The RPNAS - Battleford chapter is offering two scholarships for registered psychiatric nursing students. The new scholarships will be administered by the Battlefords and District Community Foundation (Submitted photos/RPNAS).

By battlefordsNOW Staff

NEW NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS

Champions of Mental Health Committee creates new scholarships for psychiatric nursing students

Nov 14, 2022 | 2:00 PM

The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan – Battlefords Branch (RPNAS) is creating two scholarships to be awarded annually.

Two North West College students studying to become a registered psychiatric nurse will receive $1,000 each. The first one will be awarded in June 2023.

About 13 years ago, the RPNAS created The Champions of Mental Health Committee with a mandate to recognize individuals in the Battlefords for their excellence in mental healthcare. Before the pandemic, the committee organized an annual fundraising gala that recognized their champions and served as a fundraiser.

The organization couldn’t have the gala during the pandemic and the hiatus gave committee members a chance to reflect on their efforts. Part of the exercise highlighted the need for more registered psychiatric nurses in Saskatchewan.

RPNAS committee member Kathy Watson said the need for psychiatric nurses in Saskatchewan is significant. “There’s a real demand for registered psychiatric nurses. And there are many vacancies in our province because of the large need for this service.”

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The idea of the scholarships seemed a good fit now that North West College offers an RPN training program in North Battleford.

In a media release sent out by RPNAS, they said the Battlefords have been providing psychiatric and psychological care since 1913. Training for psychiatric staff began in 1947 at Saskatchewan Hospital.

The program was called the Ward Attendant Training Course. In 2019, the Registered Psychiatric Nursing program started at North West College and the first class graduated in 2021.

The scholarship fund will be managed by the Battlefords and District Community Foundation and is open for donations from the public. Donations are eligible for a tax receipt.

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