Celebrating nurses as global change-makers

As the world celebrates the contributions of nearly 28 million nurses worldwide, U of A nurses advocate for patients, innovate new ways to deliver health care and educate the next generation of professionals.

nursing-week

University of Alberta nurses are leading the way towards better patient care, through advocacy, innovation and education. (Photo: John Ulan)

The whole world is celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of nurses this week. International Nurses Day is coming up on Sunday, May 12, sponsored by the International Council of Nurses, which represents nearly 28 million nurses around the world. And National Nursing Week 2024, put on by the Canadian Nurses Association, kicks off today. 

This year’s theme is “Changing lives, Shaping tomorrow,” an acknowledgement of the tremendous impact that nurses have on people, communities and the future of health care.

In Canada, University of Alberta nurses are leading the way in patient care, patient advocacy, treatment innovation and training the next generation of health-care professionals. The Faculty of Nursing is one of the top 10 programs in the world and ranked number two in Canada according to the most recent 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Here’s to the student nurses carrying out community-focused research, the faculty members helping Canadians build healthier habits, and the graduates integrating Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation principles into better care for all. Folio salutes you as forces for global health!

Gail Low
Researchers serve up a menu for mental and nutritional health 

“Cooking Up Calm” shares wisdom gathered from older Canadian adults in a study on how they coped with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Originally published in Folio on November 27, 2023)

Learn more about Gail Low’s research

Higinio Fernández-Sánchez
He grew up as an undocumented migrant in Texas; now he uses his community-based research to push for improvements to the health of migrants and their families 

Higinio Fernández-Sánchez’s research illuminates the health needs of economic migrants from Mexico and their families back home.

(Originally published in Folio on November 17, 2023)

Learn more about Higinio Fernández-Sánchez’s research

Alaa Fouli
Undergrad researchers advance nursing science while honing skills in surprising ways 

Research projects focus on how to improve health care for vulnerable people.

(Originally published in Folio on November 3, 2023)

Learn more about the research of Alaa Fouli, Jaxon Lutzer and Priya Vyas

Mona Lisa Bourque Bearskin
2023 Alumni Honour Award: Mona Lisa Bourque Bearskin

Witnessing loved ones subjected to racism in hospital motivated her to bring Indigenous experiences to health care.

(Originally published on the Faculty of Nursing website on October 25, 2023)

Learn more about Mona Lisa Bourque Bearskin’s work

Reagan Bartel
2023 Alumni Honour Award: Reagan Bartel

Through COVID and beyond, Bartel taps into her “nurse brain” to lead health services for the Métis Nation of Alberta 

(Originally published on the Faculty of Nursing website on September 22, 2023)

Learn more about Reagan Bartel’s work