At the end of the first semester, Psychiatric Nursing students shadow care aids as part of their clinical experience to learn the basics of patient care…or so I thought. I can confidently say my experience at practicum expanded way beyond the basic of patient care. Although my first clinical experience cannot easily be summarized into a single page, there are a few major components I would like to share.

My first failing mark was for the participation of a discussion forum within a few weeks of starting the course. I had completely forgotten to do my peer posts in one of my classes, which are expected every week by noon on Sundays. I resolved that I would never fail again… and then I did. The second time I received…

Attending the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) Human Rights and Equity conference was an impactful and overwhelmingly informative experience. Last summer, I registered as a BCNU student member, as membership is free for students. Shortly after applying for membership I became aware of the upcoming conference and decided I wanted to go. So, I sent in my application to attend the…

Taking online classes means spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen. As a student on a limited budget, I have explored some digital screen-free tactics to keep myself entertained during school breaks or during my leisure time. I’ve canvassed my friends and fellow students to help me compile a list of inexpensive or free activities that…

During the first two months of school, my home was in chaos. I moved into an unfinished house and was renovating it while trying to get my schoolwork done. It became clear pretty quickly that the living room couch was not the ideal place to motivate myself to focus. I set out to create an office that would help me…

Hi! I’m Elizabeth from the sunny Okanagan and I’m in the Psychiatric Nursing Diploma program. After completing a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Psychology and pursuing a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology, I finally enrolled in the Psychiatric Nursing program at Stenberg College. It took me almost 10 years of contemplating this program before I decided…

As I’m typing my final blog, I’m also reflecting on the past 23 months with how far I have come and what it all means to me now. I still find it surreal that in a few short weeks, I will be writing the RPNC registration exam, and working in my first paid position as a psychiatric nurse. I remember…

Psychiatric Nursing student blogger Daniel discusses the final few weeks of his program as he and his classmates prepare for their registration exams.

What does practicum look like? It’s as unique as the classmates that are sharing the experience with me. For me, it’s the Psychiatric Assessment Unit at Vancouver General Hospital. For another classmate, it’s psychogeriatric care at a private facility, for another it’s acute inpatient care at St. Paul’s. Each of us had the opportunity to rate settings we would like…

Stenberg Psychiatric Nursing student Daniel shares his experience during the first two weeks of his final practicum placement at VGH.