Teaching at the birthplace of Strengths-Based Nursing and Healthcare (SBNH), Ingram School of Nursing (ISoN) faculty are uniquely positioned to share their SBNH knowledge and educational strategies. Recently, several ISoN faculty members were invited for such an opportunity at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
In 2016 Memorial University adopted Strengths-Based Nursing and Healthcare (SBNH) as the approach underpinning their Faculty of Nursing. Recently, Ingram School of Nursing faculty members Rosetta Antonacci, accompanied virtually by Annie Chevrier and Heather Hart, visited Memorial to give a presentation to members of their community and collaborative partners.
The workshop entitled " Strengths-Based Nursing & Health Care: Reviewing the Essentials” was attended by 70 faculty and well received. “I felt the energy from the audience, and felt that the team is truly motivated to adopt and integrate SBNH into their daily practice”, says Rosetta Antonacci. “The conversations after the session were quite positive, and there were many bright, vibrant, and engaged staff.”
The workshop aimed to review the SBNH essentials, teaching and learning methodologies, as well as clinical reasoning. Engaging discussions and the sharing of experiences contributed to a vibrant atmosphere. Participants exchanged ideas on how to incorporate SBNH principles into their teaching approaches and curriculum.
This event follows on the heels of two other events that were held previously at Memorial University. In 2019 Professor Laurie Gottlieb traveled to Newfoundland to spend the day laying the foundations for SBNH with a series of workshops and a public lecture. In May 2022 Rosetta, Heather, and Annie gave a virtual workshop to re-introduce the SBNH philosophy.
These workshops have not only enhanced participants' understanding of SBNH but also fostered collaboration and a shared responsibility for humanizing health care. The enthusiasm displayed by the Memorial University community and its partners demonstrates their commitment to equipping future nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to practice with a strengths-based approach.