Hospice Huronia is set to launch its first-ever nursing student practicum placement program, in collaboration with Georgian College.
This groundbreaking initiative provides nursing students with an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in palliative and end-of-life care, working alongside the compassionate and skilled nursing staff at Hospice Huronia.
This important program was made possible through the efforts of Cathy Robitaille, a registered nurse who has been with Hospice Huronia for over five years. Cathy, who was promoted just over a year ago to director of care, has been a driving force behind the creation of this partnership with Georgian College. As she prepares for her retirement in April 2025, Cathy is proud to see this program take shape, and she hopes it will be an enduring part of her legacy at Hospice Huronia.
“Establishing this practicum placement program has been a passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition,” said Cathy Robitaille. “As I near my retirement, I truly hope this program will continue to thrive, providing future nurses with an opportunity to learn from our dedicated team and experience the unique, rewarding nature of palliative care. I’m proud that this will be a lasting contribution to the community and to Hospice Huronia.”
The nursing student practicum placement program allows students to complete a 72-hour placement at Hospice Huronia, where they can observe and participate in patient care under the guidance of experienced nursing preceptors. This hands-on experience provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to support patients and families in the delicate stages of end-of-life care.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce this new program,” said Debbie Kesheshian, executive director of Hospice Huronia. “Thanks to Cathy’s dedication and vision, this partnership with Georgian College will offer nursing students a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a compassionate, patient-centred environment. We are looking forward to helping nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals, particularly those interested in the important field of palliative care.”
The program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of palliative care and its specific challenges, helping students develop the specialized skills needed to provide high-quality, empathetic care to patients at the end of life. By working closely with Hospice Huronia’s experienced nursing team, students will gain insights that will benefit them throughout their careers.
For more information about Hospice Huronia, please visit www.hospicehuronia.ca.