History

SIAST's Nursing Division has a proud and rich history as one of the primary providers of superior nursing education in the province of Saskatchewan, with a reputation that is recognized provincially, nationally and internationally.

SIAST has been a leader in quality nursing education for registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, registered nurse/nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses for 40 years.

SIAST’s role in nursing education was launched in 1967 with the establishment of the Diploma Nursing Program at Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon.

In 1972, the Department of Post-Secondary Education assumed responsibility for all diploma and certificate nursing education in the province and, with the closing of the hospital based programs the establishment of what is now SIAST Wascana Campus, the Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs came under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. Additional programs were readily developed and implemented to meet the changing health care needs (such as Psychiatric Nursing and Practical Nursing).

SIAST continued to respond to the changing education needs and offered specialization in various areas of nursing practice.

Historical Highlights

• Concurrent with the major restructuring of SIAST, the Nursing Division and the position of dean of nursing in its current form was established in 1998.
• A Nursing Division Leadership Team, comprised of the dean and program heads, provides leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative programs using a student focused approach.
• In 2003, the Nursing Division adopted the Boyer Model of Scholarship, which was endorsed by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), to promote and facilitate scholarly work in all four domains of discovery, teaching, application and integration.
• In 2004, the Nursing Division established a Scholar-in-Residence Program to provide faculty with access to expert consultation and advice in their pursuit of scholarship.
• Five scholarship teams were established to advance initiatives relating to teaching best practices, patient safety, mentorship, healthcare informatics, and interprofessional education.
• Today, the Nursing Division offers 16 innovative and award-winning programs to more than 5000 students annually across the four campuses located in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.
• Our diverse educational programs prepare graduates to meet the professional standards and competencies necessary to ensure that the people of Saskatchewan receive high quality, safe and competent care by registered nurses, registered nurse/nurse practitioners, registered psychiatric nurses and licensed practical nurses. Nursing Division programs also prepare nurses for specialization in perioperative nursing and critical care, and contribute to multidisciplinary education with diabetes education and occupational health and safety.
• In May 2006, the Nursing Division was recognized for its leadership in nursing education with the presentation of the Elizabeth Van Valkenburg Award for Leadership in Nursing Education by the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA).
• In February 2007, the Nursing Division was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Healthcare Excellence Award (SHEA) in recognition of its leadership in healthcare.