the College ofMedicine. Thesis: Farming Activities andRespiratory Health in School Age Children.

● Sheila Kiryk convocated from Univer-

sity of Saskatchewan, October 2007. Pro-ject: Succession Planning in Nursing: TheTime has Come.

● Tracie Risling convocated from Univer-sity of Saskatchewan, October 2007. Pro-ject: Advancing Nursing Leadership: AMentorship Imperative.

● Lorna Weisbrod will convocate fromAthabasca University in June 2008 witha Master of Arts – Integrated Studies de-gree (Specialization: Adult Education).Thesis: Nursing Students’ Perceptions ofWorkplace Violence: A Feminist ResearchStudy.

Achievement of PhD and master’s degree

Lynn SheridanSue Myers Cindy Smith Jean Busby

Tracie RislingJudy BoychukDuchscher

Caroline Hoffart Kathy White


● Cindy Sherban

Perioperative Nursing Faculty● Esther Vanderveer

Practical Nursing SIAST Wascana Campus Faculty● Marla Fraser● Heather Gold● Anne Guest● Debbie Hill● Lorraine Jones● Sharon Misfeldt● Deborah Norton

Practical Nursing Kawacatoose First Nation Faculty● Lionel Tancrede

Practical Nursing SIAST Woodland Campus Faculty ● Diane Blue● Aida Carandang de Leon● Wendy Crouch● Stacey Forgrave

Practical Nursing SIAST Kelsey 4th Ave Centre Faculty● Nancy Anweiler● Robyn Beitel● Elaine Maksymiuk● Sherry McDonald● Alice Salter● Joanne Sookocheff

Practical Nurse Re-entry Faculty● Nathalie Senhouse

Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFaculty● Bev Houk

Psychiatric Nursing Faculty● Linda Rabyj● Helen Timm

Psychiatric Nursing Re-entry Faculty● Catherine New

Professional Services● Terry Boll, technician, SimulationLearning Centre, SIAST WascanaCampus● Jennifer Braaten, nursing simulationlab coordinator, SIAST WoodlandCampus● Sharon Eckmire, administrativeassistant, Nursing Education Program ofSaskatchewan Second Degree Entry

Option. ● Katherine Haensel, nursingsimulation lab coordinator, SIASTKelsey Campus● Brenda Hudon, administrativeassistant, Practical Nursing, SIASTWoodland Campus● Naomi Jansen, administrativeassistant, Practical Nursing, SIASTKelsey 4th Ave Centre● Judy Killaby, senior simulationassistant, Simulation Learning Centre,SIAST Wascana Campus● Sandra Lees, administrativeassistant, NEPS, SIAST Kelsey Campus● Melissa Mantyka, administrativeassistant, NEPS, SIAST Kelsey Campus● Susan Morhart, coordinator,Simulation Learning Centre, SIASTWascana Campus● Jennifer Nagy, administrativeassistant, Practical Nursing, SIASTWascana Campus● Charlene Patterson, administrativeassistant, NEPS, SIAST WascanaCampus● Margo Rosinski, administrativeassistant, Psychiatric Nursing, SIASTWascana Campus● Lori Roy, nursing simulation labcoordinator, SIAST Kelsey 4th AveCentre

● Linda Sachkowski, administrativeassistant, Simulation Learning Centre,SIAST Wascana Campus

Long-Service Recognition20 years● Hugh Garven

30 years● Reny Loewen● Judy Russell Doan

Retirements● Louise Frederick● Kim Neudorf● Linda Rendall● Rita Seip

Expert Appointments● Joyce Bruce was appointed to a one-year term appointment on the CanadianAssociation of Schools of Nursing TaskForce on Nurse Practitioner Educationand was reappointed for a one-year

term as member of the SaskatchewanRegistered Nurses’ AssociationLegislation and Bylaws Committee.

● Lynn Sheridan was appointed asemployee co-chair of the SIAST KelseyCampus Occupational Health and SafetyCommittee and as employee co-chair ofthe SIAST-wide Occupational Healthand Safety Committee.

Scholarly Work: Presentations● Karen Barss has developed theT.R.U.S.T. Model for inclusive spiritualcare, which offers a quick referencegrounding for an evidence-based, non-linear approach to exploration of thespiritual dimension of health. Themodel is currently being introduced andpiloted at SIAST Kelsey Campus in theNEPS 220 (Health Assessment) course.

● Judy Boychuk Duchscher along withLisa Doepker, Shari Dawson, KatieHaynes, Carlena Barbour and JodyKerr co-presented Nursing The Future:New Graduates Lead the Way at theWestern Region Canadian Associationof Schools of Nursing conference inSaskatoon on February 15-17, 2007.

● Joyce Bruce presented FromEducation to Practice: Nurse Practitionersand the Older Adult at the Vitality ofAging: Embracing the Spirit CGNABiennial Scientific Review andEducational conference in Winnipeg onMay 2-5, 2007.

● Joyce Bruce and Maureen Klenk co-presented Shaping Future NursePractitioners: Using innovativetechnology to advance a futuristiccurriculum conceptual model at theWestern Region Canadian Associationof Schools of Nursing conference inSaskatoon on February 15-17, 2007 andat the Evidence and Practice the Road tothe Future 2007 CAAPN Biennialconference in Banff on October 3-4,2007.

● Roni Clubb presented Patient Safety:Curriculum Alignment to the SystemsApproach at the Canadian Association ofPractical Nurse Educators conference inSt. John’s, NL on October 1-3, 2007.

● Natasha Hubbard Murdoch alongwith Gitashree Heise, Sandra Kozowy,Della Breton and Lynn Sheridan co-


presented A Pilot Evaluation of ElectronicSubmission of Term Papers at theWestern Region Canadian Associationof Schools of Nursing conference inSaskatoon on February 15-17, 2007.

● Deb Lendzyk-Sorestad along withGwen Mahar and Emily Harder co-presented Addressing the Needs of aMentor in a Formal Nursing FacultyMentorship Program at the WesternRegion Canadian Association of Schoolsof Nursing conference in Saskatoon inFebruary 2007.

● Sherry McDonald, NatashaHubbard Murdoch and Leah-AnneMcLeod co-presented Concepto-Plan: AnAlternative Education Tool at theWestern Region Canadian Associationof Schools of Nursing conference inSaskatoon in February 2007.

● Lucia New and Tracie Risling co-presented A Classroom that Clicks: UsingTechnology to Enhance StudentEngagement at the Canadian Associationof Schools of Nurses Nurse Educatorsconference in Kingston in November2007.

● Linda Oblander presented Welcometo Quinton – The SIAST andKawacatoose Connection at theCanadian Association of PracticalNurse Educators conference in St.John’s, NL on October 1-3, 2007.

● Marg Olfert along with KathrynKnox and Patti Manson co-presentedEstablishing a Community of Scholarshipat the Western Region CanadianAssociation of Schools of Nursingconference in Saskatoon on February 15-17, 2007.

● Susan Page and Roni Clubb co-presented Charting the Course: TheJourney from Student to LicensedPractical Nurse at the CanadianAssociation of Practical Nurse Educatorsconference in St. John’s, NL on October1-3, 2007 and at the SaskatchewanAssociation of Licensed Practical Nursesannual general meeting in Regina onMay 1, 2007.

● Tracie Risling presented A Culture ofMentorship: Building our Future Facultiesat the Western Region CanadianAssociation of Schools of Nursingconference in Saskatoon on February 15-17, 2007.

● Tracie Risling and Lynn Sheridan co-

presented Faculty Mentorship:Recruitment, Retention and RejuvenationStrategies at the Association of CanadianCommunity Colleges conference inMontreal, May 2007.

● Darlene Scott presented BuildingInterprofessional Health Science StudentTeam Experiences at the Western RegionCanadian Association of Schools ofNursing conference in Saskatoon onFebruary 15-17, 2007.

● Darlene Scott along with KatherineStevenson, Health Quality Council;Angela Busch, School of PhysicalTherapy, University of Saskatchewan;and Roy Dobson, College of Pharmacyand Nutrition, University ofSaskatchewan, co-presented Using aQuality Improvement Framework toFacilitate Interprofessional Collaborationin Undergraduate Health SciencesEducation at the InternationalConference 2007 Practice MakesPerfect: Education of Professionals inCommunity, Clinical and SimulatedSettings in Vancouver on November 4-7,2007.

● Lynn Sheridan presented Novice toExpert Nurse Educator Development:Formal Mentorship Program at theWestern Region Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (WRCASN)conference in Saskatoon on February 15-17, 2007, and Leveraging FormalMentorship to Improve Nurse EducatorTransition from Novice to ExpertPractitioner at the Canadian Associationof Schools of Nursing conference inKingston on November 21-24, 2007.

● Ann-Marie Urban presentedImproving Clinical Research: NursingStudents Use the World Wide Web toEnhance Their Patient Knowledge at theWestern Region Canadian Associationof Schools of Nursing conference inSaskatoon on February 15-17, 2007.

● Norma Wildeman and Ann-MarieUrban co-presented InterprofessionalPatient Safety a Dual Strategy Project atthe Western Region CanadianAssociation of Schools of Nursingconference in Saskatoon on February 15-17, 2007.

● Patricia Zip presented Sexual HealthPromotion Following Disability: ANursing and Collaborative TeamApproach at the Western Region

Canadian Association of Schools ofNursing conference in Saskatoon onFebruary 15-17, 2007.

Scholarly Work: Publications● Joyce Bruce published Shortage ofNurse Practitioner Educators: OnlineTutors as a Solution in Nurse Educator33(3).

● Lynn Sheridan has submittedMentorship Development Model: AFaculty Development, Recruitment andRetention Strategy for publication in theJournal of Professional Nursing.

● Kim Neudorf, Diana Davidson Dick,Netha Dyck, Darlene Scott submittedNursing Education: A Catalyst for thePatient Safety Movement for publicationin Heath Care Quarterly, Patient SafetyPapers.

● Denise Nelson and Carol Blenkinpublished The Power of Online Role-PlaySimulations: Technology in NursingEducation in the International Journalof Nursing Education Scholarship, 2007,4(1).

Program Approvals● ORNAC Approval – PerioperativeNursing RN Program (3 years)

● RPNAS Approval – PsychiatricNursing Re-entry (5 years)

● SRNA Approval – Primary Care NursePractitioner (5 years)

● SRNA Approval – Nursing EducationProgram of Saskatchewan and NursingEducation Program of SaskatchewanSecond Degree Entry Option (5 years)

AcknowledgementSpecial acknowledgement to BonniePetrowich as contributing writer forthis issue of the newsletter.

WINTER 2007-08

Nursing DivisionprogramsThe SIAST Nursing Division pro-vides an extensive range of un-dergraduate and continuing nursing education programs,drawing more than 3,000 students annually. It offers on-campus programming at fourlocations, outreach programmingacross Saskatchewan and a broadarray of distance education options. The division is part of theSaskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology,Saskatchewan's primary providerof post-secondary technical education and skills training.

● Advanced Diabetes EducationProgram for Health CareProviders

● Basic Diabetes EducationProgram for Health CareProviders

● Basic Critical Care Nursing

● CPR/First Aid courses

● Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) and NEPS Second DegreeEntry Option

● Nursing Re-entry

● Occupational Health and SafetyPractitioner

● Orientation to Nursing inCanada for InternationallyEducated Nurses

● Perioperative Nursing/LPN

● Perioperative Nursing/RN

● Practical Nursing

● Practical Nurse Re-entry

● Primary Care NursePractitioner

● Psychiatric Nursing (underdevelopment)

● Psychiatric Nursing Re-entry

16 | Nursing News

SIAST Nursing DivisionAdvancing Health

MissionThe SIAST Nursing Division meetsthe needs of students, employersand our communities byadvancing health throughexcellence in education for the21st century.

VisionThe SIAST Nursing Division is aleader in superior education,focused on students, lifelonglearning and scholarship, andcontributes as an academicdivision of SIAST in advancing thehealth and social and economicprosperity of Saskatchewan.

ValuesStudent-centred, collaborative,accessible, pro-active, future-oriented, innovative, responsive,supportive, and knowledge-based,with an integrated local-to-globalvision.

How to reach usDean’s Office(306) 933-8437

NEPS SIAST Kelsey Campus,Saskatoon(306) 933-8056

NEPS SIAST Wascana Campus, Regina(306) 775-7766

NEPS Second Degree Entry OptionProgram, Saskatoon(306) 966-6604

Practical Nursing program(306) [email protected]

Basic Critical Care Nursing program(306) 775-7575

Perioperative Nursing programs(306) [email protected]

Primary Care Nurse Practitionerprogram(306) [email protected]

Psychiatric Nursing program(306) 775-7354

Re-entry and Diabetes Educationprograms(306) 775-7573

Occupational Health and SafetyPractitioner program(306) [email protected]

Orientation to Nursing in Canada forInternationally Educated Nurses(306) 775-7573

CPR/First Aid(306) [email protected]

Nursing continuing educationprograms and courses(306) 775-7689

1-866-goSIASTwww.goSIAST.com

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