NORTH BATTLEFORD — A $50,000 donation from Cenovus Energy Inc. (Cenovus) will be used to enhance the quality of training facilities available to students in northwest Saskatchewan.
The funding provided by Cenovus will help to equip a state-of-the-art simulation lab that will enhance the training of students in all health care programs at North West College, including psychiatric nursing, practical nursing, continuing care assistant and the registered nursing program.
The Cenovus Energy Simulation Learning Centre will provide access to high fidelity mannequins in a simulated hospital setting where students interact with the “patient” in real life scenarios. These scenarios help prepare students for their entry into clinical placements and give them the confidence as they grow their repertoire of skills.
The number of psychiatric nursing seats at North West College increased from 16 to 24 students per year, and growth plans for nursing and continuing care assistant programs meant the timing of this expansion of our health care lab was critical to facilitate these programs. The lab increased from four beds to 10 beds plus an additional high fidelity simulation room.
“Support from Cenovus Energy ensures our students have every advantage in training through access to the latest equipment and resources,” says Dr. Eli Ahlquist, president and CEO of North West College.
“Our priority is to train students from across the province and help meet labour market demands of our local health care facilities. The college is proud of the success rates of our health care graduates and this newly renovated lab will only help to enhance our students’ abilities and success”.
“Through our support, we’re hoping to give students the skills to improve their job readiness as they enter the workforce,” says Trent Zacharias, Cenovus Energy’s Director of Community and Indigenous Affairs.
“Producing well-trained health care staff will enhance community wellness, improve access to mental health supports and deliver quality health care professionals that are in high demand within the region, province and beyond.”
“The college sends a heartfelt thank you to Cenovus for this partnership,” says Tanis Studney, director of Finance and Administration at North West College. “Community partnerships are vital to the College’s success as we grow and build for the future.”
