Academic News

Department of Nursing Awards 2023

December 5, 2023

Congratulations to this year’s Award Winners, and we gratefully acknowledge all the donors who made these awards possible!

Jean Burrows Scholarship Sarah Wilding

Jean Burrows was chair of the Nursing Department from 1974 to 1998. Created upon her retirement, this award recognizes outstanding academic achievement for students at the end of the first year of the BN program.

Bernice Parrott Award – Tara Garrioch, Madi Harder, Natali Domozhyro, Carl Calaje, Al Estoesta, Madison Towle, Amber D’Aoust, Rafael Marante, Tessa Martin

The Bernice Parrott Award was established to provide financial assistance to a deserving
student after term six of the BN program. This award recognizes the hard work and effort
that all students put forth as they complete the requirements of the program.

Nursing Students Endowment Scholarship – Ciara Tutkaluk and Nicole Bonenfant.

These awards were established because of the foresight of students who in 1997 established
an endowment fund. Each student, as part of their tuition fees, contributes to this
endowment fund. In 2001, a portion of this money was dedicated to the creation of these
awards. Since then, the class of 2002 made a sizeable contribution from their own
fundraising efforts.

Nursing Legacy Award – Clinical Practice Year 1 – Holly Ling

– Clinical Practice Long term care – Nicole Hammersley

– Clinical Practice Medicine – Shannon Pickell

– Clinical Practice Surgery – Tiana Wyryha

– Clinical Practice Pediatrics – Riley Dodds

– Clinical Practice Mental Health – Riley Dodds

– Clinical Practice Palliative – Karren Ballantyne

– Community Clinical Nursing Practice 1 and 2 – Emily Giesbrecht

– Skills and Techniques 3 – Hannah Szeryk

– Health Assessment 1 and 2 – Maybhelle Santos

This award was established by combining donations from a number of sources.
The Stanton family, the Duncan family, and Phyllis Aaron along with the Nursing faculty have
made substantial contributions. The award recognizes outstanding clinical performance of
students from year one to year three of the nursing program. The Nursing Techniques 3
award recognizes a year one student who excels both in the academic course work and the
performance of Nursing Skills.

Thorey Johnson Nursing Award – Jonadave Arceta and Jordan Wurtz

In honour of their mother, Mrs. Johnson’s daughters have established this scholarship to be
presented to a nursing student who has expressed a special interest in rural nursing
practice. The recipient has demonstrated an interest in front line nursing work in a hospital
environment; a high level of skill in the clinical setting, sound academic achievement, and a
caring and compassionate attitude with patients.

Nursing Leadership Award – Joshua Salisi and Tiana Wyryha

This award is for deserving students who have gone above and beyond in support
and leadership of their peers. It was established by the Awards Committee, with
nominations from faculty and peers.

Discipline of Professional Nursing Award – Navreet Chahill, Ciara Tutkaluk and Trishia Malabuyoc

This award is presented to students for their outstanding achievement in the courses of Discipline of Professional Nursing 1-5.

Mary Langhan Nursing Award – Yonathan Mohamed

This award is presented to a 3rd year student who has demonstrated a high level
of skill in the clinical setting and has expressed a special interest in obstetrics and
gynecology.

Karla Ferens Memorial Entrance Award for Health Care AideCandace Mercredi, Jathniele Manucduc and Gursimran Kaur

The Karla Ferens Memorial Entrance Award for Health Care Aide was established
by family and friends in memory of Karla Ferens, a 2011 Red River College
graduate of the Health Care Aide program. The award recipient has displayed the
same accomplishments exhibited by Karla Ferens: Involvement in sports and
leadership qualities.

Community Service Award – Clarence San Jose and Gabrielle Verspeek

This award is presented to a second and a third year student who has volunteered
for a community agency while maintaining sound academic achievement.

Karen Wall Indigenous Nursing Student Award – Rachelle Fehr

This award is presented to a 3rd year student of Canadian Indigenous heritage
who has achieved academic success in the BN program, and has demonstrated
leadership and community service.

Elizabeth Scaife Memorial Award – Ana Beltran

This award is presented to a BPIEN (Bridging Program for Internationally
Educated Nurses) student who has demonstrated outstanding academic
achievement and demonstrated exceptional clinical performance.

Christiane Gabrielle Bonin Memorial Award – Yvonne Datzkiw

Jaime Manness: Hike Manitoba Nursing Award Jade Friesen

This award is present to a second year student who exemplifies a love for hiking
and the outdoors with good academic standing. The award was established to
honor a RRC alumna and instructor who wanted to share her passion for
Manitoba’s wilderness.

Shannon Gray Memorial Award – Kaye Jeremie Aguilar

Kim Kotelo Memorial Award – Katie Laberge

Portage Mutal Insurance Award for Indigenous Nursing Student – Sophie Walker

Shirley (Perret) Loewen Indigenous Nursing Student Award – Rhonda Paoletti, Rachelle Fehr, Kiara Carpenter, Chelsea Wotton, Lexi Green-Monkman, Desiree Turner and Cassidy Webb

Shirley (Perret) Loewen Indigenous Graduation Bursary – Shania Dunn, Taylor Parker and Jessica White

RRC Polytech Students’ Association Be the Change you want to see Award – Karren Ballantyne

Eliza Cummings Machan and Helen Machan Memorial Nursing Award – Ryan Delaine

Written by Jennifer Johnson – Nursing Lab Manager
with descriptions of awards courtesy of the Nursing Awards Committee

2023 Bachelor of Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony

November 6, 2023

A huge congratulations goes out to all of our 125 graduates this year!

It has been a rough road, but you did it! We as faculty couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you for all the hard work and effort you invested in your future in the career of nursing.

The faculty would also like to congratulate the 2023 Gold Medal winner Nicole Bonenfant!!

Written by: Jennifer Johnson Nursing Lab Manager

Explore IT Employment at Red River College Polytechnic

October 25, 2023

Instructor Recruitment Event

Would you like to work at a place where you can make a positive, direct impact on the next generation of professionals in your field?

Learn about exciting employment opportunities for instruction and curriculum development in Information Technology at Red River College Polytechnic. Join senior academic leaders and faculty:

Date: Thursday, November 2
Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Roundhouse, at 319 Elgin Avenue (view on Google Maps)

This event is free to attend. Resume is not required.

We have full-time, part-time, or contract employment opportunities.

Learn about the many benefits of being an RRC Polytech employee. We are looking for people with experience in information technology, application development, data science, machine learning, and security experience for the following programs:

  • Application Development and Delivery (NEW Program)
  • IT Operations
  • Information Security
  • Data Science and Machine Learning
  • Game Development
  • Digital Media Design

Agenda

TimeActivity
4:00 pmTour of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
4:30 pmPresentation on RRC Polytech employment
5:00 pmBreakout sessions for specific types of employment
(full-time, part-time, contract)
5:30 pmRefreshments and networking

Benefits of Employment at RRC Polytech

We offer competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and the opportunity for personal and professional growth in a rewarding career. We’re also one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

Please share information about this event with people in your network who may be interested in attending. Register to let us know you are attending this in-person event.

Inspire Conference – Networking Opportunity

October 20, 2023

RRC Polytech Invites You!

Attention RRC Polytech Information Technology and Creative Arts Alumni and Industry Friends! Our current students would love your help. The Inspire Conference is November 7th, and our Networking Lounge needs industry friends and alums from BIT, CA/P, IST, BTM, DSML, InfoSec, Game Dev, Digital Media, Graphic Design and Film Production to answer questions from our current students. You likely remember the value of these interactions when you were a student, and recall how beneficial they were to you.

If you have an hour or two to spare, please let Alan Simpson (asimpson@rrc.ca) or Connor Gilhuly (cgilhuly@rrc.ca) know by email as soon as you’re able to. Let us know if you prefer the morning or the afternoon. We will have tables open from 9am to 3pm.

 We hope to see you there!
                        @inspireconference2023

Second Annual Applied Commerce Education High School Competition

October 17, 2023

RRC Polytech Applied Commerce Education proudly presents the second annual Commerce Competition tailored for all passionate Manitoba High School Commerce students. Join as a team of ambitious high school students ready to plunge into the world of commerce, explore innovative challenges, and showcase your brilliance in alignment with the Manitoba Applied Commerce Education (ACE) Curriculum.

Join the competition and chart your path to a promising, successful tomorrow.

Note: Teachers are required to be present for the duration of the competition. Lunch is provided for all attendees

Competition Categories

Accounting Amazing Race (Groups of 2)

Step into a dynamic race around the Notre Dame Campus, where mastering every phase of the accounting cycle propels you forward, and every space of the college holds a new opportunity. If accounting is your forte, team up for a fast-paced duel where precision and swiftness rule. Await the bonus lifelines to slice your completion time, but caution – each tick of the clock and each response is pivotal!

Retail Store Design (Groups of 3-4)

It’s not just a store – it’s a masterpiece waiting to be brought to life. A theme is unveiled on competition day, driving the students’ designs. Those well-versed in consumer trends, product and traffic flow, accessibility, and loss prevention will thrive. Students will use tools like Minecraft, Planner 3D, or Roomstyler to craft designs that balance aesthetic appeal with the functional needs of a modern retail space. Industry professionals judge students by assessing their designs and listening to explanations during the presentations. Participants are expected to dive into their reservoir of knowledge from Retailing Perspectives, Entrepreneurship, or Venture Development courses.

Social Responsibility (Groups of 3-4)

Amidst Canada’s global prestige, pressing issues lurk. Step up, aspiring change-makers! In this challenge, groups of 3-4 will confront a real Canadian issue unveiled on competition day. Your mission: devise an innovative yet realistic solution, identify key stakeholders, and strategize an actionable plan. Pitch your masterstroke in a 7-8 minute presentation, showcasing your problem-solving finesse. Grade 12 students who are taking or have taken Topics and Trends in Business and/or Business Management, but any student armed with creativity and articulate expression can strategize and offer sustainable solutions!

Business Management: Under Cover Boss (Groups of 3-4)

Assume the role of an undercover boss steering a fictional company. Teams of 3-4 dive into the roles of top executives tasked with mending the cracks in a booming, fictional company. Navigate its intricate operations, culture, and real-life challenges. Armed with insider insights, craft an innovative strategic plan to transform weaknesses into strengths. Present your master strategy to a panel, showcasing your leadership and problem-solving prowess. Equipped with insights from the ACE curriculum Entrepreneurship Strand and Business Management courses, yet open to other keen minds, students are set to navigate through real-world business trials.

Join us as a Sponsor

Fuel the aspirations of young commerce enthusiasts by becoming a sponsor. Your support not only empowers students to explore the vast landscapes of commerce but also assures the continuation of this enriching experience, a junction where academics and practical challenges meet.

Your brand will appear at our event’s virtual and physical spaces and receive an acknowledgement amidst the celebrated awards ceremony.

To extend your support, contact Justin Pasosky at jpasosky@rrc.ca before February 28, 2024.

Showcase as a Vendor

Elevate your engagement with the future of commerce and education by establishing your presence as a vendor at the 2nd Annual Commerce Competition. As a vendor, you’ll be fostering connections with RRC Polytech students, staff, and the next generation of business leaders. Leaders that could someday be making an impact with your organization.

Lend your expertise and products to enrich the atmosphere, allowing the RRC Polytech community, staff and high school students to explore, learn, and grow.

To participate, contact Justin Pasosky at jpasosky@rrc.ca by February 28, 2024.

About Applied Commerce Education Program at RRC Polytech

The Applied Commerce Education degree is a joint program offered by Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Winnipeg. Graduates will be eligible to certify as a K-12 teacher with the Province of Manitoba. Choose between the comprehensive five-year integrated program, or the focused three-year after-degree path, or the fast-track with the 1-year accelerated program, each crafted to augment teaching capabilities and align with Manitoba’s high school curriculum.

Learn more >

About Applied Commerce Education

Applied Commerce Education (ACE) consists of an optional cluster of courses for high school students interested in pursuing a future career in a commerce-related field such as economics, entrepreneurship, business, marketing, technology and finance. Each of the individual courses is also an excellent option for any student wanting to understand more about their role in our global economy. The fourteen-course offerings in the Applied Commerce area allow students to develop the skills needed to be effective business leaders, innovators, citizens, consumers, and employees.

Community Health Nursing: Meeting People Where They Are

June 15, 2023

Nursing students in 3rd year have the opportunity to learn about and apply concepts of community health/social determinants of health to at risk-populations in a variety of community settings. In Clinical Practice: Community Health, our students develop and provide meaningful Health Promotion presentations for children, youth, or families in order to educate and empower them. Our main clinical site this year was Manitoba Youth Centre, a youth correctional facility with Manitoba Justice. The youth expressed much appreciation for the many health presentations given by students this past year – some groups also received huge “Thank you” cards from the girls and “Teacher Sara”. Please read on to hear one student’s reflection on her experience from Manitoba Youth Centre!

Tanya Cole RN, BScN – Nursing Instructor

Community health nursing is all about meeting people where they are, and that can mean so many different things. Often that’s very abstract, like where they are in their lives’ journeys, where they are in a disease process, or where they are emotionally, but it can also mean where they literally are – in this case, in a correctional facility. One thing that really struck me about the learning we did at MYC is that we did all of the assessment processes of trying to understand the context that our clients were living in socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and economically, but then we also had to actually go to them. I think that’s an important part of community nursing and public health nursing, because so often the people who have the most unmet needs for care or education are the ones who don’t seek it out. If we want to be serious about health equity, it’s our job as healthcare workers to find the people who might not present themselves to us.

Nurses (and student nurses!) have to be ready for unfamiliarity and ready to use any and all tools at our disposal. Sometimes we might be giving our presentation to a small group huddled around a laptop, and if we can be adaptable, we can use these things to our advantage, as we did at MYC. I think even the fact that we had to stand relatively close together and all look at the same small resource made for a very conversational style of presentation and encouraged a remarkable dialog with the participants we presented to. I was humbled by their honesty and engagement.

– Hannah Done [she, her, hers] – Student Nurse (Year 3) – Red River College Polytechnic

DMD Studio Project

May 19, 2023

DMD Studio Project is a course that allows students to pick their own term-long projects. Often it’s a dream project, something that lets them learn specific new skills and unleash their creativity in exciting new ways.

Below is a Studio Project from Video and Motion Graphics student Kayla Pilgrim, who wanted to push her 3D skills to the next level.

Below is a project from Kristin Lanyon, who wanted to explore using Redshift rendering in Cinema 4D. She created this amazing marble machine from scratch!

DMD Student Explainer Videos (2D and 3D Animation)

May 19, 2023

Here are some terrific student explainer videos. The challenge here was to use visuals, rich sound, a cohesive design, and both 2D and 3D animation to communicate an interesting statistic.

A Visit from Dr. Goodbear

April 6, 2023

This week, pediatric clinical nursing students were visited by Dr. Goodbear. Dr. Goodbear has been the long-time mascot for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Dr. Goodbear is a symbol of the comfort and care provided for kids in need. The Children’s Hospital Foundation has raised over $165 million dollars to help support research and equipment for the children of Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut.

Post and photos by Monica Nash – Nursing Instructor

Nursing Community Health Promotion at the Pros Know Expo

January 5, 2023

Back on Sept 22 and Oct 12, three 2811 Community and Older Adult clinical groups from the BN Program had the opportunity to apply theory and experience community health promotion in older adults at the Pros Knows Expo!

The Pros Knows Expos are coordinated by Rick Roschuk and facilitated by Older Adult serving agencies and businesses with interactive booths in Senior Active Living Centres throughout Winnipeg over the past year. These two featured were held at the Transcona Citizens Org and Good Neighbours Active Living Centre in River East.

Students interacted with more than 200 individuals, checking blood pressure and offering healthy heart information, honing their entry-level competency skills in assessment, communication, and education.

The event provides information and connection to services that older adults may not otherwise be aware of.  The students gained valuable insight: ‘it was so interesting as a young adult to see all of the resources available to older adults’ – Cameryn J.  Information was gathered from agencies and resources to build their community knowledge bases and were shared in the group.

Rick had a particular impact with the students at the end of the day, sharing his appreciation for RRC Polytech Nursing students. ‘Don’t get caught up on the negativity, because there is a larger majority rooting for you, who appreciate your commitment, dedication, and all the work you do at this stressful time in health care’.

Blog post written by Karen Janzen and Tracey McCulloch – Nursing Instructors

Photos by Teresa Lopata – Photographer for Good Neighbours Active Living Centre

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›