[Sharon]

Let’s get to know each other better. Tell us a little about yourself in a few lines. Don’t forget to say hello and comment on your fellow students’ posts.

[Jennifer]

Hi Everyone and Welcome,

My name is Jen Calver and I will be your course facilitator. I am an RPN and currently working with WeRPN as their research coordinator. My research interest include the healthcare workforce, aging, and dementia care.

I am very happy to be here with you and look forward to learning more about you and your interest in research. If you have any questions related to the course material or research in general don’t hesitate to email me at jcalver@werpn.com

[Attila]

Hi Jen,

Good to “see” you again! The fact that you are the course facilitator ensures that this will be an awesome 8-week program!

Thank you for being here for us! I know that we will learn a lot from you!

[Jennifer]

Hi Attila,

Thank you for your kind words. We have a great group of RPNs joining us for these 8-weeks together. I encourage lots of active group discussions and engagement as we have a very strong nursing group registered for this course. We will learn a lot from each other during our time together.

I am excited to be here with all of you 🙂

Jen

[Jeanne]

Hi Jen,
I’m excited to get started!

[Jennifer]

Hi Jeanne,

Great to hear. It’s wonderful to have you with us! I look forward to learning more about your interest in research and to supporting your learning goals.

Jen

[Attila]

Hi All,

My name is Attila Kovacs. I am a relatively new RPN. I graduated from Durham College in 2021. I got involved with research during my college years and kept it up during my university years. I will finish my RPN to RN bridging in April 2025 at Ontario Tech University. When I am not in school and not doing research, I work at two long-term care homes in a casual position as a staff nurse.

Most of the research projects I am involved in align nicely with my nursing work: old age, Alzheimer’s, creating capacity in LTC, and psychological safety of LTC workforce…

This research course is a benefit of the WeRPN Research Fellowship that I was awarded for the 2024/2025 calendar year. I hope that this course will strengthen my understanding of research. I have already taken “Research Methods for Health Care Professionals” at school, but refreshing my knowledge and looking at research from a different perspective is always good.

My favourite quote these days is from Isaac Asimov: “Education is not something you can finish.” I am very excited about all the new information this course will give me.

[Jennifer]

Hi Attila.
Thank you for sharing your experience and goals for this introduction to research course. I love the quote! It is very suited to our profession as nurses are committed to continuous learning to maintain up-to-date and current information to promote best evidence-informed practice.

My favourite quote is “challenge status quo. If the answer is no, ask why” – author unknown. This has been helpful to overcome barriers and obstacles throughout my education and career in healthcare/health sciences.

[Jeanne]

My Story!
After a couple of years nursing, I became discourage about the field I chose. I called WeRPN for direction with my future because I was not happy with sitting stagnant. I needed more and now I have a path to purse. I knew I wanted to get into research but was not sure how to get started. I am looking at continuing my education to get my bachelor’s degree and find a career in research. I have always enjoyed reading research articles and one day hope to contribute to them.

What is your background?

I was a banker for 12 years for one institution advancing through the service and sales roles to find my niche in service. I spent the last five years of my career at the bank as the Manager Customer Service. The bank restructured, I chose to change careers and went to school for nursing in my forties. I found nursing to align with my morals, beliefs, and values better than banking did. Currently, I have been a nurse for three years working at a retirement home that is a multi-faceted facility.

What interests do you have?

I enjoy all sports except hockey. I am sorry to the hockey fans. I just cannot get into it. I work out, swim, love camping, golfing, learning new things, meditation, and enjoy walks in the park along with people watching. I have recently started dance lessons for Bachata and Salsa with my partner. In addition to all of that, I love to hang out with my parents or work around their house with them.

How would you like to see this course integrate with your career path?

I am hoping this course will enlighten me and give that foundation I need to build upon to create a wonderful new direction for my future.

[Oghenefegor]

Hello Jeanne,
Warm greetings. I really enjoyed reading your post. Similarly, I like learning new things. I also like to read research articles. I have come to realize the importance of staying abreast with research findings as these findings directly or indirectly impact patient outcomes. As a bedside nurse, being well-acquainted with research has enabled me to advocate effectively for patients and families especially during interprofessional team rounds.
I am also looking forward to being enlightened by this course.

Oghenefegor U.

[Attila]

Jeanne,
It is great to see nurses with different backgrounds! I also bring a different set of skills and experiences to nursing, and it is definitely an asset to have broader views, visions, and knowledge which you can apply to your new profession!
Attila

[Jennifer]

Hi Jeanne,

Thank you for sharing your story and career goals. We are excited to have you with us. I look forward to joining you on your learning journey in nursing and health research and will offer any support I can to help you meet your learning goals.

We have lots of interest in common such as getting outside for walks, camping, and dancing. I tend to move to my own rhythm which some may not consider dancing ;). I also find myself apologizing to hockey fans for the sport not holding my attention. Although – I’m sure there is some interesting nursing research about the impact of this contact sport (e.g., concussions, wellness, aging health) that we could get behind.

Good luck with the course.

Jen

[Jennifer]

HI everyone sorry I am delayed in the posting boards but so much looking forward to our next year with each other,.

I have been a RPN since 2016 and have worked in Long term care since the beginning these elderly people has a soft spot in my heart.

Nursing is forever learning and we are in for a world full of knowledge

[Jennifer]

Hi Jennifer,

Welcome to the Introduction to Research Course. Working with old adults has always called to me as well and this experience inspired my research journey.

We look forward to learning more about you and your interest in research during our time together.

Jen C.

[Oghenefegor]

Hello everyone,
My name is Oghenefegor Uwejeya. I have been a Registered Practical Nurse for five years. After these five years, I can only say, I love what I do. My interests are meeting new people, taking walks and enjoying the great outdoors. I enjoy bedside nursing, ever considering it a great honour and privilege to be trusted with the care of people from different walks of life. I am grateful to be enrolled in this course as it will enhance my ability to critically appraise and apply evidence based information while I care for patients at the bedside.
Really looking forward to learning alongside everyone here.

[Jennifer]

Hi Oghenefegor,

Welcome to the Introduction to Research course. We look forward to joining you and this learning journey. Critical appraisal of resources to maintain up-to-date evidence-informed practice is essential to our nursing roles. I am excited to hear more about your ideas and interests in research to support you and your colleagues with bedside nursing.

Jen C.

[Jennifer]

Hi Oghenefegor,

It’s wonderful to hear about your passion for nursing and your commitment to patient care! Your experience and enthusiasm truly shine through. Meeting new people and enjoying the outdoors are such great ways to recharge, especially in a demanding field like healthcare.

I’m glad you’re excited about this course, and I believe it will definitely enhance our skills in evidence-based practice.

[Author]

Posts