UBCO School of Nursing faculty Rishma Chooniedass, Nelly Oelke and Dennis Jasper, far right, celebrate Schynel Howe and Sheila Marentette, both centre, as they complete the Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Stream in the Master of Science in Nursing program.
Two years ago, UBC Okanagan launched a unique pathway to support Indigenous nurses with a new Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Concentration.
The Master of Science in Nursing Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Pathway has clear goals, explains Dr. Kathy Rush, Graduate Program Coordinator in UBC Okanagan’s School of Nursing. It aims to address racism in health care, support Indigenous nurses and those working with Indigenous peoples, organizations and agencies, and bring Indigenous knowledge into mainstream nursing education and practice.
“Nurses are often seen as the backbone of the health-care system because they make a difference at every level,” says Dr. Rush. “Indigenous nurses are especially critical—transitioning between patient care and policy, and working with communities to support mental wellness, promote health and prevent illness.”
To complete this pathway in the Master of Nursing program, students must complete 12 credit hours of related Indigenous Wellness Concentration coursework and either a thesis or capstone project, as well as finish 18 additional course credits.
Read the full story here: UBC Okanagan News