MHC Nursing student wins award for top marks

Danica Kohls is this year’s recipient. Kohls is passionate about perinatal nursing. She is currently employed as a registered nurse on the labour and delivery unit at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Right now she’s working in a casual position but hopes to obtain full-time employment.

“It’s a huge honour and I was so surprised when I got the award because you never think it would be you,” said Kohls. “So, it’s nice that all the hard work paid off.”

It’s the third consecutive year a student from Medicine Hat College has won the prestigious award. Amanda Olfert won in 2016, and Launa Johnson in 2017.

The first graduating nursing student from MHC to receive the gold medal was Jayne Heinrich in 2005. Karen Rowe then won in 2007, followed by Sarah Woods in 2009.

Tanis Robinson, the chair of the Department of Nursing at the College, said the recognition is a testament to the success of the College’s nursing program.

“At Medicine Hat college we offer smaller class sizes, we’re able to know our students on a personal basis,” said Robinson. “I think it also contributes to being able to do innovation in the classroom and practical setting perhaps somewhat differently than what larger educational institutions can offer.”

Kohls said she plans to eventually go back to school and obtain her master’s degree in nursing.

by Leah Murray

MHC Nursing student wins award for top marks

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