Meet UCalgary Nursing’s Indigenous Academic Coach

National Indigenous Nursing Students' Day take place on Nov. 18 and is the first day of 2024 National Nursing Students' Week (NNSW) which runs from Nov. 18 to 24.  

Janine Olivier is a Registered Nurse (RN) from Siksika who is in the final year of her Master of Nursing program and is also our new Indigenous Academic Coach at UCalgary Nursing.  

We recently asked Olivier to share more about her experience as an RN and Indigenous nursing student at UCalgary. She tells us more about her current research and the importance of her new position as an Indigenous Academic Coach.  

Where do you currently work, clinically and academically?  
Currently, I work as an Indigenous Academic Coach and sessional instructor at the University of Calgary. I also work casually at Rockyview General Hospital on a medical unit. 

Where and what did you study for your undergrad/grad programs?  
I graduated from Mount Royal University in Calgary. 

What inspired you to go into nursing as a career?  
My grandmother was a registered nurse, and I admired that about her. She was a big inspiration for becoming a nurse. I wanted to care for others and be able to care for my loved ones if they ever needed it. 

What is the focus of your Master’s research at UCalgary Nursing? Currently, I am in the course-based Master's program at the University of Calgary. I am interested in applying Indigenous content to each area of the courses within my course-based program. 

Why UCalgary?   
[The] University of Calgary is close to home and as a born-and-raised Calgarian, it only felt right to do my graduate studies at the University of Calgary. 

What is it like as an Indigenous nurse working in Alberta?  
I am a Siksika member. I grew up in Calgary and I have also lived on the Nation for a few years. I was able to gain some knowledge about my culture through this; my aunt was able to teach me a lot and from that I was able to pass some of that knowledge down to my children.  

As an Indigenous nurse, it was rare to cross paths with other Indigenous nurses in acute care, and when I did, I ensured we stayed connected. I felt connected to the Indigenous patients, and when they knew I was also Indigenous, I could feel they felt comfortable with me instantly. Trust is important as a nurse, and it’s important all patients can feel that sense of trust in the care I provide. 

What do you do as an Indigenous Academic Coach with the Faculty of Nursing?  

As an Indigenous Academic Coach, I provide academic support to Indigenous nursing students such as strategies, resources and tutorials to succeed. I assist students in developing study habits such as organizing for the semester, time management strategies, and/or how to study effectively. I am a resource for students to prepare for upcoming tests, presentations, scholarly papers, nursing clinicals, and practice with NCLEX – RN questions. 

Any advice for nursing students?  
It goes by fast, even though it does not feel like it in the moment. Take everything you learn from this program and enjoy the role of the student. Make connections; this will be a great way to network. Be eager to seek out learning opportunities and push yourself a little to step outside your comfort zone. 

Favourite place to study/hang out on campus?  
I would say the library is a quieter place to study, and I find it beneficial for a learner like me, who likes to be in quiet places.