Kayla Sweiger (right, fourth-year student in the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, proudly presents preceptor Tobin Brown (left) with an Award of Distinction at the fourth annual BScN Preceptor Recognition Ceremony at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club on April 28.

Students and staff from Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) came together to thank more than 300 preceptors in the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at the fourth annual Preceptor Recognition Ceremony on April 28 at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club.

The event, which honours preceptors – willing, experienced nurses with strong critical thinking and communication skills who act as practicum professors, professional role models and colleagues – is held every year to thank and celebrate the preceptors in Durham Region who are intrinsic to the success of the BScN program. Most of these preceptors work at Durham Region Public Health, Lakeridge Health Corporation and Ontario Shores.

The preceptors work one-on-one with BScN students to complete more than 420 hours of clinical placement during their final year of study. The annual ceremony encourages students to nominate those who have impacted their learning in some way.

“Many preceptors are self-identified, but others are manager-identified,” said Marianne Cochrane, Nursing professor and second-year BScN co-ordinator. “Staff in a certain unit may see opportunities for professional development and push for that.”

Kicking off with opening greetings and the awards ceremony, the event also featured a presentation of Mindsight; an online mental health awareness resource created by Wendy Stanyon. Following two additional presentations on nursing curriculum, the day wrapped up with a mix and mingle.

“It was a great afternoon and well received,” said Cochrane. “We had a good turnout and people stayed afterwards to linger and chat. Our program depends on their participation, we couldn’t do it without them.”

Awards of Distinction were presented to the following outstanding preceptors:

• Tobin Brown (Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Positive Care Clinic);
• Christine Cullen Gonzalez, Helen Rushworth and Ruth Witteveen (Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Cardiopulmonary Unit, G4);
• Andrea McCullum (Lakeridge Health Bowmanville, Critical Care Unit);
• Claudette McKnight (St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Short Stay and Day Surgery Units); and
• Kelly Nicholson (Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Critical Care Unit).

The Nursing faculty for both institutions would like to express their thanks and congratulations to all preceptors for their hard work and dedication each year.