Student Spotlight: MN Thesis Student Hayley Bobye-Magnusson

Hayley Bobye-Magnusson is a graduate student in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Master of Nursing Thesis (MN) program, combining full-time professional practice with research that reflects her commitment to health equity and advocacy.

After graduating from Mount Royal University in 2020, Bobye-Magnusson built a diverse nursing career focused on children and youth. Her experience spans pediatric mental health, school nursing, summer camp nursing, and group therapy facilitation.

Outside of work, she remains deeply engaged in her community and personal interests, volunteering with Kids Cancer Care and spending time playing soccer, exploring the backcountry, rock climbing, travelling, and enjoying life with family and her cats.

Bobye-Magnusson was drawn to USask College of Nursing because of the part-time, Learn Where You Live ideology, as well as the college’s strong reputation.

She initially enrolled in the Master of Nursing Professional Practice program, but after completing the first course, realized she wanted to explore her research interests in greater depth.

“I developed a strong interest in health equity, specifically within the school setting,” said Bobye-Magnusson.

“Transitioning to the thesis program allows me to conduct research that could support meaningful advocacy and system level change.”

Now working full-time while completing her thesis, Bobye-Magnusson plans to research a topic that directly impacts the students she works with every day. She values the close connection between her research and her nursing practice, noting the process has strengthened both her research abilities and her growth as a school nurse.

One of the greatest highlights of the program has been the growth in her academic writing.

“I have genuinely surprised myself with the improvement in my writing quality,” said Bobye-Magnusson.

“I am also proud of the breadth of research skills I have developed.”

After completing her program, Bobye-Magnusson hopes to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing on a part-time basis, while continuing her work as a school nurse. Long term, she would like to transition into academia and pursue a teaching role at the university level.