BCNU Student Nurses Lead the Way

STUDENT LEADERS Teri Forster, (left) and sponsored BCNU student members attend the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association 2026 Gala.

Seventeen BCNU student members are getting an early start on their careers as advocates after attending the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) National Conference in Saskatoon this January.

BCNU sponsored the participants as part of its ongoing commitment to amplifying student voices and responding to the needs of tomorrow’s nurses. The conference brought together nursing students from across Canada for educational sessions and interactive workshops focused on leadership, advocacy and professional development.

This year’s theme, Building Bridges in the City of Bridges, reflects CNSA’s work to strengthen connections between nursing students, professionals and communities across Canada and the globe.

“We want students to have the information they need to be strong advocates for themselves, their colleagues and their patients when they transition into their nursing careers.”

- BCNU President Adriane Gear

BCNU’s exhibitor booth was once again a hub of activity, drawing students from across Canada. Participants stopped by to ask practical questions and learn how unionism and advocacy can support them through their careers.

“The conference gives BCNU representatives the opportunity to connect directly with students and hear what matters the most to them,” says BCNU President Adriane Gear. “Students often want to know about wages, benefits and the employed student nurse program. We want them to have the information they need to be strong advocates for themselves, their colleagues and their patients when they transition into their nursing careers.”

BCNU student nurse liaison and North West regional council member Teri Forster also attended the conference, participating on a panel with other union leaders, including Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. The panel, From Student to Unionized Nurse: Knowing your Rights, Power and Professional Worth, explored why students should begin building power and engaging with their union early.

“Recently, the BC government cut a $500 bursary designed to offset the licensing exam fees new graduates pay when entering the profession,” Forster explained. “With strong support from student members, BCNU launched a campaign demanding the bursary be reinstated. If governments can cut an essential support that costs so little, what’s to stop them from taking away more key resources for nursing students?”

BCNU Students Step into National Leadership

Two BCNU student members are taking their leadership skills to the next level with elected roles on the CNSA board.  

Alicia Pongracz, a BCNU student member from Selkirk College, was acclaimed for a second term as CNSA Indigenous Caucus Chair. Inspired by her fellow students, nursing leaders, instructors, Indigenous knowledge keepers and Elders and her father, who she describes as a strong advocate, she says it is an honour to continue the work of her predecessors.  

“Serving as Indigenous Caucus Chair last year affirmed my commitment to supporting and honouring Indigenous student voices in leadership spaces,” says Pongracz. “By building on established connections, fostering reciprocal relationships and strengthening partnerships, I hope to continue advancing reconciliation and cultural safety in nursing.” 

Ryan Criztoff Tandiama, a BCNU student member from the University of Fraser Valley, was also acclaimed as CNSA’s Director of Communications. He says he is excited to represent his fellow students and looks forward to participating in advocacy and national nursing student initiatives.  

“I want to amplify and highlight nursing student voices across Canada,” says Tandiama. 

For many of the students BCNU sponsored to attend, the conference helped reinforce the importance of using their voices. 

BCIT student Noel Joseph says this year’s conference has strengthened his self-confidence as he prepares to enter the nursing profession.  

“Bringing conversations about policies, bylaws, Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action back to my peers, preceptors and fellow nurses has helped me better understand the profession, the role of our union and the support available to me as I transition from student nurse to RN,” he says. 

Langara College student Shivani Verma echoes that sentiment, crediting the conference and her union involvement with shaping her perspective. 

“Attending BCNU’s convention last year opened my eyes to the national impact students can have when they are organized and well represented,” she says. That experience inspired her to advocate for access to equitable opportunities for all nursing students. “Student voices matter – especially those that have been overlooked,” she says. 

“As our student membership continues to grow, investing in opportunities like the CNSA conference is meaningful and appreciated,” says Forster. “It’s exciting to watch future nurses get excited about their career and their collective power.” •

Find out about future conferences and event sponsorships at bcnu.org. 

UPDATE (Spring 2026)