For Kiara Carpenter, nursing was never just an option - it was a calling. When she enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program at RRC Polytech she knew she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in people's lives - and now in her senior practicum, she describes her education as a transformative experience.
"Through my training, I've learned that I am more resilient and adaptable than I thought. Nursing school challenged me academically, emotionally, and personally, but I discovered I can thrive under pressure, think critically in fast-paced environments, and grow from every experience," she said. "The program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and prepared me to work in diverse clinical areas, from medical-surgical to pediatrics and palliative care. The instructors and preceptors have been supportive mentors, and I've developed lifelong friendships with classmates who share the same passion for nursing."
A pivotal moment in Carpenter's journey at RRC Polytech was when she received a bursary from the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) iHUB.
"Receiving a bursary eased the financial stress that often comes with being a full-time student. It allowed me to focus more on my studies and clinical learning rather than worrying about balancing extra work hours. This support gave me the peace of mind to fully commit myself to my training and clinical experiences," said Carpenter. "I felt incredibly grateful and relieved when I learned I was a recipient. It was encouraging to know that others believed in my potential as a future nurse and were willing to support me in achieving my goals."
Carpenter was one of more than 700 students from the Nursing and Dental assisting programs who have received a bursary from the CEWIL Canada iHUB since the Fall 2024 term, after a pilot program provided 60 recipients in senior practicums with bursaries last year.
"These opportunities for on-the-job learning are invaluable to students, and this support from CEWIL Canada allows them to focus more fully on getting the most out of their practicums as they prepare the enter their fields after graduation," said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. "RRC Polytech is proud to be the largest trainer of health-care professionals, and these hands-on opportunities are an important part of the training that ensures graduates are well-prepared and confident from day one."
The senior practicum marks the culmination of nursing students' academic journey however it can be expensive with financial demands extending beyond the classroom. Nursing and Dental Assisting students have a rigorous practicum schedule that leaves little room for part-time employment, amplifying this financial strain. The bursaries from CEWIL are aimed at helping to alleviate that financial burden in the final stretch of their program.
"CEWIL Canada is pleased to support innovative WIL experiences for students at RRC Polytech where students are able to receive financial support and recognition for their WIL experience," says Charlene Marion, Executive Director at CEWIL Canada. "Funds such as these aim to eliminate barriers to WIL and increase access for all post-secondary students."
The $620,000 of support for nursing and dental assisting students at RRC Polytech comes from CEWIL Canada's iHUB grant, funded in part by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative , and funds various work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students in Canada, including unpaid clinical practicums. The bursary was tiered and the amount determined by the number of hours spent in clinical practicum.
Joshua Salisi, who was a recipient of one of the first bursaries in 2024, said the support was appreciated and would help him stay focused on his training before he entered the workforce.
"The bursary from CEWIL Canada helps alleviate the added stressors during our senior practicum experience," said Salisi. "In addition to tuition, many of us must cover the cost of extra scrubs, parking, and other miscellaneous expenses. Parking around hospitals is often expensive, and with us being there full-time, the costs quickly add up. This bursary gives us more breathing room to better focus on ensuring we have a successful senior practicum experience and help as many patients as we can!"
RRC Polytech establishes long-standing partnerships with industry and community partners in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives, such as practicum experiences, which rely on an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, a host organization, and a student. These opportunities integrate academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting and focus on the development of student learning objectives and outcomes related to employability and life-long learning.
For Carpenter, she is looking forward to continuing her journey and completing her senior practicum ready to transition into career.
"I've not only developed the skills and knowledge to begin my career, but I've also grown personally. Nursing school has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of lifelong learning. I'm excited to take everything I've gained at RRC Polytech and begin my career as a nurse, carrying forward the values and experiences that shaped me here," she said.
