Hibah is in the second semester of the MSN program. She has a passion for teaching and leadership, and chose the program because of its reputation for excellence in those areas. “I believe my enrollment in this program will provide me with the tools and knowledge I need to pursue my dream to be a successful instructor in the nursing field” she says.

As an international student from Saudi Arabia, the UBC experience has been very supportive for Hibah. “Last semester I took the International Teaching Assistance Program it was amazing. I met a lot of international students from different disciplines and backgrounds and we had the opportunity to discuss the similarities and differences in teaching different cultures.” She is also very grateful for the UBC writing center, “As an international student sometimes I struggle with writing. They help me to edit my essays and assignments.”

Within the School, she has received a lot of support from her academic adviser Judy Lynam, as well as the graduate secretary Peggy Faulkner, who helped her find accommodation, health insurance and how to meet other students from Saudi Arabia.

She is here on a government scholarship and is really enjoying the democratic classroom environment, “The interactions are very student-centered. It is great to share my experience and background with the other students.”

When she completes the MSN program, Hibah will return home. “My dream is to change the education system back home, especially the traditional teaching style, from content-centered to student-centered, like the programs at UBC.”

Hibah Bari
MSN 2012

“Nursing is in my blood” says Kelly, “My mom is a nurse and some of my earliest memories are of visiting her at work.” From a young age, she was drawn to nursing, and later, when she realized she wanted to pursue leadership, she knew that the MSN program at UBC would provide her with the combination of in-class learning, networking and professional relationships she would need to achieve her goals.

After taking a leadership class with Maura MacPhee, Kelly was inspired and chose Maura as her thesis advisor. Her thesis focus, shared governance, is based on various councils existing within an organization, representing different focuses but always including the frontline nurses’ voice.

“I chair the Nursing Practice Council at St. Paul’s hospital, which is a form of shared governance,” she explains, “and I have always appreciated being able to come to council and be a voice in decision-making. I wanted to further understand the nurse’s levels of knowledge, commitment and perception of shared governance.” She believes that shared governance will be a driving force in health care.

She currently works at St. Paul’s Hospital as the Clinical Nurse Leader for the Chronic Pain Program. “I know without a doubt that I could not have got this job without the training I received in the MSN program. My focus on leadership and appreciation for the important role of research are incorporated into my practice on a daily basis.”

Kelly recently received the CRNBC Rising Star award. “I am truly appreciative and grateful for this recognition. Obviously there are so many people that have supported me in my work and I look for the opportunity to support young workers and students that come after me.”

Kelly Lee
MSN 2011
Clinical Nurse Leader
St. Paul’s Hospital

Carla completed her BSN at UBC and is now in the MSN program. She has been practicing for three and a half years. “I love practice,” she says, “but I just wanted to come back and keep learning.”

Having immigrated here with her family from the Philippines as a child, she knows that the struggles she endured were not unique to her, yet are often taken for granted. “It’s something that a lot of people can identify with, especially in Canada.”

Though she comes from a place of disempowerment, in terms of gender, culture, immigrant status and socio-economic status, she now feels like she can pursue research, leadership, or whatever she chooses. “The determinants of health are changeable,” she says, “but require certain circumstances and opportunities.” As she tackles these concepts within the master’s program, she is gaining insight into how her own life has been affected by environment and social support networks. “It’s interesting having that personal analysis as I learn about the larger and broader structures.”

“For my MSN, I thought I would focus on advance practice and research, and maybe health policy, but now I’m really immersed in research and I’m not sure. That’s what the program does; it opens up your mind to the possibilities!”

Carla Hilario
BSN 2007, current MSN student
Nurse
In-patient Unit, BC Cancer Agency

"I am halfway through the MSN program and am soaking up every minute of it! I have enjoyed each aspect of the program, taking on each course with enthusiasm and energy. The course material is relevant to the real world, and the professors are dynamic and engaging, working hard to create a positive learning environment. The program has opened so many doors for me in a personal and professional sense, by opening my eyes to a broader worldview, respectful and inclusive of all professions, while still focusing on nursing."

Kirsten Reems
Current MSN Student

Julie was drawn to nursing from an early age. She grew up in a large family, regularly caring for siblings and relatives. Her mother’s many nurse friends would often come to visit and share stories of their work. She was fascinated with the mix of social skills and scientific knowledge, and knew it was something she wanted to pursue in her career.

For her MSN, she says, “my initial focus was anything that would increase my view of ‘the bigger picture’. I focused on health policy and had Colleen Varcoe for a number of classes; she was an inspiration. I was fascinated, because it wasn’t just about being boxed into ways of thinking, but also about how the money is spent and where the needs are, because we must be able to project into the future.”

Julie sees the UBC School of Nursing as a vibrant environment for teaching and learning. Since she has completed her MSN, she has been hired by the School as a Clinical Associate and works with students on clinical units. “They’ve learned the theory in class,” she says, “and this is their time to practice.”

"I love clinical nursing and the UBC program prepares some really outstanding nurses for clinical practice" she says. “If one day I am a little old lady and need care, I hope that I will be treated by students, because I know that I will receive very good, comprehensive care".

Julie Lapinsky
MSN 2007
Clinical Associate
UBC School of Nursing

"Choosing the MSN program at UBC was an easy choice and one that I am grateful for. The support and guidance that were offered during my course work and major essay provided a great learning experience."

Lisa Seaberly
MSN 2006
Clinical Practice Support Coordinator
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority