The College of New Caledonia is recognizing National Nursing Week by celebrating the students, instructors, and programs helping address healthcare needs across northern British Columbia.
CNC's Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program continues to prepare students for meaningful careers in healthcare while creating accessible educational pathways for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
For first-year practical nursing student Robin Fairley, returning to school at age 52 was the realization of a dream she had carried for decades.
"I've wanted to pursue nursing since 2000," said Fairley. "Life happened. I got married, raised a family, and focused on work. Going back to school for a registered nursing degree didn't feel manageable at that stage of my life, but a two-year LPN program felt attainable."
Fairley currently works as a care aide while completing the program and says the flexibility and structure of the LPN pathway made it possible for her to return to school.
"I'm someone who likes to stay busy," she said. "If there's time, I'll fill it. The program has been manageable while still working, and it's completely changed my mind set about what I can accomplish."
Before entering nursing, Fairley said higher education never felt accessible.
"I wasn't raised with the idea of building a career," she said. "When I first heard about the care aide program years ago, I thought, That's something I can do.' Completing that program and graduating at the top of my class gave me confidence and showed me I could achieve these goals."
Now entering the second year of her LPN studies, Fairley says the experience has reinforced her passion for patient care and connection.
"I really love working with people," she said. "I enjoy interacting with my classmates, instructors, and patients during clinical placements. Nursing is incredibly rewarding."
After graduating in 2027, Fairley plans to continue working in northern B.C.
"I want to stay in the North," she said. "This is my community."
According to Jocelyn Bergeron, Program Coordinator for Practical Nursing and Health Care Assistant programs at CNC, practical nurses are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery across the province.
"The scope of practice for LPNs has expanded significantly," said Bergeron. "Licensed practical nurses now work in many different healthcare settings, including emergency rooms and intensive care units. With major healthcare investments happening in northern B.C., including the new acute care tower in Prince George, there will continue to be strong demand for skilled nurses."
Bergeron says CNC's program is designed to support student success and remove barriers to education wherever possible.
"Our program includes open educational resources, which means students only require one textbook," she said. "We also work closely with students through admissions and advising, helping them understand prerequisites, application requirements, and future pathways, including opportunities to bridge into registered nursing programs."
The program currently includes a diverse cohort of students, reflecting changing perceptions of the nursing profession.
"Nursing is no longer viewed as a female-only profession," said Bergeron. "We're seeing more diversity in healthcare education and practice, which is wonderful for the profession and for clients."
CNC's LPN program currently has seats available for September 2026 intake.
Students interested in applying can learn more about admissions requirements, prerequisites, and pathways through the CNC website or by contacting admissions directly.
National Nursing Week takes place May 11-17, 2026, and recognizes the contributions of nurses and nursing students who provide compassionate care in communities across Canada.
For more information
3330-22nd Avenue
Prince George British Columbia
Canada V2N 1P8
www.cnc.bc.ca/
