Ensuring an Accessible Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Announcements

Hello,

We are writing to invite Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students registered for accommodation through the Centre for Accessibility at UBC to participate in our research study.

This research study aims to understand students’ experience of accessing disability-related accommodations and the facilitators and barriers to accessing accommodations effectively from the time of acceptance to the BSN program through to graduation.

The research team includes Principal Investigator Dr. Elisabeth Bailey, Co-investigators Carla Ferreira and Dr. Melissa Li Sheung Ying, Student/Alumnus partners Ari Clemens and Christopher Charles, and Research Assistant Bukola Mary Ibitoye.

Your participation involves an individual interview (lasting between 30-60 minutes) with Dr. Li Sheung Ying or Bukola. The interview will be held on UBC-hosted Zoom. You will receive a $25 gift card for your participation.

Your participation is voluntary, and it will not be disclosed to any faculty at the School of Nursing. Your participation involves minimal risk to you. Your participation will help understand facilitators and barriers to nursing students in an accelerated BSN program accessing disability-related accommodations to support their learning. This knowledge may inform curricular and extracurricular planning, professional development for faculty, and the creation of resources to support effective, low-barrier, and non-stigmatizing access to accommodations.

You do not have to be in this study if you do not want to be. You do not have to answer any questions that you do not want to answer for any reason. If you decide to take part, you may choose to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. Your participation, non-participation, or withdrawal from the study will not impact your course grades. If you have any questions about this project, you may contact Dr. Bailey @ elisabeth.bailey@ubc.ca.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. Li Sheung Ying at melissa.lisheungying@ubc.ca for the consent form.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,
Elisabeth Bailey, DNP, RN, RCC, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor of Teaching
Faculty of Applied Science, School of Nursing
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus
2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5 Canada

elisabeth.bailey@ubc.ca

Help Shape the Future of Nursing Education – Share Your Experiences!

Announcements,

Dear students,

As a nursing student, your insights are incredibly valuable in shaping the future of nursing education and advocating for meaningful change.

The Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) invite you to participate in a brief survey that will help us better understand the challenges nursing students face and how we can work to address them. This survey delves into key issues in nursing education such as financial stress, mental wellbeing, and career readiness.

At the end of the survey, you can enter a giveaway to win one of 33 $100 gift cards to the scrubs brand FIGS. Three students in each province, and three students from all territories combined, will be randomly selected after the survey closes on November 24th. By entering the giveaway, you agree to provide some form of enrollment verification, and consent to have your name shared on social media if selected. Click here to start the survey.

By taking just five minutes to share your insights, you’ll empower the CNSA and CFNU to push for stronger supports and resources for nursing students like you.

If you are having any technical issues with the survey, please contact Natalie Pilla at npilla@viewpoints.ca. If you have any other questions or concerns about this survey, please contact Eyasu Yakob at pastpresident@cnsa.ca

Thanks for your participation!

Join the Thrive Month Celebration at UBC School of Nursing – Weeks 3 & 4!

Announcements,

Dear UBC School of Nursing Community,

As we continue with Thrive Month, we’re thrilled to announce the activities planned for Weeks 3 and 4 and to congratulate our Week 1 and Week 2 challenge winner, Par Bordbar!
Let’s keep the momentum going and make the rest of November a time of wellness, growth, and positivity!

Week 3: Help the Planet Thrive (Nov 18th – 22nd)
This week is all about connecting with nature and contributing to a healthier environment. Learn how plants thrive and make a difference in combating global warming by adding greenery around you. I’ll provide 75 baby plants waiting to be adopted into new homes – feel free to pick one up at the Thrive Corner!

“Thrive with Plants Challenge”: Share a photo or video showing your engagement with your plants and how it enhances your mental health. Embrace this connection with nature and show us how plants help you Thrive!

How to Participate: Email your photo or video to thriveatubcnursing2024@gmail.com with the following details:

Your full name
The activity you’re submitting for (e.g., “Week 3 Thrive with Plants Challenge”)
Consent to share your submission with the School of Nursing, UBC, or on Thrive social media, and whether you’d like your name included.
The top three participants will win a special Thrive package aligned with the week’s wellness themes!

Week 4: Give Back & Thrive Together (Nov 25th – 29th)
Let’s spread positivity and support one another! Share “Thrive Notes” with your fellow students by posting them on the Thrive Board. I’ll provide punch or sheets – feel free to grab some and post your notes.

“Thriving by Giving Back Challenge”: Share a story or a post about how giving back helps you Thrive and builds a stronger community.

How to Participate: Email your story or post to thriveatubcnursing2024@gmail.com with:

Your full name
The activity you’re submitting for (e.g., “Week 4 Thriving by Giving Back”)
Consent preferences for sharing (as above).
The top three participants will win a special Thrive package aligned with the week’s wellness themes!

Visit the Wellness Corner:
Throughout both weeks, stop by the Wellness Corner near the Student Service Center for Thrive goodies, including snacks, teas, coffee, relaxing massages, and more!

Note: Winners will be contacted via email, and their names will be announced on the Wellness Corner board.

We hope to see you join these activities, build healthy habits, and connect with one another. Let’s make November a month to truly Thrive!

Best regards,
Shams Al-Anzi
Thrive Partner
Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador

Canada extends loan forgiveness for nurses and doctors in rural, remote areas

Announcements
The Government of Canada is expanding its loan forgiveness program for nurses and doctors in underserved rural and remote areas. Under an updated definition, doctors and nurses working in communities of 30,000 or fewer are eligible for Canada Student Loan forgiveness. This adjustment extends the program’s eligibility to doctors and nurses in over 200 additional communities and is projected to attract more than 900 health-care workers to these areas over the next decade. “Working far from major centres can bring challenges in terms of resources, support, and workload,” said Canada Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Sean Fraser. “This is why we are helping students and healthcare practitioners pursue their professional careers without being saddled by student debt.”
Canada  (National)

THRIVE Panel Discussion: Navigating Nursing with Neurodiversity, Mental Health Challenges, and Other Unseen Disabilities

Announcements

Join faculty members Nassim Adhami, Elisabeth Bailey and Chandra Waddington, alongside PhD student Caitlin Botkin, for a panel discussion of the challenges and opportunities of navigating invisible disability in nursing education and practice. Speakers will share their personal experiences, research, and practical strategies.

Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Via Zoom:  https://ubc.zoom.us/j/67266510877?pwd=Krbum27PQkzhoLhLnsNoQwwT03LLaV.

Hosted by the LEaRN Lab with support from THRIVE UBC and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Fellows Program.

Learn more about UBC THRIVE at: https://wellbeing.ubc.ca/campaigns-initiatives/thrive

International Fraud Awareness Week

Announcements

See something? Do something.

As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, from November 17 to 23, VP Finance & Operations’ Finance & Integrated Services and Enterprise Risk & Assurance (ERA) have partnered to raise awareness about the importance of fraud prevention.

This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can help protect UBC and work together to safeguard the community and uphold UBC’s core value of integrity. If you notice something suspicious or come across unusual financial activity, please take action and report any suspected fraud or concerns to financial.whistleblower@ubc.ca.

By staying vigilant and reporting fraud, we can protect our community and ensure a safe and ethical environment for everyone.

Find tips and resources on the prevention and monitoring of financial fraud on the Enterprise Risk & Assurance website

Call for Poster Presentations – Women’s Health Research Undergraduate Conference (WHURC)

Announcements

Dear students,

We are excited to invite you to present your findings at the upcoming Women’s Health Research Undergraduate Conference (WHURC), taking place on November 29th, 2024. Hosted by the UBC Women’s Health Research Club, WHURC provides a platform for undergraduates to showcase their research on women’s, trans, and gender-diverse health. We also warmly invite your PI’s and other members of your lab to join us at the event to support your research and engage with the broader community of women’s, trans, and gender-diverse health researchers.

What is WHURC?

WHURC is an annual event dedicated to advancing awareness and research in women’s and gender-diverse health. Our goal is to highlight innovative student research while fostering collaboration across disciplines. We welcome undergraduates working on any aspect of women’s, trans, or gender-diverse health to participate.

Poster Presentations:

Students are encouraged to present their research through in-person poster presentations at the event. Posters may cover work presented at previous conferences or presentations from recent years. To be considered for the poster competition, students must submit an abstract. However, students  are welcome to present without competing.

Event Details:

If you would like to compete in the poster presentation, or if you would like to submit without competing, please follow this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeev0mfY3V1uY4R9Y0qZrbvP2r2SWM94z71JDHre8SH2JVjUg/viewform?usp=sf_link

  1. Deadline to inform us you would like to present (without competing): November 8th, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
  2. Deadline to submit abstract (competing): November 15th, 2024 at 11:59 pm.

Event Agenda:

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Registration and Opening Remarks

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Poster Session & Networking (Judges will evaluate posters)

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM: Guest Speaker Presentation/Panel

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM: Dinner & Networking

6:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Award Ceremony

Kind regards,
Leadership Team
UBC Women’s Health Research Club
e. whrclub.ubc@gmail.com
i. whrclub.ubc

Join Us for Thrive Events at the School of Nursing – Fun Activities, Prizes & Wellness Resources Await!

Announcements,

Dear UBC School of Nursing Students,

We’re excited to invite you to participate in our Thrive events at the School of Nursing! Thrive is all about prioritizing well-being, and we’ve planned two weeks of activities to support your mental and physical health. Here’s what’s coming up:

Week 1: Move More & Enjoy Autumn (Nov 4th – 8th) Let’s get moving and embrace the beauty of fall! Here’s how you can participate:
Step Tracking Challenge: Download a step-tracking app and log your daily steps throughout the week. At the end of the week, take a screenshot showing your progress and name.
Autumn Photo Challenge: Capture the beauty of autumn around Vancouver! Snap photos of vibrant fall colors, scenic views, or anything that represents the season to you.

To participate:
Email your step-tracking screenshot and/or autumn photos to thriveatubcnursing2024@gmail.com. Please include the following:
Your full name
The activity you are submitting (e.g., “Week 1 Steps Tracking Challenge”) Please indicate whether you consent to have your submission shared with the School of Nursing, UBC, or on Thrive social media and, if so, whether you’d like your name included.
The top three participants will win a special Thrive package aligned with the week’s wellness themes!

Week 2: Sleep & Eat Well (Nov 11th – 15th) During the reading break, focus on rest and healthy habits! Here’s how to participate:

Thriving Strategy: Share a photo or write a short post showing how you’re thriving during the break. Whether it’s a snapshot of a cozy sleep setup, a healthy meal, or a wellness activity, we’d love to see what keeps you feeling well.

To participate:
Email your photo or post to thriveatubcnursing2024@gmail.com, including:
Your full name
The activity you are submitting (e.g., “Week 2 Thriving Strategy Snap”) Your consent preferences for sharing (as above).
The top three participants will win a special Thrive package aligned with the week’s wellness themes!

Wellness Corner
Throughout both weeks, visit the Wellness Corner near the Student Service Center for Thrive goodies, including some snacks, teas, coffee, relaxing massages, and more.

Note: The winners will be contacted via email and their names will be announced on the Wellness Corner board.

We hope to see you participating in these activities, building healthy habits, and connecting with others. Let’s make November a month to Thrive!

Warm regards,
Shams Al-Anzi
Thrive Partner
Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador

Join Us for Thrive Month: A November Full of Wellness and Fun!

Announcements,

Dear UBC School of Nursing Students,

We are excited to announce the launch of Thrive Month this November! It’s a month-long celebration of wellness, with weekly themes, fun activities, and amazing prizes. Each week will highlight a different aspect of well-being, and we invite you to participate in as many events as possible!

Here’s what’s in store for you during Thrive Month:
Week 1: Move More & Enjoy Autumn (Nov 4th – 8th)
Get moving! Track your steps, share your progress, and embrace the beauty of fall by taking and sharing your best autumn photos.

Week 2: Sleep & Eat Well (Nov 11th – 15th)
Prioritize sleep and nutrition. We’ll provide easy, healthy snack recipes and share effective sleep strategies to help you feel your best.

Week 3: Help the Planet Thrive (Nov 18th – 22nd)
Learn about thriving plants and how they contribute to a healthier environment. Host a baby plant to help combat global warming by adding greenery around you.

Week 4: Give Back & Thrive Together (Nov 25th – 29th)
Spread positivity! Write and share “Thrive Notes” with your fellow students and post them on the Thrive Board. Let’s come together to create a stronger, supportive community!

Wellness Corner:
Throughout November, visit the Wellness Corner near the Student Service Center for relaxing massages and special wellness treats. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge!

Weekly Contests & Prizes:
There will be exciting contests and prizes every week, so stay tuned for details on how to participate and win!

Thrive Month is a wonderful opportunity to focus on your health, connect with your peers, and have some fun. We encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of this month of wellness and positivity!

For any questions or more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out (shams.mf.alanzi@gmail.com)

Let’s make this November a time for thriving!

Best regards,
Shams Al-Anzi
Thrive Partner
Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador

Announcements

We wanted to reach out and extend the invite to attend our Virtual FIR info session – Oct. 31, 2024, 11:00 PM – 12:00 PM PDT

This Virtual Info Session will be a great opportunity for those who are seeking for the next steps of their careers. Featuring leaders from our BCWH centre, they will provide insight and details on working as Registered Nurse in Families in Recovery Unit. They will also be available to answer any questions that you may have.

If you are interested in attending this virtual event, we ask that you RSVP to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/families-in-recovery-fir-info-session-tickets-1013019226777?aff=oddtdtcreator by Oct. 30.

Thank you very much and we look forward to connecting with you at our virtual event!

Employed Student RN/RPNs Info Session

Announcements,

Calling all undergraduate nursing students!  Join our virtual event on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 and learn about the opportunity to become an Employed Student Nurse with Fraser Health.  Get paid for nursing job experience before you graduate!

If you are a student nurse or student psychiatric nurse, register now for our Group Information Session and hear from our experts on how you can increase your confidence and consolidate your skills by providing direct nursing care in this competency-based program.

Register now:  https://fraserhealth-esn.eventus.io/event/2024infosession/home_page/

Nursing students in their final year can also register for one-on-one sessions with a Talent Acquisition Recruiter to learn more about New Grad nursing opportunities at Fraser Health.

Note:  Can’t make it to our session on November 5th? We understand that school schedules can be hectic. Don’t worry! The Group Information Session will be recorded and shared with all registered participants and schools, ensuring that anyone who can’t attend won’t miss out.

Virtual Learning Event for Students re Team Communication

Announcements

Student Session Poster for Team Communication 2024

This invitation is for students to join a one-hour virtual learning session on either November 5th at 10:00 am or November 6th at 1:30 pm.

Team-based care is essential to the way we deliver care today, and into the future. It takes practice to build our competencies and bring them into our clinical practice. Collaborative practice is best fostered by learning from and with one another, and so we are pleased to announce this session, co-lead by 4th year Bachelor of Nursing students Chantal Afonso, Emilia Palma and Jordan Welder, specifically for students of all health programs to explore collaborative practice in healthcare together.

Registration is via the Learning Hub: Collaborative Practice/Team Based Care (29782).

Hilltop House Career Fair – Oct 28

Announcements

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is pleased to host a career fair for external Care Aides, Community Health Workers, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses to join our teams at Hilltop House. Applicants can sign up for an on-the-spot interview.

Date: Monday, October 28
Time: Slots from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Hilltop House

Register here by October 22 and our team will follow up to confirm the details.

BSN Program Newsletter – September 2024

Announcements,

Hello UBC BSN Community,

Our Fall term is off to an exciting – if a bit bumpy – start. I’m reaching out to share a few updates and reminders as we move further into the term.

First, I’d like to provide some context for the start of term. This Fall, our program is navigating the late-Summer transition of several online platforms that are central to our operations. These include the UBC-wide transition to Workday Student, introduction of Pebblepad for clinical practice courses, and the province’s launch of a new online platform for processing Criminal Record Checks.

Some of these platforms – while ultimately designed to be more efficient and helpful – have run into delays or roadblocks in their rollout, meaning our human team is often at the mercy of technology that is beyond our control.

Our overarching goal as a team is to deliver a high-quality educational experience that prepares students to be confident, competent, and compassionate nurses. Each member of the BSN team – from instructors and administrators to the hardworking staff of the Student Services Office and the Clinical Practice Placement Unit – is doing their best to adapt to these changes. We’re all available to answer questions and provide support as needed – see the BSN Lines of Communication Guide for more information.

There have been challenges as we navigate these transitions, but we’re optimistic that the benefits of the new systems will provide greater efficiency and smoother processes as we move forward.

Updates:

Reminders:

  •  Please remember to use your UBC student email for all program-related communication.
  •  Please also remember to use professional communication strategies when connecting with our team members and our practice partners. For tips on professional communication, see this helpful guide from UBC Student Services: https://students.ubc.ca/ubclife/inbox-1-email-profs-effectively

Happening on Campus:

* Sept 26, 2024: Untelling Nursing History: Centering the Voices of IBPOC Nurses: https://nursing.ubc.ca/community/events/2024/untelling-nursing-history-centering-voices-of-ibpoc-nurses

* Sept 30, 2024: UBC Applied Science 2024 Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day: https://apsc.ubc.ca/event/2024/2024-intergenerational-march-to-commemorate-orange-shirt-day

* Oct 3, 2024: 2024 Marion Woodward Lecture with Dr. Leigh Chapman, Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer: https://nursing.ubc.ca/community/events/2024/2024-marion-woodward-lecture

As I said at Orientation, we are truly thrilled that each and every student has chosen nursing, and we look forward to the term ahead!

Sincerely,
Elisabeth

Elisabeth Bailey, DNP, RN, RCC
Associate Director, Undergraduate Programs

UBC SARC: October 2024 Dialogue Series Poster

Announcements,

Dear School of Nursing Students,

The School of Nursing Student Anti-Racism Caucus (SARC) would like to extend our warm invitation to students in the School of Nursing to join our committee. Our group holds monthly meetings, collaborates with the faculty Anti-Racism Committee (ARC), and aims to engage in dialogue and knowledge sharing to promote anti-racism in the School and in healthcare.

Please join us at our next SARC meeting on October 1, 2024 where we will be hosting a dialogue series event. This is a student co-learning event and we encourage students to openly exchange ideas, engage in stimulating conversations, and reflect on the pervasive issues of racial and oppressive discourses within nursing and healthcare. Our primary goal is to establish a culturally safe and inclusive environment where nursing students can express their insights regarding the readings, their lived experience, and its relevance to practice.

This is an open meeting for students in the School of Nursing. We encourage any interested students to join us. RSVP is not required, but recommended. Please use the following link to express interest in joining SARC or contact us at student.ARC@nursing.ubc.ca: https://linktr.ee/ubcsarc

Event Details:

Hosted by School of Nursing Student Anti-Racism Caucus (SARC)

Speaker: Bukola Mary Ibitoye

Date: October 1, 2024

Time: 6-7pm

Platform: Zoom Meeting: https://linktr.ee/ubcsarc

Who’s invited?: Students across all School of Nursing programs.

Thank you!

Siobhan McMillan on Behalf of the UBC SoN Student Anti-Racism Caucus

Untelling Nursing History: Centering the Voices of IBPOC Nurses

Announcements

Upcoming Event

THURSDAY, 5-7 PM, ASIAN CENTRE AUDITORIUM, 1871 West Mall

Please join us in celebrating the launch of our Digital Mural Project, Untelling Nursing History: Centering the Voices of IBPOC Nurses, funded by the UBC Nursing Anti-Racism Committee. We have created an interactive website with 11 embedded videos that showcase the histories of BIPOC nurses. More than 40 people from within and outside our community have contributed their voices and time to this project. We will take the audience on a journey through the website and play one of the stories, and also briefly discuss the process we went through as a group in creating this website & anti-racism intervention. We will also provide time for the audience to ask questions or share their thoughts about the project. Snacks and drinks provided!

Hosted by: Dr. Lydia Wytenbroek, Kyra Philbert, Shams Al-Anzi, Cates Bayabay, Ismalia De Sousa, Atussa Shabahang, Kerry Marshall

Year 4 BSN Fall Awards – Applications Due Sept. 23, 2024, by 11:59pm PST

Announcements,

Dear Year 4 BSN Students,

The BSN Program is accepting applications for a number of University Awards for Year 4 BSN students.

These are merit-based University Awards provided to students at the recommendation of the School of Nursing / BSN Program, and the following conditions apply:

  • They are governed by University Awards campus wide policy, as outlined in the UBC Awards Calendar.
  • Undergraduate student awards based on academic merit will be given to a student who has a cumulative average of 75% or higher (full time course load with no failed courses).
  • Only 4th year BSN students are eligible for these awards (Currently in Term 4 – September / 2024W)
  • In addition to academic merit, these awards recognize volunteerism, community and/or family service, leadership, student affairs, extracurricular activities, and a commitment to the nursing profession or community, and the need for financial assistance.

To be considered for these awards please complete the BSN Awards Competition Application (Link to Application) by 11:59pm PST on September 23, 2024.

If you have any questions, please email awards@nursing.ubc.ca

Update to Policies in the BSN Program – Fall 2024

Announcements,

As the new school year gets underway, we are sharing a few updates to BSN Program Policies.

Please note that the following policies have been discontinued by the UBC School of Nursing Faculty Caucus: Submission of Undergraduate Student Assignments, Request for Missed Clinical Time for Professional Engagement, and BSN Missed Practice Learning Experiences.

These three policies have been replaced by the new Academic Concession Request Policy for the Undergraduate Program.

Rationale:
Rationale for new policy:
  • Over the last 5 years, UBC has created and regularly updated a central academic concession policy including UBC Senate approved procedures for implementation.
  • This central UBC policy robustly outlines processes and procedures related to both in-term and term-end concession requests and has introduced expectations that “The options for making up for missed work should be described in the course syllabus.”
  • In response to this policy, the undergraduate program created and has implemented an online Academic Concession Request System (ACRS) through which students request in-term and term-end academic concessions.
  • Since the introduction and updating of the UBC concessions policy, several aspects of nursing undergraduate policies related to submission of work, concession related to missed clinical time, etc. are now more accurately and appropriately covered by the UBC policy.
  • The new policy articulates the processes by which students must use the ACRS to request in-term & term-end concessions, as well as missed practice time, and the responsibilities of instructors (in-term work) and the Progressions committee (term-end work) with respect to concession.

Rationale for discontinuation of previous policies:

  • University policies related to concession & content and distribution of syllabi outline the ways that information related to how assessments will be completed, submitted, assessed, and how concessions will be managed must be articulated in the course syllabus.
  • The BSN Program Policy Progression and Advancement in the BSN Program and the new Academic Concession Request Policy for the BSN Program, cover all aspects of application for and review of concession requests, criteria for progression and advancement in the BSN Program, and processes for missed time in practice-based courses. Having multiple, overlapping policies increases the likelihood of confusion and contradiction among our policies.
  • These policy updates allow increased flexibility for instructors to take up teaching and assessment practices that are aligned with their thoughtfully considered philosophies of teaching, while also using the Undergraduate Program Committee syllabi review and consultation process to ensure that all university and program-level policies are attended to and to ensure attention to curricular fidelity and accreditation standards.

 

Please consult the BSN Program Policies & Procedures website for up-to-date information on applicable program policies.

Student Services Office
Student Services | School of Nursing | UBC
T248 – 2211Wesbrook Mall | Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 2B5
bsnprogram@nursing.ubc.ca