Extending a warm welcome to you and your colleagues to join us at the Catalysts for Care 2025 Nursing Grand Rounds Speaker Series! Date: March 11th, 2025, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, ZOOM presentation. Central Time Zone. Presenter: David Busolo, RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Moncton, NB. Title: Innovating clinical nursing education using virtual technology to combat the effects of COVID-19: A qualitative study. ZOOM LINK: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/65184352189?pwd=bGCQEKzdlCLz2ateMNFZjrmaMYp8Q8.1 Abstract: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing effects halted in-person clinical placements in nursing programs at all Canadian universities. To mitigate educational disruption, clinical practicums were pivoted to online delivery, despite knowledge gaps on the perspectives of nursing students and community liaisons on using virtual technology to facilitate clinical placements. Accordingly, we explored the impact of using innovative virtual technology to combat the social distancing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' and community liaisons' experiences in a clinical community health nursing course. Using a descriptive qualitative research approach, we evaluated an innovative online clinical placement approach which we implemented to combat the disruptions of social distancing guidelines. Forty-five nursing students were grouped and paired with five community health organizations to create community-led health promotion projects using online videoconferencing. Upon completion of their practicum, six nursing students and four community liaisons participated in virtual individual interviews. We analyzed the data using a thematic analysis approach, then developed three themes: 1) Openness to change, 2) Effective virtual communication, and 3) Creation of learning spaces that foster nurturing relationships. On the theme of ‘Openness to Change,’ participants voiced the need to shift focus from common learning approaches to new, untested options. On the theme of ‘Effective virtual communication,’ participants valued the critical role of thorough virtual communication in online learning. On the theme of ‘Creation of learning spaces that foster nurturing relationships,’ participants appreciated the role of relationships, careful planning, and organization of virtual learning spaces for program success. The success and viability of virtual technology in clinical education are strongly related to individual and systems approach and adaptations to support students' access to learning opportunities. Our findings could be used to enhance access to virtual clinical education for students from disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. Upcoming Presentations Tuesday April 8th, 2025 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Central Time Zone. Kathryn Chacula, RN, PhD, CCNE, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Brandon University, Brandon, MB. Supporting the mental health of students and new nursing graduates in Manitoba: Research findings and recommendations. https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62193270785?pwd=IqsaCZSB24MLxvDBTlPNf4EmPEJ82Y.1 Tuesday May 13th, 2025 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Central Time Zone. Susan Alcock, RN, MN, Research Associate, Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. Safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis for acute stroke patients in the Manitoba TeleStroke Program. https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63817319765?pwd=IQ8YlOE3UseIo1CLn3sser6cJq9e9k.1 Tuesday June 10th, 2025 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Central Time Zone. Andrea Toews, RN, MN, CRE, Respiratory Nursing Clinician, St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB. The Arduous Passion of Resuscitation Nursing: When the Adrenaline Wears Off. https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/66417353632?pwd=zgubYW2liwrKdDayhjlFJqWesMUhM3.1 ARCHIVE LINK TO ALL RECORDED PRESENTATIONS: https://umanitoba.yuja.com/V/PlayList?node=4121225&a=1926463596&auto... The Clinical Chair Program, supported by the Health Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba College of Nursing, and the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, aims to foster clinically relevant research partnerships, networks and synergies fueling nursing research and clinical innovation, enhancing knowledge translation, and supporting improved patient outcomes. The goal of this free monthly virtual speaker series is the creation of a space for clinicians, researchers, scholars, and students to share knowledge, expertise, insights, and questions to spark ideas and connection to strengthen nursing research and practice, building a strong clinical nursing research and practice innovation community across Manitoba, and from coast to coast to coast! Dr. Diana E. McMillan, RN, PhD, Professor, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, & Clinical Chair, Health Sciences Centre. We are booking presenters for the 2026 series. Please contact Diana at diana.mcmillan@umanitoba.ca if you are interested in sharing your research or innovation.

Dr. Diana E. McMillan, RN, PhD Professor, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba & Clinical Chair, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

** Please email as I am often working remotely or offsite.