The last year has been a trying year for everyone; the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us all to the brink and challenged us in many ways. Our Bow Valley College graduates are no different, and yet many of these graduates are on the front lines managing the pandemic and keeping us all healthy and safe. Our Licensed Practice Nurse graduates are making a difference across Calgary, Alberta and Canada. Thank you isn’t enough, but this Nurse’s Appreciation Week we want to say it loud and clear – thank you nurses, for all you do!

Nurse’s Appreciation Week runs from May 10 to May 16, 2021, to commemorate Florence Nightingale’s Birthday on May 12. Viewed as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale opened the first modern secular nursing school in the 19^th century. The theme of Nurse’s week this year is We Answer the Call, a true testament to nurses and the Bow Valley College graduates who have gone above and beyond to keep us all safe.

Nicola Devoe graduated from Bow Valley College’s LPN program in 2005 and has relished her role as a practical nurse since then. ‘I’ve worked at Bethany CollegeSide since graduation. It is challenging yet a rewarding job. I get to make the connections with residents and their families,’ says Nicola, who has been with Bethany for 17 years and has 4 children of her own. ‘I love what I do and look forward to learning and growing as a nurse.’

The pandemic brought many challenges to nurses like Nicola and impacted their day-to-day work greatly. The struggles we have all experienced – isolation and health struggles – are ones she sees up close and personal every single day. ‘Working through a pandemic is something I never thought I would have to do. It’s been challenging I’m so many ways, and exhausting too,’ notes Nicola. ‘It’s heartbreaking to see loved ones spilt up and to see each other through a screen.’

Our LPNs, like Nicola, are on the front lines of the pandemic, caring for our family members and helping to keep us all safe. This Nurse’s week, and every day, we thank them for all that they do and the impact they have. Providing care, connection and critical health treatment to our loved ones is a job for special people, just like Nicola, and all of our LPN alumni. ‘When a family leaves a loved one in my care, I want them to have comfort and peace knowing we are caring for them,’ Nicola says of her approach to nursing. ‘My son was born 9 weeks early and spent 2 months in NICU. Leaving him every day was so hard! The days I had fantastic nurses helped ease my sadness, knowing he was so well cared for. I carry that feeling with me as I give care to our residents and knowing the impact that has on them and their families.’