Though we are grateful for Humber College's Health Sciences and Wellness Faculty's constant efforts in providing important opportunities for first year Nursing Students, either Regular or Practical, there are many distressed and nervous voices that are declaring to be heard during these pressing times. 

As COVID-19 is on the rise with various variants making its way across Ontario, many of our first-year students are fearful of attending clinical placements at Long-term Care Homes across Halton/Peel Regions. These new nursing students who may be primary care givers to their family members, or living with others who are more vulnerable to COVID, are asking for your support in our decision to respectfully require a modification for the delivery of the course NURS1235 for this Winter's semester at Humber College/UNB (North Campus).

This inquiry is not a difficult one and will not be an inconvenience to the College, rather it will reassure first year nursing students that our safety is a priority. 

This petition is not to undermine our fellow students who are anticipating the start of clinical placement.

Most of the BN students at Humber are preparing for clinical simulation labs and are excited we are gaining this learning opportunity. Attending on-campus labs this semester may be sufficient enough for first year BN students.  

We are not asking to have the clinical placement opportunity terminated, rather we are hoping for a better and safer approach and outcome; we are requesting from you all that we draw the attention of Humber College's Nursing Program's Faculty and request that we follow the lead of other Colleges and Universities across Ontario, and have Humber College collaborate with multiple LTC homes and offer us the clinical placements virtually.

COVID-19 is taking away many educating opportunities from us all, and though this is not entirely convenient, theory courses will not be enough to prepare us specifically for the time we spend in clinical during this pandemic. We are after all, first year nursing students, intimidated and apprehensive, merely suggesting that the Faculty temporarily suspend in-home placements and continue with the course via online to have our hours accredited for while gaining partial experience. 

A unionized voice provides us the strength we perilously need and with your help, the Faculty can hear, attend, and act on our needs.  

Mistakes are bound to happen, and in this case, mistakes from inexperienced first year BN students in clinical's can be deemed as dangerous and deadly for students and elderly residents alike. As first year students, we should not be considered as healthcare professionals...not yet. 

Join us to ensure our safety and the safety of our loved ones.
Thank you all for the support and help.