The project is part of a new partnership between CapitalCare, NorQuest College, Capital Health and the University of Alberta to create the Institute for Continuing Care, Education and Research.

“We get the real opportunity to have one-on-one contact and the closeness with the residents,” said Rayner, 18, who now sees Boswell, 49, and other residents while on school coffee breaks. Students see trends and issues facing the residents and take that knowledge back to classroom.

Farther into the nursing program, she and 25 other students will move upstairs to practise their skills at the bedsides.

“We can ask them real questions,” Rayner said. “You get the real impact.”

She also believes the residents enjoy seeing young people going into the nursing profession.

“With the opportunity to see the students, they will be having a sign of hope that they will be better taken care of,” she said. Rayner began the diploma program in January.

Joan Crawford, 66, has even taken the opportunity to go into the basement to watch the NorQuest students.

“We know that there is continuing education going on and, hopefully, some of these will come work with us,” said Crawford, who used to be a licensed practical nurse herself. She said Dickinsfield is sometimes so short-staffed she helps feed other residents. Read more