Margaret MacPherson – CBU Student Selected to Attend Canadian Nursing Students Association National Conference
Date Posted: Oct 23, 2019
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Nursing student Margaret MacPherson is currently representing CBU at the Canadian Nursing Students Association (CNSA) National Conference in Calgary. The theme of the conference, which runs from January 22-26, is “Aspire to Inspire: Celebrating Student Leadership and Advocacy.”
A Cape Breton local, Margaret says she grew up knowing that CBU had an amazing Nursing program and was drawn to the profession because of the caring nature. “I’ve always been a people person and I think providing care as a nurse will be a very rewarding job,” says Margaret.
Margaret is currently in her final year of the Nursing program and will be graduating in May. Until then, she plans to soak up all of the learning opportunities CBU has to offer.
“Experience-based learning opportunities are a large part of a nurse’s growth,” says Margaret. “Without them, nurses will lose a vital and rich part of their training.”
When Lee Singleton, Student Life Coordinator for the CBU Nursing program, told students about the upcoming CNSA Conference, Margaret was eager to apply. “Attending a conference can be an invaluable learning experience as a student,” says Margaret. “The CNSA conference provides the chance to meet and mingle with other Nursing students from across Canada.” Attending the CNSA conference will also provide insight into how other provinces currently deliver healthcare services, information Margaret can bring back to Cape Breton.
Margaret has attended local conferences in the past, but is excited to be experiencing her first conference at a national level. She will also be part of a student debate, taking centre stage at the conference. Rest assured, Margaret is no stranger to the stage. When she’s not in class or at the hospital, Margaret spends her time singing and performing in Cape Breton. Most recently, she appeared on Christmas Daddies for the fourth time and has upcoming shows at the Savoy, Membertou Trade & Convention Centre and Centre 200.
Balancing her studies with her love of the performing arts has taken some practice, but Margaret has developed incredible time management skills during her time as a student. She says having the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment is key to the field of Nursing, so she’s glad to have nurtured those skills throughout her program.
As her time as a Nursing student comes to an end, Margaret’s advice to others is never to pass up the opportunity to try something new. She says she is thankful for the lifelong friends she has made throughout the Nursing program and will be forever grateful for her educational experience.
“Nursing is proving to be a profession that touches the hearts of many,” says Margaret. “My time as a Nursing student has opened my eyes to the many blessings of my own life.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the Nursing program at CBU, visit: https://www.cbu.ca/academic-programs/bachelor-of-science-nursing/