Recognizing a Volunteer Extraordinaire
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the College of Nursing set out to establish an annual call for nominations to recognize volunteers who support our College and students in class, at events, as mentors, etc.
Volunteers are philanthropists of time. Their investment in the College of Nursing provides a great and immeasurable impact on our capacity to develop the profession of nursing. This year we are proud to celebrate Linda Wright as the College of Nursing 2015 Volunteer Extraordinaire.
Linda has been an obstetrical nurse for 42 years, a Lactation Consultant for 23 of those years and has volunteered countless hours with the College of Nursing since 2000. “I have had the privilege of having Linda share her knowledge and expertise with many of the students I have taught at the College of Nursing,” said continuing part time instructor Darcie Sparks. “Linda has generously given her time to help educate multiple obstetrical clinical groups and the valuable educational experience she provides has prepared students with accurate/evidence-based knowledge that they then apply in their clinical practice. Linda has also shared her expertise for many years with students, by allowing them to join her during sessions with breastfeeding mothers. These unique sessions give students the privilege to witness the passion in Linda’s work helping mothers and families. Hundreds of nursing students over the years have been strongly impacted and inspired by her passion and devotion to support breastfeeding and breastfeeding women and some of these students have even expanded their breastfeeding education, becoming Lactation Consultants themselves. Linda’s tireless efforts to provide education and share her expertise have truly been a gift to the College of Nursing for so many years.”
When asked about her time as a nurse, Linda stated, “The years have gone by so fast and every day I marvel watching new babies learn and figure out where and how to find food, warmth, comfort and so much more.” Assistant Professor Cheryl Besse nominated Linda for this award. “Linda truly is a supporter for women and newborns; she is their voice for exceptional quality care. She has educated thousands of health care providers from a variety of disciplines who have gone on to share her wisdom here at home in Saskatchewan and across the globe to change the culture around breastfeeding.”
Linda Wright returned to University to achieve her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2000. She has taken numerous training courses and was one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Lactation Consultant Association and is also a member of the Breastfeeding Committee for Saskatchewan. She has presented at numerous workshops and conferences within Saskatchewan, lectured for the University of Saskatchewan Colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing, as well as the Licensed Practical Nurse program and has also been a preceptor to many students throughout the years. Linda is married, has four children and eight grandchildren and presently works as a certified Lactation Consultant at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. In her spare time, she also volunteers for the Vanscoy and District Agricultural Society and for the Country Quilters.
“Linda is a perfect recipient for the College of Nursing 2015 Volunteer Extraordinaire award,” said continuing part time instructor Jill Zdunich. “I have had the pleasure of working with her for eight years and during that time, she has mentored countless students, as well as faculty who work in the area of maternity nursing. She effortlessly supports students to better assist the families they are working with and her passion for the patient population is contagious. She has inspired so many students and had such a tremendous impact on their learning.”