The Clinical Externship Program was developed and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic at a healthcare organization aimed to address shortage of health human resources by hiring nursing students as unregulated care providers. Findings from a qualitative study underscores valuable insights for nurse leaders aiming to develop or expand clinical externships.
Cecilia Santiago, RN, MN, CNCC(C), Nursing Practice Manager, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Cecilia started her nursing career at SMH in 2000 as a critical care nurse in the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit. She became the MSICU Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2006 after obtaining her Master in Nursing from the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, where she now holds an adjunct faculty appointment. She chairs or co-chairs corporate committees that develop, implement, sustain and evaluate programs, such as such as Transfer of Accountability, Managing Responsive Bahaviours, Person Centered Language, Medication System Safety and others. She also holds a Practice-Based Research Status Appointment with the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. Her published papers showcase her research interest in person centered care and evidence based practices to improve patient safety and quality care.
Co-Authors
Cecilia Santiago, RN, MN, CNCC(C), Nursing Practice Manager, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Daniela Bellicoso, PhD, Research Manager, Interprofessional Practice Based Research, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Susan Beswick, RN, MN, Manager Evidence Based Nursing Practice, Nursing Practice and Education, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Nichelle Benny, BMSc, MSc, MClSc, Clinical Research Project Coordinator, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
Julie McShane, RN, MN, Manager of Nursing Innovation and Development, Nursing Practice and Education, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Jane Topolovec-Vranic, PhD, Director, Interprofessional Practice Based Research, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Teresa J. Valenzano, PhD, SLP(C) Reg. CASLPO, Practice Innovation and Change Manager, Health Discipline Practice and Education, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Teya van Biljouw, BASc, MSc, Research Assistant I, Interprofessional Practice Based Research, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Kaitlyn Vingoe, RN, MN, Interim Senior Director, Nursing Practice and Education, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Natalie Weiser, MA, Research Coordinator III, Interprofessional Practice Based Research, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Alexandra Harris, RN, MN/MHSc, PhD, CHE, Senior Director, Nursing Practice and Education, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario