Learning that Cares

Larry Broadfifield, Manager of Systemic Therapy for Cancer Care Nova Scotia inside Capital District Health Authority's chemotherapy lab.

Demand for health care professionals is growing world-wide. NSCC is doing its part to make sure employers in Nova Scotia's health care sector have access to people with the right blend of skill and compassion to meet that demand.

When Cancer Care Nova Scotia (CCNS) needed a partner to train Pharmacy Technicians in chemotherapy preparation, they found one in NSCC. Together with a provincial working group the team developed a course that standardizes chemotherapy preparation methods.

"Until now, there was no common approach to training pharmacy technicians on chemotherapy preparation," says Larry Broadfield, Manager of Systemic Therapy at CCNS. "Chemotherapy preparation is a complex procedure. The skills and standards training in this course will help ensure safety for patients and health-care workers."

The course is delivered online which means pharmacy technicians can access the program without leaving their healthcare districts.

"It really cut back on travel time and we could all still work while completing the course, which was great," says Ashley Kaiser, a pharmacy technician at St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish. Twenty Pharmacy Technicians have already completed the program. Another 60 are expected to graduate by April 2009.

Shannex employees address continuing and long-term care needs across the province.

Nancy Luedee (Practical Nursing) and Nova Scotia's Health Minister, Chris d'Entremont, examine a mannequin in the new lab at Waterfront Campus.

Shannex is a continuing care provider that puts the needs of its clients at the heart of its organization. With an expansion on the horizon and a growing need for Continuing Care Assistants, Shannex turned to NSCC to develop a training program tailored to their needs.

"Part of our mission at Shannex is to ensure competent and caring employees continue to be the foundation of our organization," says Ellen Stoddard, Vice President of Human Resources for Shannex. "With NSCC focused on our training needs, Shannex has the capacity to spend time conducting information and recruitment sessions and spreading the word about what a great place Shannex is to work."

When Shannex is ready to open its new doors to clients, NSCC Continuing Care Assistant graduates will be waiting to provide the comfort and care they deserve.

The Nova Scotia government recognized the looming nursing shortage this year by investing in training. Beginning in the 2008/2009 academic year, NSCC will expand its Practical Nursing program at seven campuses: Cumberland, Kingstec, Truro, Burridge, Pictou, Marconi and Waterfront. That adds up to an additional 180 skilled health care providers entering the workforce by 2010.

Nancy Luedee knows the value of this training. She graduated from the Practical Nursing program in 2008. After multiple job offers, she walked into a career she loves. "Nursing is about caring for a patient's total health and I'm proud to be part of it," she says.

The Score:

NSCC strives to represent the diverse population of the province: 3% of students self-identify as African Nova Scotian and 3.4% of students self-identify as Aboriginal. More than 8% of students report having a disability.