In research laboratories, classrooms, hospitals — even workplaces and beyond — University of Alberta nurses are leading the way to improve health care for Canadians.
Ranked the top nursing program in Canada and fifth in the world, the U of A's Faculty of Nursing attracts the "best and brightest" students and staff, according to acting dean Diane Kunyk.
Nursing research programs range from infant health to healthy aging and tackle some of the biggest health challenges of our time, including the impact of COVID-19, how to improve Indigenous health and expand mental health supports.
As the world celebrates International Nurses Day today with the theme "Our Nurses. Our Future," Folio celebrates seven U of A nurses — both faculty and grads — who are leading the charge for change.
Hannah O'Rourke
Hannah O'Rourke's goal is to overcome social isolation and loneliness for people living with dementia in care homes. She's developed a video call program to connect them regularly with the people they hold most dear.
Jordana Salma
The goal of Jordana Salma's research is to improve the mental and physical health of seniors within Edmonton's Muslim community, and she does it by working directly with the seniors themselves to create culturally safe ways to connect.
Tanya Park
People living with schizophrenia need better health care at the end of their lives, according to Tanya Park, who is working to bridge a knowledge gap between mental health and palliative care professionals across Canada.
Shannon Scott
Shannon Scott seeks to empower parents when they need to make critical decisions for their sick children. As co-founder of TREKK (Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids), she helps make research-based pediatric health information easy to find and understand.
Colleen Norris
Females comprise 51 per cent of the population but cardiovascular research aimed at them is almost non-existent. Colleen Norris is working to change that.
Manal Kleib
Canada's nurses are not as ready as they should be for the digital transformation that is happening in health care, according to Manal Kleib. She is coming up with innovative ways to address the gap for both students and professionals.
Jodi-Ann Robinson-Perry
Jodi-Ann Robinson-Perry is uniquely qualified for her role as an occupational health nurse thanks to her training and life experience. She brings vital skills to the workplace.
Did you know?
National Nursing Week (May 8-12) and International Nurses Day (May 12) are celebrated in Canada each year to highlight the contributions nurses make to our community. This year's theme is "Our Nurses. Our Future." The U of A's Faculty of Nursing program is ranked as the best in Canada and fifth in the world.
