Celebrating nurses: Online nursing education and research critical to health care

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For National Nursing Week, we’re celebrating the transformational impact of online nursing education—critical to the health of Albertans and Canadians

Ensuring access to quality health care for Albertans and Canadians remains a challenge, as communities—particularly in rural and remote regions—struggle to attract and retain health-care workers and support students pursuing education in the field.

Online learning at Athabasca University is different because education comes to students, not the other way around. AU supports health-care education for learners regardless of location, from big cities to remote, rural, and Indigenous communities.

As a result, AU has one of the largest undergraduate nursing programs in the country, and we teach more nurse practitioners than anywhere in Canada.

To recognize National Nursing Week, we’re proud to celebrate the transformative impact of online nursing education and research on the lives of our learners, alumni, and communities near and far. AU nursing graduates and researchers are truly like no other!

'Overwhelmingly positive response': 3 AU grads launch nurse practitioner clinics

AU grad and nurse Kayla Cheung

In 2024, the Government of Alberta launched a new funding model that removed barriers for nurse practitioners to establish their own clinics. Three AU graduates share how they’re making their highest contributions to the health of patients through their new practices.

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How online and remote nursing education can help treat Alberta's ailing health-care system

close up of nurse holding a patient's hand

Students and grads working in rural communities share why they chose AU to advance their careers as nurses and nurse practitioners. Online learning—and AU in particular—can help address strains to the health-care system and in remote and rural communities in particular, says President Dr. Alex Clark.

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Helping nurses advance skills critical to Canada’s health-care woes

nurse with patient

A worldwide shortage of nurses has resulted in an 86% increase in the number of vacant nursing positions in Canada. This puts strain on health-care systems across the country and makes retaining nurses an ongoing challenge. AU researcher Dr. Venise Bryan shares how she’s working to ensure that nurses and other health professionals can grow and advance their skills to take on greater responsibilities within health systems.

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Nursing grad proves there’s more than one path to career success

AU grad and nurse Alison Babiak

Alison Babiak (Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing '24) is proof that there's more than one path to a successful career. Raised in Whitecourt, Alta., and a member of Driftpile Cree Nation, she realized her dream of becoming a registered nurse thanks to open, online nursing education at AU.

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Research tackles barriers preventing internationally educated nurses from practising in Canada

nurse smiles at patient

AU researcher Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Leslie is leading a new national study that will explore ways to make it easier for qualified internationally educated nurses to join the health-care workforce. The research could help identify solutions to relieve pressure on already strained health-care systems across the country.

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Treating health inequity in a remote Indigenous community

AU grad and nurse Kayla Milley

After graduating from AU's Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner program, Kayla Milley chose to work in a remote northern Alberta community because she felt she could make a difference in the health and lives of the area's Indigenous People.

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Breastfeeding supports critical to maternal mental health

mother breastfeeding

More than half of Canadian women who start breastfeeding stop within six months. Helping mothers access the support they need to breastfeed successfully was one of the goals of Kelly DeCoste's graduate thesis at AU.

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Master of Nursing grad shines light on gaps in Indigenous health care

AU grad and nurse Michelle Monkman

Michelle Monkman (Master of Nursing '23), a registered nurse from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, has spent her entire 20-plus-year career serving Indigenous populations in urban and rural Manitoba. In recognition of her achievements, Monkman was named AU’s 2023 Governor General's Gold Medal winner given to the graduate student with the highest grade-point average in their class.

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Family the foundation of nursing grad’s global journey and success

AU grad and nurse Christine Zuwe

As a girl growing up in the Moyo District in Uganda, Christine Zuwe (Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing '24), dreamed of a life and education abroad that would break the cycle of poverty. The class of 2024 graduate shares how she’s realized her dream in Canada thanks to AU and is now making an impact on the health of patients in Calgary, Alta.

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Nurse practitioner student wants to 'do more' for rural health care

AU grad and nurse practitioner Chantelle Gray

Chantelle Gray chose AU's Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner program because she felt she could "do more" for Alberta's health-care system and her hometown of Grande Prairie.

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Nursing grad advocates for equity in health care

AU grad and nurse Kimberley Jones

After encountering racism in health care, Kimberley Jones (Master of Nursing '22) wants to be an advocate for change.

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Alumni award winner plans to transform health-care system

AU grad and nurse Julia Cornester

Julia Cornester (Master of Nursing '22) of Calgary, winner of the 2022 Future Alumni Award, hopes to move into health-care leadership roles to make changes at the policy level.

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A university Like No Other

Athabasca University is a university like no other, uniquely focused on the core priorities of access, community, and opportunity.

'Overwhelmingly positive response': 3 AU grads launch nurse practitioner clinics

Did you know that AU educates more nurse practitioners than anywhere in Canada? Three graduates share how they’re helping to improve access to primary care in Alberta with new independent practices.

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