August 27, 2024
DRAYTON VALLEY – Nine students from the Drayton Valley area are set to start their studies and gain hands-on training on their way to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree — all without having to leave their home community.
Offered for the first time in Drayton Valley this year, the rural community nursing program builds on the successes Alberta Health Services (AHS) and University of Calgary (UCalgary) have experienced in Wainwright since jointly launching the program there in 2021.
“I am thrilled to see this program launch in Drayton Valley,” says Andrew Boitchenko, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon. “This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in a future in healthcare to be able to learn close to home, and a chance for them to experience first-hand all that rural healthcare has to offer.”
Kelsey Letendre, a local licensed practical nurse (LPN) at the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre, is among the first cohort of students. She embraces the opportunity to further her education without having to leave for the city.
“Having this program available in smaller, rural communities not only makes the degree much more accessible but gives students the supports of home,” says Letendre. “I grew up here. I’ve been working here for 10 years. Knowing I have the support of my family, coworkers and manager at the hospital all right here with me has made it easier to take this next step in my career. I’m looking forward to growing as a nurse and continuing to care for my community for years to come.”
For AHS, the opportunity to collaborate with partners to grow local talent supports not only students but the future of rural healthcare, as well.
“We do face challenges in recruiting nursing staff to rural sites,” says Janice Stewart, Chief Zone Officer with AHS Central Zone. “By creating opportunities to educate registered nurses in their home communities, we are building capacity for a local, more sustainable workforce into the future.
“That is good news for our rural hospitals, and for patients and families in the community.”
The program was developed as a way of reducing barriers to learning, recruiting students to healthcare careers, and encouraging graduates to stay in their home communities.
Students of the Drayton Valley program will take part in both in-person and virtual learning opportunities, gaining valuable skills and hands-on experience from instructors and seasoned nurses. New educational spaces have been established in collaboration with the Town of Drayton Valley, which has been a key partner in getting the program launched in the community.
“Having supportive community partners is integral to our ability to provide an excellent academic and clinical experience for students,” says Dr. Catherine Laing, Dean of the UCalgary Faculty of Nursing. “We are grateful to work with partners who have an important stake in ensuring we are meeting the healthcare needs of our communities across Alberta.”
For the Town of Drayton Valley, supporting the program aligns with its ongoing work to support local healthcare.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the first cohort of nursing students to Drayton Valley as part of this groundbreaking rural community nursing program,” says Mayor Nancy Dodds. “This is an incredible opportunity for our local students to pursue their passion for healthcare right here in Drayon Valley. Not only does this program make a nursing degree more accessible, but it also strengthens our commitment to building a sustainable healthcare workforce in rural Alberta.
“We are excited to support these students on their journey and to see the positive impact they will have on our community for years to come."
The Drayton Valley program will run for two cohorts of students, with intakes this year and next, with the goal of preparing 18 nursing graduates. Students will have the option to complete their final preceptorships in a compressed timeline to graduate in 2027 or can opt for a more traditional program timeline, which would see them graduate in 2028.
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Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
