Rosalind Neis to give TRU nursing students insight on responding to global disasters

TRU nursing students unsure of where to establish themselves in the medical field will have a great chance to learn about working in global disasters and crises.

Rosalind Neis, a representative of the Red Cross, will be at TRU's Barber Centre to speak of her experiences deploying in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, as well as her time helping the 700,000 people who fled violence in Myanmar.

Neis explained that much of her speech will have to do with what's available to students outside of just working for the benefits.

"It's quite an honour to be asked by the Red Cross to address these students," said Neis. "It's really, just to let nursing students know that there are opportunities outside of what traditionally was taught when I was back in nursing school 20 years ago."

Neis adds that her work in humanitarian efforts changed her life and made her thankful for what we as Canadians have.

"It was life-changing for me personally. I always say, I almost feel guilty in a sense because I got so much out of it and I just hoped that I had that much or even a greater impact on those who we were there to help."

"I came back to Canada a completely different person. Just realizing how fortunate and lucky we are. You always say it, we're so lucky to have all the things we have here, but when you actually live it and experience it, the fact that we can turn on a tap and have drinkable water is a luxury that so much of the world doesn't have."

Neis went on to say her speech hopes to inspire nurses to get out of the hospital and help others who aren't as lucky.

"We all bleed red... But at the end of the day, the message that I hope they will take away is that it is really about people, healthcare is about people."

"I believe, we all want happiness, love and good health in our lives. If there is an opportunity for some of those students some time in their careers to give that back, they will receive so much, as I did, personally from that experience."

Neis will be at the TRU Barber Centre on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.