October 16, 2025
Education News Canada

RED RIVER COLLEGE POLYTECHNIC
New Nurses from RRC Polytech to be Celebrated at Pinning Ceremony Tonight

October 16, 2025

On October 14, 161 nursing graduates from RRC Polytech were officially welcomed into the profession during the annual pinning ceremony. To reach this point, students have completed the 32-month Bachelor of Nursing program, including a 450-hour senior practicum.  

"Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and in today's world - where resilience, empathy, and adaptability are more important than ever - the role they play is vital. This graduating class has shown remarkable dedication, not only in their studies but in their commitment to serving communities across the province, including rural and remote areas. I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact on the lives of Manitobans and help strengthen the future of healthcare in our province," said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. 

The pins will be presented by instructors, with representatives from the Manitoba Government, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, and the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba in attendance. 

"The pinning ceremony is more than a celebration, it's a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and resilience that nurses bring to our healthcare system every single day. The Class of 2025 represents the future of health care in Manitoba. I am so proud of each graduate who has chosen this path of service. Many of you have already made an impact in communities across our province, including rural and remote areas, and we know you'll continue to do so. Our government is committed to supporting nurses and strengthening our healthcare system, because when we invest in you, we're investing in the health and wellbeing of all Manitobans," said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training for the Province of Manitoba. 

There is a high demand for nurses in Manitoba, and nursing graduates often obtain a job in their area of choice. 

"Behind every health-care story in Manitoba is a nurse, someone who listens, advocates, and delivers care when people need it most," said Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care. "This year's RRC Polytech graduates are entering the profession at a pivotal time, as thousands of new health-care professionals join the workforce. Their skills and compassion are helping strengthen care teams, reduce wait times, and ensure Manitobans can get care close to home, from Winnipeg to our most rural and northern communities. I thank them for choosing this calling and know they will have rewarding careers." 

Despite challenges posed by wildfires this past spring and summer, which led to the early return of one student from Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the cancellation of a placement in The Pas due to a provincial state of emergency, RRC Polytech students continued to show resilience and commitment through their practicum placements, expanding on the professionalism and training learned and practiced in the classroom.  

This year's ceremony also marks the first graduating class to benefit from RRC Polytech's new Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre, launched in January 2025. The Sim Centre has enriched student learning by offering realistic, hands-on scenarios that prepare future nurses to thrive in today's healthcare system. 

"The addition of our new Simulation Centre has elevated the quality of training at RRC Polytech even further - giving students the opportunity to practice complex scenarios in a safe, realistic environment. It's helping them build confidence, sharpen clinical judgment, and prepare to thrive in today's fast-paced healthcare system. We're proud to see how this investment in simulation is already making a difference in the lives of our students and the patients they'll care for across the province," said Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean of Nursing at RRC Polytech. 

A nursing pin is a badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to newly graduated nurses by faculty at a pinning ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession.  

Kiara Carpenter pursued the Bachelor of Nursing Program at RRC Polytech because she was drawn to a career where she can make a meaningful difference in people's lives, and is one of the graduates receiving her pin this evening.   

"Receiving my nursing pin feels so special it's a moment I've looked forward to since the very beginning of the program. It represents not just the hard work and long hours, but also the growth, connections, and moments that shaped me into the nurse I've become. My practicums have given me the confidence, skills, and compassion to step into this next chapter, and I couldn't be more grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way," she said.  

Another recent graduate, Brooke Allen, entered the program with the goal of working with children - and has now successfully been hired as a pediatric nurse. 

"The nursing program at Red River was very special to me because it gave me a sense of community in which I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to be the best version of myself. Parts of me will forever miss walking into those 8 am classes, coffee in hand, catching up with friends before diving into lectures led by some of the best instructors. Receiving the nursing pin this week truly feels special to me, and I feel honoured to be entering the workforce as a nurse. People are trusting you with the care of their loved ones, which is no small responsibility, and I do not take that lightly. I hope to exceed the expectations and beyond that, I hope to make a difference in people's care that they receive," said Allen. 

More information can be found on the RRC Polytech website

For more information

Red River College Polytechnic
2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg Manitoba
Canada R3H 0J9
www.rrc.ca


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