The energy and excitement were high in RRC Polytech's South Gym on February 7, 2025, as close to 250 nursing students attended the College's first-ever Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase, an event hosted in partnership with Manitoba Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office.
Photo courtesy of Shared Health Manitoba.
More than 25 employer booths were set up, with representatives and nurses from each of Manitoba's health service delivery organizations eager to meet with senior nursing students to help guide their decisions for practicum experiences and their future careers.
"It was a great experience to have managers and nurses from different locations that I might never have thought of or considered," said third year nursing student Bradley Biggs. "I was able to meet someone in the Interlake region as well as Southern Health, which piqued my interest level. Nursing allows for many options and placements, which is amazing."
Katrina Enns, a fellow third-year student, noted that the event helped confirm her interest in completing her practicum in a rural setting in Northern Manitoba: "I gained contact information that I can hold onto for my future career, as well as had the ability to speak with some Northern nurses about their experience," she said. "Hearing perspectives from representatives was encouraging and reinforced my desire for this experience."
Employment engagement opportunities like the Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase help ensure students can build strong connections while they're still in school, to take forward as they build their careers in Manitoba upon graduation.
"Hosting events to prepare students for Work-Integrated Learning experiences offers benefits for both students and employers," said Dusty Ritchie, Director of Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services at RRC Polytech. "Students gain insights into work terms, helping them make informed career choices and expand their networks. Employers can showcase their culture, discuss opportunities, and connect with motivated students, ready to contribute. This collaboration creates rewarding partnerships between educational institutions and industry partners which results in WIL opportunities for students."
In her opening remarks, Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services at RRC Polytech, noted that "it takes an immense amount of kindness and dedication to enter a career in healthcare."
"Each of you will make a tremendous impact on the lives of Manitobans," she said. "That impact starts with your education and will continue in the connections you make today. I hope this event allows you to learn more and get excited about the opportunities ahead for you."
The kindness of nurses played a large role in Bradley Biggs's decision to pursue nursing.
"I lost my dad just over 18 years ago and had the most amazing experience with the nurses that cared for him on a cardiac unit - this inspired me to look at the healthcare field," he said, noting that the fast pace of nursing school can pose a challenge, as a mature student.
"It took longer to get things to fall in place and making nursing school a reality, it is never too late to start something you are passionate about."
"I chose nursing because I have a strong desire to help others and make a meaningful impact on people's lives," added Katrina Enns. "I love hearing people's stories and the experiences that have shaped them into the person they have become."
RRC Polytech is one of Manitoba's largest trainers of health-care professionals and home to the only three-year Bachelor of Nursing degree program in the province. The College plays a pivotal role in shaping the health-care workforce in Manitoba, and partnerships such as these help to ensure that crucial roles across the province's health service delivery organizations are filled by a passionate, highly skilled workforce.
The Senior Nursing Practicum Showcase was made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office.
