After completing her dietetics degree, Jan knew she wanted to pursue a Masters in a broader area of study. “I looked at a number of programs such as adult education, but when someone showed me the MRSc website it just clicked – the course content, requirements, timing, flexibility, online format and the ability to continue to work full time – everything was up my alley. I had a new mortgage and a Masters wasn’t in the cards if I had to quit working.” Like many fellow learners, Jan had a child. “The program was manageable – it didn’t consume me – I had time for my family. The MRSc offered the perfect balance between work and lifestyle.”
Initially, Jan was a little apprehensive about starting a degree in ‘rehabilitation science’; however, that feeling did not last long. She says, “I realized that nutrition is a critical focus in rehabilitation, that my professional perspective contributed to this field of study and was valued by my fellow learners”. An unexpected outcome for Jan was the understanding she acquired about the roles of other rehabilitation professionals; something she feels made her a better practitioner. She also describes the major impact of the MRSc on her skills and appreciation for research and the use of evidence in practice. Her major project, a pilot on protected meal times, led to practice changes impacting the health and quality of life of patients, and is now being expanded into an application for a multi – site study.
A critical aspect of the MRSc for Jan was the applicability to her development as a leader. Six months prior to starting her degree, she accepted a temporary practice leader position. “All of the (MRSc) topics were areas I was trying to work through as a new practice leader; for instance program development and evaluation were key for beginning to develop funding proposals for our wards.” While completing her degree, Jan earned her permanent position as a Practice Leader at Burnaby Hospital. Looking back on her studies, Jan sees how the MRSc helped her garner support from her managers, and become a more competent leader who is playing a role in shaping the development of her profession.
By Theresa McElroy