The Golden Stethoscope was on the line as teams from nursing programs at eight Ontario universities competed in the Nursing Games at Nipissing University March 17-19. The event is held annually, and organizers have hopes that a nationwide Nursing Games will soon become a reality.
The eight teams competed in an Amazing Race-style series of events, including a nursing-themed karaoke contest, Report Room Ramble (based on the popular game Speak Out), an anatomy knowledge challenge, and a simulation testing the students' first aid, CPR and AED skills, among others.
The leaders after the day-long competition are awarded the Golden Stethoscope for overall excellence. Awards are also given for proficiency in sports, academics, spirit, and charitable work. A fundraiser was held in conjunction with the Games benefitting the Nipissing Serenity Hospice Friday evening.
The teams dressed in colour-coordinated clothing and could be heard cheering each other on throughout the halls of Nipissing University Saturday.
Nipissing University graduates Emily Oldreive and Maggie Schweitzer made lasting memories as nursing students while taking part in, and winning, the Nursing Games with their teammates at Laurentian University in 2016.
The duo, along with a top-notch group of volunteers, returned to their alma mater as co-ordinators of the 2017 event, held on campus in North Bay this weekend. Schweitzer served as team captain of the Lakers squad that competed (and won) for the first time last year.
Schweitzer and Oldreive have both found work in their field since graduation. Schweitzer has been hired in her hometown of Stratford, and Oldreive, who is from Bradford, has been working at North Bay Regional Health Centre since the month after graduation.
"One of the most exciting things about the weekend is being able to showcase our campus and our incredible program here that rivals many of the bigger schools," said Oldreive, "we wanted to be able to show that."
With many students from southern Ontario in attendance, Oldreive explained that the event was a perfect chance to show the opportunities for graduating nursing students in northern communities.
A career fair is part of the weekend agenda, helping the students to forge contacts with various nursing professionals.
"Nurses are finding jobs in our community," said Oldreive, "I came here for school and fell in love with the community. Through these Games, we hope that our guests can see what we love about living in the north."
