When new Brock University students start their first year this fall, odds are we will be meeting more future healthcare workers and aspiring nurses in Thorold based on news on its Nursing program. As more nursing students advance through the program at Brock in future years, we should also expect more full- and part-time faculty and staff , as well as part-time clinical instructors living in Thorold and surrounding areas. This growth will add to the economic, cultural, and social development of our community.
BROCK UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELEASE – MAY 9, 2022
For more than two decades, Brock University has been educating future health-care workers through its renowned Nursing program.
During National Nurses Week, Monday, May 9 – 13, and International Nurses Day held on Thursday, May 12, Brock Nursing acknowledged the contributions of its faculty, staff, students and alumni while also celebrating a significant expansion of the 21-year-old department.
“We have grown exponentially this year. Everyone connected to our program stepped up immensely to help make this year of transition a success; all are to be congratulated.”
Brock University, Department of Nursing Chair Karyn Taplay
The 2022 International Nurses Day theme was‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead’ and in response, the International Council of Nurses, which represents more than 27 million nurses worldwide, has issued a call to action to invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health.
With demand soaring, Brock has increased undergraduate intake from 80 to 180 students starting this fall. The increase in enrolment led to the addition of 11 full- and part-time faculty and staff positions, as well as 23 part-time clinical instructors to help teach students.
“The important contributions and leadership Brock Nursing students and graduates provide to the health of citizens in Niagara, the Province of Ontario and beyond, help to address systemic gaps and improve quality of care for patients. More broadly, the growth of our Nursing program and the learning opportunities we provide enables our graduates to embark on career paths that respond to the changing health needs of Canadians.”
Brock University, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Dean Peter Tiidus
To accommodate the rapid growth of Brock’s Nursing program, a third Nursing simulation lab was recently constructed.
“Brock’s Nursing simulation labs are safe learning environments that allow students to learn to proficiently care for their patients. Practising in the lab prepares students to learn basic skills they will use with every patient on every shift. They also become skilled in high stakes, low frequency events they may not encounter during their academic career.”
Brock University, Department of Nursing Chair Karyn Taplay
While the official opening of this new space will not take place until September, the lab is now being used to teach Brock’s first cohort of accelerated concurrent Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing students. This 20-month, one-of-a-kind program was approved by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities in January and the first cohort of 23 students began classes last week.
“The expansion of Brock’s nationally recognized Nursing program responds to the growing need for health-care professionals, Brock is proud to support the health-care system in Niagara and beyond with our talented faculty educating future nurses in modern on-campus learning spaces.”
Interim University President Lynn Wells.
As part of the National Nurses Week celebrations, Brock resumed its annual in-person Pinning Ceremony, an important right of passage for Nursing grads.
“The tradition of pinning nurses is more than 100 years old and is the result of Florence Nightingale’s efforts to have nurses’ training recognized and formal programs developed. Every school of nursing has its own customized pin which symbolizes excellence in nursing and a commitment that each grad is prepared to serve the health needs of our communities.”
Brock University, Department of Nursing Chair Karyn Taplay