NORTH WEST COLLEGE
Saskatchewan Collaborative Nursing Program Expands to North Battleford

A partnership between North West College, Prairie North Health Region, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina has resulted in the expansion of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program to North Battleford.

"This partnership builds on Sask Polytech's long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of both students and employers," says Dr. Netha Dyck, dean of the School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. "The opportunity to study nursing and take part in clinical placements close to home improves access for North Battleford area students, which in turn will ultimately benefit the Prairie North Health Region and local health care providers."

"We know that about 55 per cent of SCBScN graduates find employment in the nursing units where they completed their practicum in year four," says Dr. david Gregory, dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina. "Providing the fourth year of the degree program in North Battleford ensures SCBScN graduates are well positioned to find employment in the Prairie North Health Region."

Beginning in September 2018, up to 16 students from the North Battleford area entering year one of the SCBScN program will take their first three years in Saskatoon and complete their fourth year in North Battleford. Recruiting local students from their home community will enable the Collaborative Nursing program to meet local labour market needs.

"North West has been advocating for a local Registered Nurse program delivery for quite some time and is pleased to see this opportunity for our local residents," says Tavia Laliberte, president and CEO of North West College. "This delivery model strategically aligns with our College and bring us closer to meeting the needs of our communities."

"Prairie North Health Region looks forward to hosting the fourth year nursing students in their senior practicum. We are pleased to support this opportunity for local students and are optimistic many will choose to seek employment with Prairie North after graduation," says David Fan, CEO of Prairie North. "The graduates-to-be will be mentored by our staff in the values and skills of the nursing profession so that compassionate, competent care is provided to those who use our health services. The students will be welcome additions to our teams."

The development of this program is the culmination of a successful pilot project the partners undertook in the fall of 2016 and will serve as a model that can be used in other communities across Saskatchewan.