09/25/2026
Every healthcare career starts with an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference.
Through our Nursing Summer Student Employment Program, nursing students gain valuable hands-on experience while working alongside skilled healthcare professionals across PEI. We're proud to share this reflection from one of our summer students, Mariana, whose experience in the Endoscopy Department at QEH helped build confidence, strengthen clinical skills, and prepare her for the next step in her nursing journey.
Read her story below. 👇
As a fourth-year Nursing student, I was very grateful for the opportunity to spend my summer working in the Endoscopy Department at the QEH through the Nursing Summer Student Employment Program. This experience allowed me to transition from my third year into my final year while gaining meaningful, hands-on clinical experience. Under the guidance of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals, I was able to practice and strengthen essential nursing skills and become more confident caring for patients. Being paid while gaining this experience was also incredibly valuable, providing financial support while allowing me to begin my professional development.
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was the learning environment created by the Endoscopy Department staff. Everyone was welcoming, knowledgeable, and willing to teach, which made me feel safe asking questions and learning from my experiences. Throughout the summer, I strengthened my patient communication skills, learned more about health promotion and individualized care, and gained a greater understanding of how an interprofessional team works together to provide safe and effective patient care on PEI.
Overall, my summer with the Nursing Summer Student Employment Program was an incredible experience that helped prepare me for my final year of nursing and my future career as a Registered Nurse. I gained confidence in my clinical abilities and developed a greater appreciation for teamwork, patient education, and compassionate care. I am very grateful to Health PEI and the Nursing Summer Student Employment Program for giving me the opportunity to learn, work, and grow within my own healthcare community.
