For Cassidy Nikirk (pictured right), the moment was the realization of a long-standing goal. A Quesnel local, Nikirk has always been drawn to nursing and was grateful to pursue her studies without having to leave her community. She says staying close to home allowed her to live with her parents, manage costs and remain connected to the people who supported her most.

“I’ve wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember,” she says. “This program helped me build a strong foundation to begin my career.”

She says the close-knit nature of the program created a strong sense of camaraderie among classmates, which made all the difference throughout her studies.

“Our group was really close, and that made a big difference,” she adds. “It helped make long days of class more manageable, labs more enjoyable and clinicals less stressful. When someone was doubting themselves, the rest of us were right there offering support and encouragement.”

That support also extended to their instructors. With fewer students in each course, faculty were able to offer more direct guidance, something Nikirk says helped her feel confident as she transitioned into practice. She recently began working in the medical-surgical unit at a hospital in Terrace and plans to continue building her core skills before eventually specializing.

For Jasmine Dhesi (pictured left), the Quesnel campus offered the right balance of opportunity and support. Originally from Surrey, she moved to the region to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing after working for six years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was drawn to the program’s emphasis on rural health and the hands-on learning opportunities it provided through clinical placements across northern B.C.

“I enjoyed the small class sizes and the unique experiences that are only available at more rural clinical sites,” she says. “The program prepared me with clinical experience that translates well into real-life practice.”

She also saw the benefit of offering nursing education outside major urban centres.

“It’s important to have nursing programs like this in communities such as Quesnel,” she explains. “It gives local students access to university-level education close to home and provides opportunities for LPNs like me to advance our careers while staying connected to our roots.”

After graduation, Dhesi will begin her nursing career at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, taking with her the knowledge, perspective and confidence she developed during her time in Quesnel.

“This experience helped shape me into the nurse I’ve always wanted to become.”