Student hones nursing skills at inclusive arts camp
Photo by William Lam
By Louise Kinross
Daphne Cohen (above right) is a nursing student who supported children with medical needs this summer in Holland Bloorview’s Spiral Garden, an outdoor arts program.
“It’s been amazing to see how this environment can influence a child’s happiness,” says Daphne, heading back for her third year at Queen’s University. “I think a lot of these kids are used to strictly medical roles in hospitals. Spiral Garden allows kids to just be kids in nature, with art, in a safe environment.”
Daphne is a nursing extern, which means she works a paid position while learning at Holland Bloorview.
Her father is Dr. Eyal Cohen, who co-founded the complex care program at the Hospital for Sick Children and now heads its Child Health Evaluative Studies.
“Seeing how much families appreciated the work he did drew me not just to pediatrics and healthcare but to rehab and complex care and how your relationship can continue through the lifespan with a child,” she says.
It was a high school guidance counsellor who suggested nursing might be a great fit for Daphne. “I explained how I liked science, but I didn’t want something that was general, I wanted to apply it. I also loved communication. She asked if I had considered nursing. I did some research and spoke to a few nurses and was drawn to nursing’s holistic approach to care.”
At Spiral Garden Daphne worked one-on-one with clients for two-week sessions. “I provided medical support but also helped them in activities and encouraged their communication,” she says.
Working alongside camp nurse Gabrielle Cudal enabled Daphne to get comfortable with procedures using G-tubes and oxygen therapy. “She provided that scaffolding,” Daphne says. “First she would demonstrate, then she’d watch me do it, and now she watches from a distance and trusts me.”
One challenge has been learning different ways campers communicate. “Nursing school doesn’t prepare you enough for communication across different developmental needs,” Daphne says. “That was a little difficult at first. I was a bit nervous coming here that I might talk too fast or overwhelm a client. But I’ve gotten really familiar with kids using iPads or sign language to express themselves.
“Learning American Sign Language and using communication boards has taught me that communication goes beyond speaking. I've gained patience, empathy and adaptability by learning different ways people express themselves... and the importance of making sure everyone has a way to be heard.”
Daphne says she felt supported by the whole camp team. “They were patient and understanding and I never felt alone. A lot of the clients were returning to camp, and the team was familiar with their forms of communication, what they like and don’t like, and what triggers and soothes them. That information enabled me to learn quickly how to best support them.”
Daphne says one way to improve the nursing extern program would be to give students opportunities to work in a variety of clinical areas during the summer.
Prior to working at Holland Bloorview Daphne had heard a lot about the place from her younger sister Phoebe, who volunteers here. “She’s worked in the weekend respite program, the arts, and inpatient swimming. She would never, ever, miss a shift because she loves it.”
She notes she didn’t have a lot of experience with disability growing up. “I’ve been very sheltered. It’s the diversity and the inclusivity of Bloorview and the garden which does wonders for the kids I’ve been working with. I’ll be able to apply that knowledge to my practice in future but also just to how I see people myself. I think that's really valuable."
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