Terrace, B.C. – From a very young age, Trinity Scott had her sights set on becoming a nurse. 

When she crossed the stage at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre in Terrace to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree during UNBC’s Northwest campus graduation ceremony in June, she was celebrating the fulfillment of a dream years in the making.

Ignited by admiration for those in the demanding health-care profession, Scott’s ambition was amplified by personal experience.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to become a nurse,” says the Terrace resident. “Then, when I was in Grade 6, someone very close to me was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. I witnessed the compassionate care the nurses provided her and the valuable education on ALS and support they offered to my family. 

“I was deeply grateful for their efforts and further inspired to one day offer the same level of care and support.”

The Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP) is a four-year program offered collaboratively by UNBC, Coast Mountain College in Terrace and the College of New Caledonia in Prince George and Quesnel. Students complete the first years of the program through their local college, with UNBC delivering the final years of coursework at each site. For Scott, this model provided the opportunity to stay in her hometown and close to her support network.

“The availability of this program in Terrace makes pursuing a nursing career much more affordable and accessible,” she explains. “Staying in Terrace was significantly important as all my supports were located here, such as my parents, my partner and close friends.”

Scott points to the smaller class sizes and local clinical placements as key benefits of studying in Terrace. These experiences allowed her to form strong connections with her instructors and classmates while also building confidence in her skills.

“What I enjoyed most about this program was the hands-on experience,” she says. “Celebrating small milestones, such as packing a wound for the first time or even inserting an IV, made the learning process even more meaningful and helped build a strong sense of teamwork.”

Scott’s journey through the program included a transition from Coast Mountain College to UNBC in her third year. While the change initially felt daunting, she says the warmth and support she received from staff at UNBC’s Northwest campus made all the difference.

“There was always someone at the front desk who would welcome us in for our classes and would remind us they were there for anything we needed,” she recalls. 

At the suggestion of an instructor, Scott applied for and was awarded the R. T. Wilson Rural and Remote Nursing Clinical Practicum Bursary. 

“Receiving the bursary was a welcome financial support, as it helped cover some of my expenses when I had to travel outside of Terrace for clinical,” says the UNBC alum. “Reflecting on my experiences, I am reminded that UNBC is a place where individuals genuinely care for one another, which made it an absolute privilege to have been part of such an amazing university.”

With degree in hand, Scott is now entering the workforce. She will begin her nursing career at the recently-opened Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace, working in the psychiatry unit. She says the program prepared her well for this next chapter.

“The hands-on clinical experiences directly complemented the theoretical knowledge we gained in the classroom,” she says. “The clinical placements allowed us to apply and refine these concepts in real-life situations, while also working closely with nurses and our instructors who guided and supported the development of our clinical skills.”

For Scott, graduating from the NCBNP is more than just the start of a career, it’s the continuation of a calling that began in childhood. Her long-term goal is to specialize in mental health nursing—an area that captured her interest during the program’s third year and one she feels is essential to overall well-being.

“I strongly believe mental health can have a direct impact on the physical well-being of a person, as our mental health can have a great influence on how we think, feel, and behave,” she says. “That’s why I plan to continue to be an advocate for mental health awareness over the course of my career.”