USask graduate finds passion in rural nursing

For College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) fall graduate Bailey Parr-Kennedy, entering healthcare was always about combining a scientific foundation with human connection.

As he prepares to start his career as a registered nurse in rural Saskatchewan, Parr-Kennedy looks back on his time at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as an experience grounded in community and patient-centred care.

Parr-Kennedy’s academic journey at USask began in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology in the College of Arts and Science.

However, his interest in the health sciences, combined with his desire to pursue a patient-centred profession, ultimately led him to nursing.

Staying at USask to pursue a degree in nursing was an easy choice.

“I appreciated the beautiful Saskatoon campus, the experience and support of the faculty, and the wonderful community of students around me,” said Parr-Kennedy.

“I was happy to be able to transition smoothly from one college to another, while remaining at a university I had already grown to love.”

Throughout his studies, Parr-Kennedy found some of the most rewarding aspects of the program took place directly within the community.

During his fourth year, he worked alongside his community clinical group on several initiatives, including raising funds for pajamas and supplies for the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre. His team also supplied first-aid kits and training to the woodworking class at Tommy Douglas Collegiate and organized an interactive healthcare career day featuring an ambulance tour and CPR demonstrations by local paramedics.

“The most rewarding part was seeing the tangible difference we could make in our community before even graduating,” he said.

“It reminded me you don’t have to be a registered nurse to make an impact – nursing students can make meaningful, positive changes too.”

Parr-Kennedy’s clinical placements in Rosthern and Wadena, Saskatchewan sparked a strong passion for rural nursing.

He found these smaller communities were incredibly supportive and the work environment was welcoming and familial.

For Parr-Kennedy, working in a rural setting allowed for deeper connections with patients, making it easier to deliver the tailored, individualized care that first inspired him to enter the profession.

As he reflects on his time in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, he encourages current nursing students to prioritize building strong connections with their peers.

“You may meet some of your future best friends in the college and those three years go by faster than you think,” he said.

He emphasized that collaborating, communicating, and supporting one another not only makes the program more rewarding, but also builds stronger, more effective registered nurses.

After graduation this fall, Parr-Kennedy plans to work in Wadena, providing integrated care to patients of all ages.

Long-term, he plans to remain in rural practice and envisions returning to school in the future to pursue a Master of Nursing (MN) or a Nurse Practitioner (NP) designation.