Laura McBride, a nurse at Stanton Territorial Hospital has won the 2020 Preceptor of the Year Award from Aurora College, offering NWT health care watchers a positive break from Covid-related health developments.
McBride, a floor nurse in Stanton's surgery unit and the acting clinical coordinator said it felt "excellent" to receive the accolade.
"It’s really nice to be recognized for working with students. I love working with students. I love teaching. To be recognized for that feels really special. I hope it encourages other people to take on students and take on the teaching role," said McBride, who was born and raised in Yellowknife.
The Preceptor of the Year award is presented every year by Aurora College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to a preceptor - a medical term for a health care instructor - who "goes above and beyond expectations in promoting student learning and achievement" and serves as a role model for registered nurses, the college said in a news release.
She was nominated for the award by BSN graduating student John Mark (JM) Mabilog, who worked with McBride for a 12-week practicum in the surgery unit.
"Laura embodies the characteristics of an excellent preceptor," he said. "She created a supportive environment and had provided me with various unique opportunities to ensure I was getting the best learning experience."
McBride hopes that the news of her award will give a refreshing perspective on health care professions during this challenging time of the the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I feel like it’s a really stressful time for a lot of people. Talking about the positive things like Preceptor of the Year and being positive is a nice change of pace. It’s nice to be recognized for something not Covid-related and makes people feel good about the health care system."
She has worked here as a nurse for three years and during that time has preceptored several Aurora College BSN students.
She attended the University of British Columbia's nursing school at its Okanagan Campus in Kelowna.
“Aurora College is grateful to Laura McBride and all preceptors who graciously teach and mentor nursing students. Our program success relies on their commitment," said Jodi Brennan, chair of the School of Health and Human Services at Aurora.