Student nursing conference in Halifax aims to help make health care more inclusive
A national student nursing conference in Halifax this week is focused on promoting inclusivity and equity in nursing care and workplaces. The Canadian Nursing Students’ Association president, Tiffany McEwen, emphasized the importance of nurses advocating for themselves and their patients from the student level.
McEwen highlighted the need for all patients to receive equal and safe care, especially considering the increasing awareness of social justice issues in nursing. The conference, which began on Wednesday and concludes on Saturday, has brought together around 200 nursing students from across Canada to network, attend workshops, and listen to guest speakers.
One student, Tosisiye Jegede from Lethbridge, Alberta, appreciates the conference’s emphasis on inclusivity, particularly in addressing systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare towards Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups. Jegede shared her experience with a patient who lacked trust in the healthcare system, underscoring the importance of students working towards positive change.
Topics covered at the conference include L’nu nursing, gender and sexuality, and healthcare access for migrant workers. April Mitchell, a nursing student at Dalhousie University and the conference coordinator, noted the unique programming offered to attendees that goes beyond traditional education curriculums.
This year’s conference also includes meetings tailored to different student groups from diverse backgrounds, marking a significant step towards fostering inclusivity in the nursing field. Mitchell hopes that participants will bring their newfound knowledge back to their schools and contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse nursing profession.
The overarching goal of the conference is to reshape the image of nursing and make it more welcoming and accessible to all individuals. By empowering nursing students to advocate for inclusivity and equity, the event aims to drive positive change in the healthcare sector.
