Thursday, May 01, 2014
Sanctuary London
Santuary London Recognized by Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing
At first glance, a downtown church that brings together people affected by poverty may not sound like a place where post-secondary nursing students would learn about their chosen career. But for those who have had their work placement at Sanctuary London, the fit is proving to be ideal.
The relationship between the church, Western University’s School of Nursing and Fanshawe College was recognized by the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN), when Sanctuary was named recipient of a 2014 Agency Award at a ceremony in Toronto on April 23rd. The COUPN Agency Award is presented annually to an Ontario agency or organization that has provided nursing students with an exceptional learning experience that advances their skills and abilities.
“We don’t have any clinical services at Sanctuary, so it came as a bit of a surprise that we were being honoured for the work placement opportunities we provide for our nursing students. It’s a thrill to be considered in the same category as previous winners like Women’s College Hospital and Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto,” says Gil Clelland, Pastor at Sanctuary London. “What we don’t provide from a clinical point of view, we do provide from a relational perspective. The nursing students we work with get to know our friends from the streets and the health challenges they face every day.”
In its lead-up to the 2014 COUPN Awards, the Council noted that: “Sanctuary London is an excellent example of nursing education in a non-traditional healthcare setting. Third year students explore the impact of social determinants of health as they assess, plan, implement and evaluate a community health intervention. By placing students in a context that is unfamiliar to them, they are able to learn from community members and critically explore their own preconceptions.”
Since 2008, the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing Awards have been presented annually to nursing faculty and students, as well as partner agencies and programs, in recognition of advances and notable achievements in university nursing education in Ontario.
Sanctuary London is located at 513 Talbot Street, in downtown London at Talbot Street Church. Visit www.sanctuarylondon.ca for more information.
Media Contact:
Gil Clelland
Pastor
Sanctuary London
519-902-9774
gil@sanctuarylondon.ca
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