The impact University of Lethbridge nurses have on their communities can be traced back to the instructors who taught them.
Nursing instructors combine years of professional experience with classroom theory to provide poignant learning opportunities for students.
Stacey Clark (BN '04) is a registered nurse with 22 years of experience working in a variety of specialties, including newcomer health and rural acute care. She joined the University of Lethbridge in 2025 and has taught courses including Health Promotion in Praxis and Praxis in Acuity.
Nicolina Pitcher is a registered nurse with seven years of experience in public health. Since joining the Faculty of Health Sciences in 2025, courses she has taught include Community Praxis and Global Health.
In honour of Nursing Week 2026, Clark and Pitcher answered questions about their experiences nursing, how they approach teaching and the people who have inspired them.
The theme of Nursing Week 2026 is "The Power of Nurses to Transform Health." How have you seen nurses transforming health?
Pitcher: I witness every day the powerful role nurses play in transforming health — not only through direct patient care, but also through education, advocacy, prevention and community support.
One of the most meaningful experiences in my nursing journey was when I found myself on the receiving end of care while giving birth to my daughter. Although I understood what was happening clinically, none of that mattered in the moment. I was vulnerable, overwhelmed and simply needed reassurance and compassion. The nurses who cared made me feel safe, supported and genuinely cared for during one of the most significant moments of my life.
Clark: Nursing is not just a job. We all come with gifts and talents. For some, their gift is to listen, some to lead and to others it is to lend a compassionate hand. What are we going to do with these gifts?
We have the ability to hold the hands of the sick, speak kind words to those grieving and offer a smile to those in despair. I am so excited to help guide the next generation of nurses. I want them to know how wonderful this profession is. Have them feel the excitement of caring for those in need.
Did you always want to be a nurse?
Pitcher: From a very young age, I knew I was meant to be in a caring profession like nursing. I went into nursing straight out of high school. The experience was very different from what I had imagined. Looking back, I realize I was somewhat naive about the realities of both the world and the profession itself. Nursing challenged me in ways I never expected, but those challenges shaped me profoundly and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Clark: I came into nursing out of high school not having any idea what I was getting into. I was just hoping that I would like it. I love it and have been so grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I would not have taken a different path; nursing has shaped me into the person I am today.
How did you come to be an instructor at the University of Lethbridge?
Clark: I have been wanting to try teaching for 20 years. Last spring I applied and now I will have been here a year in August. My favourite part of teaching is seeing students' "aha" moments, seeing students interact with a new population and see a new perspective.
Pitcher: Even as a nursing student, I knew that one day I wanted to become an instructor. After gaining experience as a registered nurse, a close friend told me about an opportunity at the University of Lethbridge and encouraged me to go for it! I love getting students involved in the community and providing them with as many meaningful experiences as possible.
When a student finishes a course with you, what do you hope they take away from the class?
Clark: I hope they see my love of nursing. That this is a wonderful profession that gives them so many opportunities. I hope they find the area that leaves them excited to get up every morning for work.
Pitcher: I enjoy encouraging critical thinking around topics such as medical voluntourism, artificial intelligence and the broader impact they have on our planet and communities. I hope they are inspired to advocate for meaningful change, remain aware of the world around them and grow into confident, compassionate leaders within the nursing profession.
Is there someone in nursing who inspires you?
Pitcher: Dr. Shannon Vandenberg (BN '08, MSc (N) '13, PhD '24) has been incredibly supportive as I transitioned into this role. She understands what it feels like to be new in an unfamiliar environment and has always ensured I have the resources, encouragement and support needed to succeed.
Clark: So many of my coworkers are inspirations to me. However, I do think back to Joanne Penner, 26 years ago in a first-year nursing class dressing up as Florence Nightingale. Her excitement for nursing was inspiring.