Acadia University Launches Independent School of Nursing in Nova Scotia
Acadia University has established its own independent School of Nursing, ending a three-year partnership with Cape Breton University. The new program features a regionally tailored curriculum and collaborates with the Office of L’nu Nursing to integrate Indigenous health needs.
Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has launched its own independent School of Nursing this fall. This move ends a three-year arrangement where the university’s nursing program operated as a satellite campus for Cape Breton University.
Ashlee Cunsolo, provost and vice-president academic at Acadia, announced the launch in a news release on Tuesday. With the transition to independence, nursing students now identify as Acadia students rather than Cape Breton University students. During clinical placements, they wear scrubs featuring Acadia colors. Additionally, the Acadia University Student Nursing Society can be part of the Acadia Student Union for the first time this year.
The new school features a curriculum specifically tailored for the Annapolis Valley region. The program aims to strengthen ties with local health facilities to encourage nurses to stay and build careers in the area. By educating more nurses within the community, the initiative seeks to create a stronger sense of ownership among students.
Acadia is also collaborating with the Office of L’nu Nursing to co-design the baccalaureate nursing program. Julie Francis serves as the director of the Office of L’nu Nursing. This partnership ensures that Mi'kmaw and Indigenous health needs are integrated into both the curriculum and clinical experiences.