University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing student Justine Capilitan at the Prince Albert Campus. (Photo credit: David Stobbe)

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Nursing

Studying Nursing with the University of Saskatchewan

May 8, 2024 | 1:24 PM

“Staying in my home community of Prince Albert and studying at the beautiful new University of Saskatchewan (USask) Prince Albert Campus were two reasons I chose USask in PA,” said Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student Justine Capilitan.

Since 2012, USask College of Nursing has been offering the BSN program at various locations throughout Saskatchewan, including USask campuses in Saskatoon and Prince Albert and nursing sites in La Ronge, Île-à-la-Crosse, Yorkton, Lloydminster, and starting this September, North Battleford.

“The opportunity to complete my entire nursing degree in Prince Albert has meant so much to me,” said Justine. “Coming to University can be intimidating, but in Prince Albert classes are small, so you get to know your classmates and the instructors and professors know your name. If you need help, they’re there to help you right away. The faculty are approachable and it’s a very supportive, team-oriented student community.”

“It is important our program offering is inclusive of rural and remote areas of the province,” said USask College of Nursing dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur).

The College of Nursing Learn Where You Live model has proven successful at distributed sites in La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse. Since the first students entered the BSN program in La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse in September 2012, 66 nursing students have completed their degree in northern Saskatchewan.

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When nursing students complete their degree in their community, the majority of graduates stay and practice there. Our northern communities need northern nurses, who are familiar with the culture and people. Saskatchewan has a large Indigenous population, particularly in northern Saskatchewan.

“In order to provide quality nursing care, we must actively contribute to a representative nursing workforce that is responsive to the needs of the province,” said Dr. Richter.

“We have a long history of Indigenous student success and are recognized as having the highest number of self-declared Indigenous nursing students in the country. 16.6% of seats in the BSN program are reserved for Indigenous applicants.”

“By offering the BSN program at our distributed nursing sites in La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse, we are giving students the opportunity to learn where they live,” adds Dr. Richter.

“We are decreasing the likelihood of these rural and remote communities experiencing a registered nursing shortage, as the students who complete their nursing education in these communities, will likely practice in the community once licensed, helping to fill unmet registered nursing workforce needs in northern Saskatchewan.”

Justine is a perfect example of studying nursing and staying to work in Prince Albert.

“I will be writing my national licensure exam as soon as possible and once I become licensed as a registered nurse I plan to stay in Prince Albert and work at the Victoria Hospital.”

Justine ultimately hopes to work in emergency, but he’s open to trying all areas of nursing practice. “I encourage anyone thinking about becoming a nurse to join me and become a future registered nurse in Saskatchewan.”

The University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at seven locations throughout Saskatchewan, including La Ronge and Île-à-la-Crosse. (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), and North Battleford (North West College).

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

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**This article was written by Kylie Kelso, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing and submitted to the content creation division of larongeNOW.