Sunrise Health Region and U of S announce joint initiative

According to a news release from the SHR, located in south-eastern Saskatchewan, and the U of S College of Nursing, the partnership will benefit the U of S health sciences programs and the recruitment and retention of nurses within SHR.

In support of this partnership, Karen Semchuk, U of S professor of nursing and epidemiology, has been jointly appointed by the U of S and SHR as the new director of professional practice. Semchuk will work onsite with the SHR to provide leadership in professional practice and clinical education.

"This partnership will develop the Sunrise Health Region as a learning organization directly linked to the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing," said Suann Laurent, president and CEO of the SHR. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Semchuk to our Sunrise Health Region team."

Semchuk's work with the region was made possible through the U of S College of Nursing graduate program. The support for distributed learning will allow Semchuk to continue to teach for the university while providing education opportunities in SHR.

"The purpose of this partnership is to stimulate a ‘learn where you live' environment," said Lorna Butler, dean of the U of S College of Nursing. "We hope that exposure to an educator such as Dr. Semchuk will encourage nurses to further their education and continue to meet the needs in building a healthier Saskatchewan."

Semchuk will begin her new role on April 16, 2012.

For more information, visit the
College of Nursing website