Nursing students excited to enter field with endless opportunities
As students prepare for their final practicum in the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, they reflect on their student journey.
Meagan Zigante-Wall’s transition into nursing was guided by her desire to extend her skills and impact in the medical field. Her background as a phlebotomist provided her with a unique perspective and a solid foundation in healthcare.
“I chose the SCBScN because of the hands-on approach and opportunities they have within the program,” she notes. The structure includes practical experiences alongside theoretical learning, which Zigante-Wall found invaluable. “One of the things I love about the SCBScN is access to the simulation centres and vSim. They really promote critical thinking and teamwork.”
In addition to the simulation centres, clinical experience stood out for Teresa Nahachewsky. “Clinical days were the best for connecting concepts learned in class with the skills learned in labs. I really started to feel confident in my skills when we started doing consecutive clinical days in third year. You get into a pattern, settle into a groove and feel like a real nurse.”
Nahachewsky was familiar with the medical field before applying to the SCBScN program. She previously took two programs at Sask Polytech, starting her career as a veterinary technologist then moving to phlebotomy.
“The opportunities and job flexibility of nursing was appealing,” says Nahachewsky, “The medical field is always changing, adapting and growing, and that interests me. It's a career where I know that I can continually expand my horizons and challenge myself.”
The life lessons, experiences and relationships Nahachewsky has developed while pursuing her degree have been a defining aspect. “I really enjoyed that the instructors from Sask Polytech and the U of R come from all different backgrounds of nursing and different education levels. It often feels like I have many mentors rather than many instructors,” she says.
Bonding over shared experiences and challenges, Nahachewsky and Zigante-Wall became close friends during their time in the program and with convocation in sight, both are excited to enter the workforce.
“The opportunities that nursing offers are vast. I love that you’re not tied to a specific unit, specialization or location for your entire career,” Zigante-Wall says.
“I know that I'm going to find a path that aligns with what I want to do.” With a passion for patient care and advocacy, Zigante-Wall hopes to one day pursue further education to become a nurse practitioner.
Like Zigante-Wall, Nahachewsky looks forward to the endless opportunities in nursing. “Being able to creatively problem solve and constantly learn in this ever-changing field is a huge draw to me,” she says. “Nursing can take me from the start of a new family to end of life care, from teaching someone about their new diagnosis to life saving procedures in the ER or ICU and from advocating for my patients to shaping public policies.”
“There's no telling where I might end up, and I know the journey is going to be incredible,” says Nahachewsky.
Learn more about the SCBScN offered jointly by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina at sasknursingdegree.ca.
