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NURS 115: Health Teaching and Learning

Letter from Professor

November 2018

Dear NURS 115 Student!

A warm welcome to each of you as you begin NURS 115, most probably your second course in
your BScN Program journey. I hope your initial foray into the online world of Distance Nursing
education has gone relatively smoothly for you. I am pleased to “see” that you are back for
another course. This course is set up somewhat similarly to NURS 135.

Distance Nursing 115 focuses on health promotion, health education, and health
learning/teaching. As practicing RNs you will probably already be familiar with some of the
concepts discussed within this course. We will talk about the evolution of health promotion and
what health promotion/learning/teaching and education mean to you in your practice as a
registered nurse. NURS 115 will also examine health promotion and its various concepts
throughout the lifespan, from prenatal, to the older adult.

Once again there will be opportunities to share your knowledge and experiences with fellow
classmates, and a health promotion project with a client whom you select.

Over my many years of nursing in Halifax, I have worked as a staff member and head nurse and
then implemented the new position of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Long Term Care at the then
Camp Hill Hospital Veterans' facility. I became a Director of Nursing and then a Director of Health
Services at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre with a variety of assignments, including
Geriatrics (my passion), medicine, ambulatory care, mental health, and family medicine. I have
been President of the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association (CGNA), and Chair of the CNA
Certification Advisory Committee for CGNA. I have also been a board member for the Alzheimer
Society of Nova Scotia as well as numerous other boards. I enjoy the privilege of teaching several
other distance courses as STFX.

At home, I am married with two super adult children, two lovely grand sons, and a baby grand-
daughter, but still find some time to indulge in my favourite hobby, quilting.

Remember I am here to be a support to you. Please feel free to e-mail me any time and I will
endeavor to respond to you within 24 hours. I look forward to working and talking with you.

Kindest regards,
Debb Deborah Vandewater, RN, MN dvandewa@stfx.ca

© Continuing & Distance Education, St. Francis Xavier University (2018) 1