Local nursing students win top title at national competition
A team of 30 University of Windsor nursing students won the Golden Stethoscope Award—a national top honour—at Nursing Games 2017.
The Nursing Games is a national weekend-long competition for undergraduate nursing students across the country. It encompasses students competing in academics, skill-testing and sports-related events and activities.
“Our team collaborated, encouraged, and ultimately had the skills and knowledge to be the best overall—a representation of how truly fantastic the University of Windsor’s nursing program is,” said Tirzah Krey, a fourth-year nursing student who will be graduating from the BScN program this June. “It’s a very exciting time to know that UWindsor nursing students can work together to accomplish whatever comes before us. I’m very proud of us all.”
This year’s Nursing Games was hosted at Nipissing University in March. The competition aims to promote pride and enthusiasm for the schools that the competitors represent, as well as for their future profession.
The competition is a great opportunity for students from each level of their nursing program to get to know each other, build upon each other’s skills and knowledge and inspire one another, Krey said.
University of Windsor Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Dr. Linda Patrick, said she’s proud of how the university’s students excelled in both the critical thinking and simulation portion of the games.
“Their winning performance is a testament to the knowledge and skills they have gained in our BScN program, and will give them added confidence to succeed in their future careers as registered nurses,” said Patrick.
Destiny Cadarette, another fourth-year nursing student who was on the University of Windsor’s winning team, said it felt great to have their school spirit and teamwork recognized at the events.
“Winning was just the cherry on top of an awesome experience,” said Cadarette. “Nursing is very demanding, and to be able to showcase what we’ve learned in a fun and competitive way was great.”
The Nursing Games recognizes nurses in a way that highlights how much of an impact they can make, Cadarette adds.
“Nursing Games also does an awesome job of recognizing the hosting schools’ nursing faculty and nursing program, which is great for future students to get into nursing,” said Cadarette. “It was amazing to network and work with nurses from other universities, as we will be working with all different people in the future.”
Krey said the Nursing Games is a great way to show appreciation for nursing students who are just beginning their time in the profession.
“It’s a time where we are able to utilize the knowledge, skills and critical thinking we’ve been taught in a fun, safe and competitive way,” said Krey. “It’s a place where we can showcase how truly talented we are individually, but more importantly show how extraordinary we are when we work together as a team.”
All in all, the Nursing Games are just a fun and challenging weekend of fun, learning and networking, said Krey.
“Nursing Games is a wonderful way to celebrate our profession, and I believe it really encases a part of what nursing is—teamwork, critical thinking, skill and knowledge, trust and encouragement,” said Krey. “All of these were used during the Nursing Games activities, but more importantly, are used in everyday nursing life.”