News
New Practical Nursing Lab Opens Doors for Students in Prince Albert, SK
By Trenna Vanghel, DTI Program Coordinator
Aug 9, 2024
Posted in: DTI, Education, facilities
The following article was originally published in the GDI Communicator Vol. 18 Issue 5, May 2024. The Communicator is a monthly internal newsletter intended to celebrate the achievements of the management and staff of the Gabriel Dumont Institute. You can find the archive of previous issues in the Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.
After more than two decades of visits to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Lab, the Practical Nursing program at Dumont Technical Institute (DTI) in Prince Albert now boasts its own state-of-the-art facility. The recent renovation has transformed the educational landscape for aspiring nurses, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
For over 20 years, students enrolled in DTI’s Practical Nursing program made scheduled visits to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Lab to access necessary facilities and equipment. However, this arrangement limited students’ opportunities for hands-on practice and instructor guidance. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space, DTI took the initiative to revamp the existing setup.
The transformation was no small feat. Walls were torn down, storage solutions were integrated, and an extensive array of equipment was procured. From nursing beds to IV pumps, every detail was meticulously planned to ensure that the new lab met the standards expected of a modern nursing facility. Thousands of disposables, including gloves and syringes, were also sourced to support the practical learning needs of students. Lindsay Demers and Kara Blackburn have put in a huge amount of work and effort ordering, unpacking, and organizing the lab to be intuitive and align with best practices over the past year, as well as adapting to a new classroom space and guiding the program while it is in this transitional phase.
The completion of the Practical Nursing Lab marks a significant shift in the program’s structure and accessibility. With the facility now available on-site, students have the flexibility to utilize the lab during their free time, allowing for more frequent and immersive practice sessions. This increased access is expected to deepen students’ understanding of course content and enhance their practical skills, ultimately contributing to improved academic outcomes.
Moreover, the new lab provides instructors with a dedicated space to demonstrate and scaffold practical skills effectively. With enhanced teaching capabilities, instructors can now offer tailored guidance and support to students, fostering a more dynamic learning environment.
The significance of this milestone is further underscored by the program’s recent expansion. DTI Practical Nursing is gearing up to welcome another cohort this upcoming year, marking the first time the program will have two nursing cohorts running simultaneously. This growth reflects the increasing demand for qualified nursing professionals and underscores the importance of providing students with the resources they need to succeed.
Lindsay Demers and Kara Blackburn, DTI Practical Nursing Faculty
As the Practical Nursing program enters a new era with its revamped curriculum and expanded facilities, the future looks brighter than ever for aspiring nurses in Prince Albert. With access to a fully-equipped lab at their fingertips, students are poised to embark on a journey of learning and discovery that will prepare them for fulfilling careers in healthcare.
