UNB nursing grads join the COVID-19 fight
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Apr 22, 2020
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
Fourth-year nursing students from the University of New Brunswick graduated earlier than usual this year to allow them to join the fight against COVID-19.
The Nursing Association of New Brunswick has provided UNB graduates with a temporary license, which means they can be hired to work in healthcare immediately. While the application process remained the same, the license approvals were expedited.
Due to the pandemic, university campuses were effectively closed, operating under essential services only. However, students continued to learn through alternate methods, including online delivery. For nursing, components of clinical learning were adapted and delivered through virtual simulation.
“We are extremely proud of our nursing graduates who have joined healthcare workers on the front lines to assist in keeping New Brunswickers safe during this crisis,” says Dr. Paul Mazerolle, UNB president and vice-chancellor. “UNB nursing graduates are highly trained to adapt to changing environments and technologies. As a leader in education and research, the university has a role to play in supporting the public interest as well as addressing pressing community needs.”
UNB is in discussions with the provincial government on what surplus supplies the university can offer at this time and in future, including gloves, goggles, masks, face shields, gowns, alcohols and more.
“As New Brunswick’s national, comprehensive university, we are committed to excellence in teaching and learning, research, and public engagement,” says Dr. Mazerolle. “UNB will continue to offer support in any way necessary during the pandemic and in the months of recovery to follow.”
In total, 92 nursing students graduated from the Saint John and Fredericton campuses and received their credentials early, enabling them to join the workforce and add much-needed capacity to the health care system.
Media contact: Kelsey Pye