In honour of nurses across the country and to celebrate their own nursing programs, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) celebrated the 28th National Nursing week from May 6 to 12. The two institutions kicked off the week by welcoming Ontario’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Debra Bournes to campus to speak with students and faculty.

The dialogue focused on the benefits of DC and UOIT’s partnership as well as the tremendous collaborative research strengths and innovating programming. First-year Practical Nursing student Mary Michalski attended the discussion with Dr. Bournes and faculty from both DC and UOIT.

“Debra Bournes provided insight into what nurses are initiating at the provincial level, and the health-care issues the Ministry of Health is currently working on and improving,” Michalski said.

Susan Sproul, dean of the School of Health & Community Services, said Bournes’ visit was to acknowledge and celebrate Durham College and UOIT as nurse educators, as well as to focus on improving the college’s Practical Nursing (PN) program and the Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) (Hons) program offered by both the college and university.

“Both programs are offered on a shared campus at the same location.  Many of the PN students bridge into the four year nursing degree program,” said Sproul.

Always passionate about becoming a nurse, Michalski encouraged all students going into similar fields to get involved in the events taking place during the week.

“If nursing is your chosen profession, then Nursing Week is your chance to celebrate,” said Michalski. “Nurses make a difference in the lives of others.”