Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation is proud to announce the grand opening of a new space dedicated to nursing students on the first floor of the Alumni Tower at RIH. This Nursing Student Lounge was made possible through the support of RIH Leadership, the RIH Foundation and generous donations from the local community. This initiative demonstrates our collective commitment to valuing and welcoming the next generation of nurses.
“We want all nursing students to feel appreciated, valued, and welcomed. We are extremely involved in the recruitment of medical professionals to our area as it has become one of our main priorities,” said Heidi Coleman, RIH Foundation CEO.
Nursing students from various programs across Kamloops and the surrounding areas are integral to the RIH team, contributing countless hours during their practicum learning experiences. These experiences often influence their decisions regarding future employment after graduation. Recognizing this, the RIH Foundation saw an opportunity to create a dedicated space where nursing students can conduct research, take breaks, debrief, and engage with peers. This initiative aims to enhance their experience at RIH and leave a lasting, positive impression.
“This new space aligns with our mission to create a supportive and enriching environment for the nursing students who gain practical experience through dedicated nursing staff at Royal Inland Hospital. Our hope is that these future healthcare professionals will also be inspired to extend their careers with Interior Health, post-graduation,” said Gerry Desilets, Royal Inland Hospital Executive Director of Clinical Operations.
“The need for dedicated space for nursing students at RIH has been growing, with hundreds of students coming here annually from Thompson Rivers University alone. While the space may be small, it represents a BIG step forward in improving the experiences of nursing students here at the hospital,” noted Kristen Plowe, Registered Nurse, Clinical Instructor at Thompson Rivers University.
“I am thrilled that we can finally offer a space where students can collaborate, study, debrief, or simply relax at RIH. By providing this space, we aim to enhance the students’ sense of belonging, helping them feel truly welcome in their clinical learning environments. Our hope is to show students that we deeply value them and that RIH is a safe and supportive place for them to learn and grow. I believe this initiative will not only boost our recruitment efforts but also foster a culture of continuous learning and development, ultimately leading to excellence in patient care at RIH,” explains William Lowe, Royal Inland Hospital Clinical Student Experience Program Leader.
Heartfelt thanks go to the key contributors who made this initiative possible: Laura Lizzi and Excel Industries, Casa Decor, Sid Kandola of City Furniture & Appliances, Jodi Plowe Interior Design, Nu Leaf Market and the thoughtful donors of the RIH Foundation.
