Photo: The Town of Hanna council seemed quite interested in a new collaborative program which could train registered nurses (RNs) in a special Drumheller facility. The presentation was made to Hanna town council at their information meeting Jan. 28. Rural Alberta Report/Screenshot

The Town of Hanna council seemed quite interested in a new collaborative program that could train registered nurses (RNs) in a special Drumheller facility. The presentation was made to Hanna town council at its information meeting on Jan. 28.

The Drumheller Area Health Foundation, represented by Janice Chalmers, requested funding from the Town of Hanna for the “Grow Your Own Rural Nursing Program and Simulation Lab,” which she noted was a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the University of Calgary.

In a nutshell, the program allows nursing students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing with the help of a Drumheller lab, instead of travelling to Calgary for classes. The program would consider applicants within a 100 km radius of Drumheller, which includes Hanna.

Chalmers stated that offering RN courses close to rural communities offers obvious benefits for students from those areas; no eligible student would be farther than 100 km from the courses. It was noted that Dayton Valley and Wainwright already offer a similar program.

Courses will feature a hybrid approach, with some instruction offered online and some in person.

Chalmers stated that training RNs in their own communities increases the chances of them staying in those communities. It also encourages local residents to pursue a career in health care. She added that the program would accept eight or nine students.

Health foundation representatives noted the foundation would be responsible for renovation costs of an existing conference area at the Drumheller hospital to create the simulation lab. Project cost is $300,000, with representatives saying each community located within the 100 km radius of Drumheller is being asked to donate $10,000, including Hanna.

During discussion, it was noted this program could upgrade a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to an RN. As well, it was stated the University of Calgary handles admissions, with no urban applicants considered. Councillors discussed the substantial costs associated with young people moving to the city for college and applauded a program that allows them to attend quite close to Hanna.

Councillors asked for clarification that this program was exactly the same as the University of Calgary RN program, to which foundation representatives responded that it is the full undergraduate program.

Representatives noted that a number of other communities have already committed funds, including Stettler, Three Hills, Drumheller, and several rural municipalities.

They also pointed out that once the facility is developed, it will be available free of charge for other emergency services providers, including fire, physicians, and police.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk informed foundation representatives that since the current meeting was for information only, councillors could not make a decision about the project until the Feb. 8 regular meeting of council.