Nursing

In support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, Langara is committed to increasing the number of practicing Indigenous nurses in Canada. In an effort to decrease systemic barriers posed to Indigenous learners, five seats in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and two seats in the Advanced Entry BSN program are reserved for prospective Indigenous students who meet the minimum admission requirements.

Any Indigenous applicant interested in the BSN program is invited to meet with one of the Indigenous Liaison Counsellors in the Indigenous Gathering Space (C140) to discuss academic advising as well as personal and career counselling needs. The Indigenous Gathering Space houses the Indigenous Education and Services team and offers culturally-relevant support services to Indigenous students on campus.

Here's what our students are saying:

"I wanted to find a career where I could give back to the community, that combined the sciences with social connection. Nursing seemed to be the perfect choice for this. It allows me to nurture relationships while thinking critically. However, between full-time classes and two jobs, clinical experience and life, I felt exhausted. The staff from the Indigenous Education and Support Services were amazing, providing me with a safe place to reach out, to help me remember to breathe. I will start my preceptorship at St Paul's Hospital in general surgery in the fall, and look forward to becoming a community nurse, working with the Indigenous community in the future."

"I always wanted to do something in the health care field. My friends were considering Nursing, so I thought I'd give it a try. Many showed resentment at my choice, saying that it was easy for me to get into school and get funding because I'm native, but the staff in the Indigenous Education and Services department were so friendly, helpful, and supportive that it helped confirm my career choice. I am in Term Three of the Nursing program, and looking forward to the next couple of years here."

"I discovered the world of nursing including all the stages of acute care, palliative, and hospice care while my grandmother was in the hospital. I learned how important it was for patients to have a caring and compassionate nurse. I started my studies at Langara in 2014, but soon found it a struggle to manage a full-time program with a full-time job. A representative from the Indigenous Education and Services office helped me apply for bursaries and scholarships, which ultimately allowed me to focus on my studies full-time without financial hardship. This fall I will begin my preceptorship at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. By December 2018, I will have achieved my goal of graduating from the Nursing program at Langara."