Students reap benefits from CTC grad

Boni Low-on (front row, left) with students Beth Abbott, Gladys Imoukhuede, Jen Koppel and Sisi Wang.  Photo by Ken Bendiktsen.

Judging from the opinions of one group of nursing students, the Clinical Teaching Collaborative is already achieving one of its primary goals.  The eight students who just completed their clinical rotation on Units 21 and 22 at Foothills Hospital with Clinical Teaching Scholar Boni Low-On give her top marks for their assimilation to the area of psych/mental health and to the units themselves.

“Boni set out clear and high expectations for us which helped me – and probably all of us - do a better job,” says third year student Renee Neil.  There was mutual agreement that the clinical standard was high and a lot of what the group learned was not only applicable to this unit, but could be carried through to other practicums.

“Right out of the gate, she inspired respect from everyone,” says Michelle Jones, also in her third year.  “I felt like psych/mental health would be my least favourite clinical, but it was so advantageous to have an actual registered nurse from the psych ward guide us through the process.”

Jones added that an additional benefit was the collaborative approach Low-On took with the other health care professionals.  “Because Boni worked on the unit and was so connected, we were able to attend a lot of really valuable in-services with groups like security, occupational therapy and spiritual care.”

For her part, Low-On felt more empowered having participated in the inaugural Clinical Teaching Scholars course in June.

“I recognize that students feel vulnerable and even fearful in any new clinical situation.  I felt better prepared as an instructor to deal with that fear as a result of the course,” she says.  “I also felt very confident in this position as I am familiar with this clinical population, members of the health care team working in this area and the applicable policies and procedures.”

Sisi Wang, for whom English is a second language, says Low-On gave her an extra boost. “Boni is very patient and a good listener.  I felt really comfortable asking questions and that is a good quality in a teacher.”

The next course offering is planned for early 2010.