Bloomberg Nursing has long benefitted from the commitment and engagement of its alumni volunteers. As preceptors, mentors, clinical instructors, and faculty liaisons, nursing alumni readily give of their time and energy in support of future nurses.
In recognition and celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Faculty asked a few alumni to reflect on their motivation for volunteering, and the impact it has had in their own lives, and across the profession.
“The Faculty is very grateful for the work of our many alumni volunteers who help provide a robust learning environment for our nursing students,” says Robyn Stremler, Dean of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing. “Their dedication to our community and their desire to ease the transition of future nurses into the profession is a gift.”
Carla Coverdale (MN Clinical 2011) has been a volunteer with the Faculty for many years. When the Words of Wisdom Campaign (previously Golden Notes) first launched, Coverdale was eager to support new nurses in their education journey.
“I think it is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the nursing profession. Each time I completed a note, I hoped it reminded the person receiving it that they are important and have the strength and support to complete their academic program,” says Coverdale.
As a clinical instructor, Coverdale has enjoyed watching nursing students discover their talents and their perseverance. What made it so rewarding she says, was being able to provide students with kindness and compassion, and direct them to supports especially related to their mental health.
“It’s natural for a nurse to help another person. To keep the world in balance, if we all do it in some form, the world will become a better place,” says Coverdale.
Alex Harris, (MN/MHSc 2013, PhD 2018) has been a mentor with the Faculty’s Alumni-Graduate Student Mentorship program, a role she decided to take a chance on despite wondering how she would have time to support her mentee while juggling work, home and family life.
“I can honestly say that being a mentor has been a gift,” says Harris. “The students motivate me and help me grow as a nurse. It’s been energy giving, and the best part of my day.”
In reflecting on her years as a nurse, Harris says she realized that she is where she is today because of the relationships she hasformed and the lessons she has learned from her peers, mentors and students. Much of her growth, Harris says, was due to the generosity of Bloomberg Nursing alumni who were willing to share their wisdom and advice.
“Nursing at its core is relational, highlighting the interdependence and responsibility that we all hold as humans to each other and our greater community. As alumni, it is our responsibility to nurture students not just for their own personal growth, but for the betterment of the profession,” says Harris.
Carrie Kan (MN – NP 2014) has volunteered with Bloomberg Nursing as a preceptor and clinical instructor, supporting learners as they become Nurse Practitioners. Her clinical speciality – Emergency Medicine – is often in high demand for precepting, and Kan says that she enjoys teaching new students in this high-paced environment.
“I’ve seen how other NPs have volunteered their time as preceptors when I was a student, and I appreciate the time they gave to support future NPs,” says Kan.
Through precepting, Kan says she is able to refine her own professional knowledge learning just as much from her students as she teaches them.
“I think it is important to support the growth and development of new nurses, I know that I have benefitted from the expertise of nurses who have come before me,” says Kan.
Brock Cooper (MN – NP 2010), has been volunteering with the Faculty since he was a student. He has played an integral role in promoting NP education online, including creating a module with the Centre for Professional Development focused on adult depression. He has been regularly involved at the Faculty during NP Residency Weeks, and has been a mentor to both undergraduate and NP students, while also providing important support as a member of the NP admissions committee.
“To me, volunteering provides a continued opportunity for enrichment and personal growth, because you learn from the students you engage with, even about non-nursing related topics,” says Cooper.
He is also motivated to volunteer because of his desire to help learners as they move forward in their nursing practice and professional development. Cooper believes it is important to support the next generation of nurses in an increasingly challenging healthcare landscape.
“I remember when I was in their position, how beneficial receiving the guidance of a more experienced nurse was for my practice and confidence,” says Cooper. “I’m also interested in and often inspired by learning about their life story and what motivates their desire to grow as a nurse.”