Nursing

With a theme of “For Everyone’s Protection, Prevent the Infection,” the School of Nursing engaged students and faculty in Patient Safety Awareness Week, January 21 to 25.

Students competed in a trivia game, mounted poster presentations on hygiene and germ control, and held a fashion show to display the latest in personal protective wear—everything from masks and gloves to gowns and eye shields.

The week of activities was the first organized by the Patient Safety Champions, along with instructors Michelle Freeman and Susan Dennison.

When he climbs up on the stage of Toronto’s Sound Academy on Thursday, a dream will come true for Michael Ure. The third-year nursing student will play and sing his country music as the opening act for the Toronto stop on singer-songwriter Tyler Ward’s North American tour.

Ure beat out thousands of competitors for the honour in an online contest judged by Ward’s management team, by TOPBLIP.com and by fans’ votes.

Patient safety is critical for everyone working in health care, and now the Faculty of Nursing has a group of student volunteers who will be championing the cause.

The faculty recently announced the appointment of its first Patient Safety Champions.

“The program is focused on advancing the understanding of the science of patient safety and quality improvement in our nursing students,” said Susan Dennison, a professor in the faculty, who along with colleague Michelle Freeman announced the appointments last week.

Nursing professor Judy Bornais will discuss ways health professionals can improve their care for patients with diabetes in a free public brown-bag presentation on Monday, November 19, in room 203, Toldo Health Education Centre.

Her talk, entitled “Patient safety issues related to the care of patients with diabetes,” will assist participants in recognizing insulin as a high-alert medication and will identify common insulin errors affecting patient care. She will discuss ways to minimize errors related to diabetes management.