York University marked the fifth annual Nursing Games on March 23 by hosting the event in collaboration with the University of Toronto, making it the first time the two universities joined forces for the games.
York University School of Nursing lecturer Andria Phillips took the lead in establishing a joint collaboration with the University of Toronto’s School of Nursing to present the event that celebrates nursing with academic, athletic and spirit events. The event was also held in partnership with York’s Simulated Person Methodology (SPM) Lab, the Second Student Centre and the Underground.
The York University team
Wearing their school colours and armed with their own school cheers, approximately 250 BScN students from all over Ontario participated in friendly competitive events. York’s competing team was represented by both the collaborative and internationally educated nurses in undergraduate BScN programs.
Opening ceremonies kicked off with speeches from Judith MacDonnell, York associate dean for students in the Faculty of Health; Erica Cambly, U of T interim director, undergraduate nursing program; and Shahirose Premji, York director, School of Nursing.
The day continued with 100 students rotating between six simulation and assessment stations at the Nursing Simulation Centre. One of the simulation stations, which focused on a client experiencing a fentanyl overdose, was supported by the York SPM Lab. The remaining 150 attendees rotated between classrooms in the Health, Nursing & Environmental Studies Building – on the first floor, ground floor and basement – to compete in "Amazing Nurse" academic activities, including: infection prevention and control, pharmacology, CPR and AEDs, pathophysiology, prioritization and diabetes management.
Nursing Games participants in the Simulated Person Methodology Lab
“The Nursing Simulation Center staff and faculty were hugely supportive in this initiative,” said Phillips.
Afternoon athletic events were organized in collaboration with the Tait McKenzie gym. They included dodgeball, speed stacking and a "keep it up" blown-up medical glove game.
Though the schools were fierce in competition, a united enthusiasm for nursing permeated all aspects of the day, said Phillips. Impromptu chants of "we are all best friends," cheer-offs, friendly competitions and shout-outs from other schools were heard throughout the day.
Closing ceremonies included remarks from Premji and a speech from two Nursing Students of Ontario representatives about nursing student engagement and self-care. Entertainment was provided by WIBI, the York University a cappella group.
A total of 52 volunteers from York and U of T, including three alumni from the newly formed York University Nursing Alumni Network, facilitated events throughout the day. Additional planning and administrative support prior to the event was provided by Anne Attard and Matthew Murray.
Nursing Games core planning team
The event was organized by the core student planning team: Phillips, Nicole Bradbury, Mitch Chen, Sean Choo, Carolyn Liow, Cindy Lu, Maryan Mohamud, Claudia Molinaro, Nathaniel Penhearow, Camela Salde, Katy Shum and Jaclyn Sicard.