Nursing grads eager to enter public system

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This article was published 01/06/2024 (671 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The final day of Brandon University’s 2024 convocation ceremonies saw a wave of excitement and anticipation as 113 faculty of health studies graduates received their degrees on Friday morning at the university’s Healthy Living Centre.

The afternoon ceremony had 134 graduates from the faculty of arts.

Amid the nursing shortage in Manitoba, which has about 3,000 vacant positions to fill, the graduates shared their thoughts on transitioning into the public system, their hopes and their future.

Oluchukwu Gladness Chijioke, a bachelor of nursing graduate, expressed enthusiasm and disbelief.

“Part of me still feels numb that I graduated, but it’s coming together and I am very excited to join the public health space,” she told the Sun on Friday.

Chijioke, who secured a position at Brandon Regional Health Centre last April, is optimistic about her future in the public system.

“I am very hopeful about going into the public system so I can help and serve the public,” she said. “I intend to make an impact in the health space, especially in the mental health area.”

Reflecting on the challenges of her nursing program, Chijioke highlighted the intense workload and the extensive knowledge required, but said she remained determined to make her mark.

In her valedictory speech, she thanked the faculty and staff and emphasized the importance of self-care, tasking her peers to take care of themselves while taking care of others.

“It might sound cliché, but self-care is essential because there will be stressful days ahead,” she told her fellow graduates. “Remember, coffee and energy drinks might help, but healthy coping strategies are crucial.”

Melissa Cumming, graduating with a bachelor of science in psychiatric nursing, described her educational journey as a “roller-coaster,” balancing school with her daughter’s medical needs.

Having recently accepted a position at Carberry Plains Health Centre, she is eager to contribute to the public system, acknowledging the scarcity of nurses.

“Just showing up for work, getting my training and making sure I know what I’m doing,” Cumming said, outlining her immediate plans. She remains open to future opportunities, whether in Brandon or elsewhere.

Simisola Azeez, who graduated with distinction in nursing, shared her mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety.

“I’m a little scared and nervous, definitely anxious,” she told the Sun. While currently planning to work in the public system, Azeez expressed concerns about the working conditions for new graduates in the province.

“Hopefully it gets better and more encouraging to work in. As a new grad, it’s not very encouraging knowing I could go to another province for better pay or opportunities,” she said. “The government should improve conditions to retain local talent in the province.”

Savannah Koffman, also a nursing graduate, conveyed her pride and readiness to begin her professional career.

“I’m excited but nervous, in a good way,” he said. “I’m looking forward to providing holistic, comprehensive care and ensuring everyone who needs care feels important, seen and heard. I might move away for personal interests, but plan to come back. I’ll probably be in Winnipeg or Manitoba for most of my life.”

Yohannes Bahiru, who earned a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, reflected on his 12-year career in psychiatric care in Edmonton, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy and leadership changes in the health-care system.

“We need to think comprehensively about policies and improvements,” Bahiru said, expressing his desire to engage with health-care administrators and government bodies to address patient concerns effectively.

BU president David Docherty said the university is committed to addressing the nursing shortage.

“We’re very proud of our faculty of health studies, which graduates many nurses who will be ready to address health-care challenges,” he said. “Many will work with Prairie Mountain Health, some will return to their home communities and others might work in eastern Saskatchewan or wherever they are needed.”

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