University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing student Leandra McLeod from La Ronge distributed nursing site. (Submitted/Megan Heyhurst Photography )

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Nursing

Studying Nursing in La Ronge with the University of Saskatchewan

Oct 20, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Watching a number of peers go through the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program motivated third year BSN student Leandra McLeod from La Ronge to apply.

It took her six years to take the leap and convince herself she could do it.

“I worked as a waitress, an educational assistant, and a family support worker,” said McLeod.

“I completed one year of Arts and Science in 2015-16, worked, then went back to school for an Educational Assistant Certificate when I decided I wanted to learn more, so I applied for USask Nursing at the Northlands College distributed nursing site.”

“My mother was a graduate of USask and she inspired me to take the program and further my education. I also wanted to demonstrate to my kids, my family, and my friends that you can continue your education journey at any stage in your life whenever you are ready.”

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But for McLeod, relocating to complete her nursing degree was not an option.

“I always had the interest to take the nursing program, but I knew I needed the support of my family and was worried about the financial constraints of going back to school,” said McLeod.

“Staying close to home while studying in La Ronge was important for me because my support system was in place, especially since my two youngest children attend daycare and are just starting to go to school. Financially, everything made sense to stay close to home. Renting at a family members house is affordable and having access to daycare, schools, and my kids’ own activities within kilometers from home makes logistical sense. Not to mention I love the nature in northern Saskatchewan and driving in the city is not something I like to do, so La Ronge is perfect for me!”

McLeod is in her third year of nursing at La Ronge and has thoroughly enjoyed her clinical experiences thus far in the program and is looking forward to building her skills and knowledge in the healthcare field.

“Nursing school has its challenges in many different forms, but it is all about who you have in your corner, your discipline, and the motivation that will help you succeed,” said McLeod.

“The small class sizes in La Ronge and the additional help you get from instructors when needed means there is a lot of one-on-one time if there is a concept that needs further explanation. I would recommend the BSN program to anyone who has an interest in healthcare.”

At this point in the nursing program, working in acute care in the hospital or in the community with public health are of most interest to McLeod once she completes the program and passes her national licensing exam to become a registered nurse.

“I always try to get friends and family to either apply into nursing or go back to school and further their education in a field that interests them,” adds McLeod.

“I found this to be such a great opportunity to attend the University of Saskatchewan and have access to the complete nursing program right in my community of La Ronge.”

Since 2012, USask College of Nursing has been offering the BSN program throughout Saskatchewan in both urban and rural communities.

The first Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates from the La Ronge distributed nursing site completed the program in 2015. To date, 68 nursing students have completed their degree in La Ronge or Île-à-la-Crosse.

“It is important our program offering is inclusive of rural areas of the province and smaller communities like La Ronge,” said USask College of Nursing Dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur).

“By offering the BSN program throughout Saskatchewan, we are giving students the opportunity to learn where they live.”

The University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program throughout Saskatchewan. (Submitted)

The USask BSN is a 1+3 program. Students take their pre-professional year at USask campuses in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, at the University of Regina, or at a number of regional colleges throughout the province. The remaining three years are completed through the College of Nursing in Saskatoon (USask Campus), Prince Albert (USask Prince Albert Campus), La Ronge or Île-à-la-Crosse (Northlands College), Yorkton (Suncrest College), Lloydminster (Lakeland College), North Battleford (North West College), Muenster (St. Peter’s College), Swift Current (Great Plains College), and Weyburn (Southeast College).

Applications are now open until March 31, 2025 for the Fall 2025 intake of the USask BSN program. New this year, early admission to the BSN program is available. Early admission seats will be competitive and students must apply by December 15, 2024.

For more information on the University of Saskatchewan Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in La Ronge, please visit the Northlands College website or USask Admissions.

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*This article was submitted to larongeNOW’s commercial content division by Kylie Kelso, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing