Working at the hospital in her hometown of Sundre, Alberta, Emma Peters has found both her first job and a strong foundation for her nursing career.
“It’s an amazing place to start,” she shares. “I’ve been so well supported as a new graduate, and it’s given me the confidence to grow as a nurse.”
Emma’s journey began at College of the Rockies where she completed the Practical Nurse program. She credits her instructors with not only equipping her with essential clinical skills but also teaching her life lessons that continue to guide her today.
“I was taught all the necessary skills and given endless support to build my confidence,” she said. “My instructors also taught me to lead with kindness and compassion, and that lesson has carried me through every good and bad situation I’ve faced so far.”
Reflecting on her time at the College, Emma says she felt supported through every challenge. A particularly impactful moment came when an instructor openly acknowledged the emotional weight of a difficult class.
“She shared her own experiences and coping strategies, which opened the door for more honest conversations in our class. It reminded us to support each other, and it’s something that has stayed with me.”
Instructors Stacy Webb and Lisa Stemo stand out in her memory as transformative teachers. “They didn’t just show me how to be a nurse—they showed me how to be a great nurse, and the kind of nurse I want to be. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Her encouragement to current students is simple but heartfelt: “Never give up! Nursing school will get hard and stressful, but the reward is so big. A career in nursing is fulfilling—even on the tough days.”
While she’s thriving at Sundre Hospital, Emma dreams of one day working at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. Until then, she continues to build her career on the lessons of compassion, resilience, and community that began at the College.
“I would recommend College of the Rockies and the Practical Nurse program over and over again,” she says. “I loved my time there—I wish I could do it all again.”