UNews - Peter Kellett

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate nursing student submission one of the top 10 finalists for the Hunter Prize

caroline.zentner — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:54:28 +0000

With an eye to helping solve the crisis in health care, Angie Grewal, a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge fourth-year master of nursing student, believes that expanding the role of nurse practitioners could help address the shortage of physicians in Alberta and lead to more accessible and cost-effective care.

She, along with Kate Bykowski, a nurse practitioner and PhD student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, put their ideas onto paper and submitted them to the Hunter Prize for Public Policy. The two teamed up at the suggestion of Dr. Carmel Montgomery, an associate professor at the U of A. The prize is designed to rally fresh ideas, energy and voice to tackle a so-called wicked problem, in this case, health-care wait times, to improve the economic and social well-being of Canadians. They recently learned their submission made the top 10 finalists.

“I was very honoured and excited,” says Grewal. “The master’s program at ULethbridge empowered me and provided me with tools to transform the frustrations I feel about the health-care system. I think this is why I am so excited to be a finalist, not for the prize but because maybe someone will listen. Working in ICU since 2009, I have seen what inadequate access to primary care can lead to, and conversely, how complex patients are upon discharge. We need more clinics, and NPs have a lot to offer, and can fill that gap in the community setting.”

“In my experiences of Angie, she consistently demonstrates nuanced insights with applying ethical frameworks and principles of equity to meeting population health needs in a publicly funded health system,” says Dr. Lisa Howard, a ULethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences professor. “The Hunter Prize submission is a stellar reflection of the aforementioned and another thoughtful product of Angie’s scholarly skills and practice insights.”

“It was clear to me when I taught Angie in the MN program that she was an outstanding student possessing excellent critical thinking skills and an ability to synthesize complex concepts,” says Dr. Peter Kellett, ULethbridge assistant professor. “I have little doubt that being shortlisted for the Hunter Prize will be one of the first of many accomplishments she will achieve as an emerging nursing leader and scholar.”

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are health-care professionals who are trained to provide primary and specialty care to patients. They are licensed to diagnose and treat various illnesses and injuries, prescribe medication and provide preventive health services. As such, they are an integral part of the health-care system.

In their submission, Grewal and Bykowski also point out that NPs have a lower salary than physicians, which leads to cost savings in the health system. Through government-funded nurse practitioner-led clinics (NPLCs), patients get improved access to care in a timely and efficient manner. These clinics are important resources for post-operative patients, as they provide close monitoring and follow-up care. This has the potential to lead to shorter hospital stays, thus freeing up acute-care beds.

“NPs provide care that is more patient-centred and tailored to the needs of individual patients,” says Grewal. “Cardiac patients are complex and evidence indicates that NPs spent more time with their patients, allowing for holistic assessments, development of a therapeutic relationship and comprehensive care that takes patients’ physical, emotional and social needs into account.”

NPLCs, by providing timely and appropriate care, education and support in outpatient settings, lead to improved patient satisfaction. Providing care in the community or through telehealth technologies improves access for patients who live in rural and remote areas.

“Health care is a fundamental human right,” says Grewal. “By establishing government-funded NP-led clinics for primary care, we can ensure that health care is available to everyone who requires it. This leads to better health care and, in turn, contributes to a healthier population.”

As one of the top 10 finalists, Grewal and Bykowski receive $2,500. The Hunter Prize winner receives $25,000 to translate their idea into public policy, while the runner-up receives $5,000.

Health Sciences welcomes a familiar face to its leadership team

trevor.kenney — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 20:21:12 +0000

The Faculty of Health Sciences has welcomed registered nurse and long-time nursing instructor, Peter Kellett, to the position of assistant dean of nursing. Kellett who has been a strong advocate for men in the field of nursing says he is thrilled to step into the new role.

Peter Kellett has been appointed to the position of assistant dean of nursing.

“I have the immense privilege of working with a fantastic team of faculty, staff and students in the NESA BN Programs and the Faculty of Health Sciences at large. Building on our recent national accreditation by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), I am certain that we will continue our tradition of excellent nursing education, and further solidify our place as a destination nursing program for Alberta and beyond,” says Kellett.

Dr. Chris Hosgood, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, says Kellett was a natural fit for the role and believes he will be an outstanding addition to the leadership team.

“Peter has been a member of the nursing instructional team for a decade. During that time he has taken on a number of administrative roles, completed his master’s degree and almost finished his PhD,” says Hosgood. “He is a wonderful colleague with a passion for nursing education and a tremendous commitment to supporting our students.”

Kellett has had a focus in researching the impact perceived masculinities have on the rates of depression in men.

Shedding New Light on a Dark Subject

david.kirby — Wed, 14 May 2014 20:41:07 +0000

Peter Kellett believes that many men who suffer from depression are misdiagnosed and, even more concerning, may never seek care in the first place.

A registered nurse and nursing instructor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Peter Kellett, who is currently pursuing his PhD, is exploring a topic that has intrigued him since his days as a master’s student: the impact perceived masculinities have on the rates of depression in men.

Kellett believes that many men who suffer from depression are misdiagnosed, and even more concerning, may never seek care in the first place. It’s more than just a hunch – there is plenty of research that supports Kellett’s theory, and he plans to supplement those findings with research of his own.

“Studies suggest that the annual prevalence of depression in men is only three to four per cent, and that women get depression at twice the rate that men do,” explains Kellett. “But there’s an enigma in the numbers, because men commit suicide at a rate that is at least double that of women. So the question is, if only a small portion of men get depressed, why do so many men kill themselves?”

Kellett’s PhD study will look into Canadian Community Health Survey data, specifically the 2012 mental health survey. His plan is to examine the intersection between masculinities and various social hierarchies such as income level, employment status and social gradients associated with visible minority status. Kellett hopes to contribute to a growing body of evidence that suggests that when men feel subordinated, their physical and mental health can become compromised.

“The challenge is that our perception of depression doesn’t always capture men’s presentation of it,” says Kellett. “Men’s depression is profoundly influenced by societal norms. Men aren’t supposed to show weakness. They don’t want to appear vulnerable, so often their depression will present through violence, hostility, irritability, aggressiveness and compulsive behaviours related to addiction and risk taking. Under current mental health measures these men are more likely to be diagnosed with an addictive disorder or anti-social personality disorder than depression.”

Through his research, Kellett hopes to identify patterns of depression in different groups of men and present findings that may help to shape social policy. Perhaps most importantly, Kellett hopes his research will initiate social dialogue on an issue that is not so much swept under the carpet as completely overlooked.

“The issue of men’s depression is relatively hidden, but in another way it’s completely in our face,” says Kellett. “Men don’t want to talk about being depressed, but we see and feel the results of it. When left undiagnosed and untreated, men’s depression has a huge impact on the overall health of society. We need to be able to identify men’s depression and understand all the social contexts that are tied to it.”

This story appears in the Spring 2014 edition of SAM magazine. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Shedding new light on a dark subject

trevor.kenney — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 17:58:00 +0000

Peter Kellett wants to change the way we think about depression.

Peter Kellett believes that many men who suffer from depression are misdiagnosed and, even more concerning, may never seek care in the first place.

A registered nurse and nursing instructor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Kellett, who is currently pursuing his PhD, is exploring a topic that has intrigued him since his days as a master’s student: the impact perceived masculinities have on the rates of depression in men.

Kellett believes that many men who suffer from depression are misdiagnosed and, even more concerning, may never seek care in the first place. It’s more than just a hunch – there is plenty of research that supports Kellett’s theory, and he plans to supplement those findings with research of his own.

“Studies suggest that the annual prevalence of depression in men is only 3 to 4 per cent, and that women get depression at twice the rate that men do,” explains Kellett. “But there’s an enigma in the numbers, because men commit suicide at a rate that is at least double that of women. So the question is, if only a small portion of men get depressed, why do so many men kill themselves?”

Kellett’s PhD study will look into Canadian Community Health Survey data, specifically the 2012 mental health survey. His plan is to examine the intersection between masculinities and various social hierarchies such as income level, employment status and social gradients associated with visible minority status. Kellett hopes to contribute to a growing body of evidence that suggests that when men feel subordinated, their physical and mental health can become compromised.

Through his research, Kellett hopes to identify patterns of depression in different groups of men and present findings that may help to shape social policy. Perhaps most importantly, Kellett hopes his research will initiate social dialogue on an issue that is not so much swept under the carpet as completely overlooked.

Men in Nursing Recruitment Day on Friday

trevor.kenney — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:49:03 +0000

Changing long-entrenched attitudes can often be a slow and gradual process. Peter Kellett, an academic assistant in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Nursing program, is attempting to give that process a nudge.

Kellett and the Faculty of Health Sciences will present a Men in Nursing Recruitment Day, Friday, Feb. 12, as they try and show men that nursing is not only a viable career option but it should be a desirable one as well.

"The primary challenge of attracting men to nursing is the general public views nursing as a woman's profession," Kellett, a nurse for 14 years, says. "What I'm really hoping to do with this day is to help men realize that this is not just a profession for women."

This is the second consecutive year that Kellett has run the recruitment program.

"We did a similar day last year and it was very well received. Our applications to the nursing program from men (especially the after-degree program) definitely increased," he says.

Drawn to nursing because of an interest in the medical field and a mother who worked as a nurse, Kellett says there are many false impressions about the profession that seem to steer men away.

"I think one of the misconceptions is that nursing is somehow a lower profession and it is not. It's very much a dynamic and challenging career and very worthwhile to be part of — you make a difference every day," Kellett says. "I had considered other health-care professions but what attracted me to nursing is that nurses are the people who have a long-term relationship with the patients. I think the bond between nurse and patient is like no other in the health-care field."

The day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in AH100 and includes a pair of sessions where men in nursing share their experiences and answer questions.

Men in Nursing Recruitment Day (AH100)

9 to 10 a.m. – Presentation about nursing in general
10 to 10:30 a.m. – Coffee Break (provided)
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Presentation from U of L staff on local application process and academic requirements, scholarships and funding opportunities
11:30 a.m. to noon – Men in nursing share their experiences Q&A
Noon to 1 p.m. – Lunch (provided)
1 to 2:30 p.m. – Men in nursing share their experiences Q&A
2:30 to 4 p.m. – Tour of nursing skills lab

Male nursing open house, Friday

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:03:21 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge School of Health Sciences is looking for a few good men . . . to become nurses.

Interest in what would be considered a non-traditional career choice for men a few years ago is growing, thanks to the diversity of practice, the excellent career opportunities and the overall stability.

Health Sciences representatives are hosting a one-day open house Friday, Feb. 13 for men interested in changing to a health-care career. There are several ways in which students can gain entry into the Bachelor of Nursing program and the Bachelor of Nursing After Degree program.

Faculty members who are Registered Nurses will be available to discuss their career paths, along with several U of L male students currently enrolled in School of Health Sciences programs.

The open house and information session takes place in Anderson Hall, room AH117 beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. Tours of the classroom areas and the new nursing skills lab will run throughout the day.

There is no cost to participate, but registration is suggested. Please RSVP via e-mail to Peter Kellett or call 403-329-2643.

For additional information on the nursing programs, visit the School of Health Sciences website.

Nursing a viable career path for men

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:16:25 +0000

Kellett and the Faculty of Health Sciences will present a Men in Nursing Recruitment Day, Feb. 13, as they try and show men that nursing is not only a viable career option but it should be a desirable one as well.

Drawn to nursing because of an interest in the medical field and a mother who worked as a nurse, Kellett says there are many false impressions about the profession that seem to steer men away.

While the number of male nurses is growing in Canada, with men accounting for just six per cent of all nurses, there's much room for improvement. Now is also the perfect time to get into the field, Kellett explains. With many nurses from the baby boomer era expected to retire in the coming years, he cites the Canadian Nurses Association as predicting a shortfall of 113,000 registered nurses by 2016.

"In terms of job security, you really can't ask for much better."

The U of L, and its partner Lethbridge College, will help satisfy some of that need with a pair of program offerings. Currently, the Nursing Education in Southwestern Alberta (NESA) program is available as a four-year baccalaureate program in conjunction with Lethbridge College. Its numbers have steadily been on the rise in recent years with more than 172 first-year students currently enrolled (with 564 in the entire four-year program).

New to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in the fall is an after-degree program that will accept initially a class of 35 students. This is for those who already have a degree and who meet the inherent prerequisites. Offered in an accelerated format, it consists of six consecutive semesters.

"It's very demanding but you could train to be a nurse in two years," Kellett says. "From the point of view of getting through education and getting into the workforce, it is a very attractive option for some people."

Kellett is testimony to the many avenues nursing can take people. He says training as a generalist in the health-care field opens innumerable doors and offers a diversity within a career that is entirely unique. In his 14 years as a nurse, he's held positions in Newfoundland, Texas, northern Manitoba and southern Alberta, working on surgical floors, at remote nursing stations, as a primary health-care manager, in the emergency room and now as an instructor.

Given all that, at the end of the day, it's mostly about connecting with people.

"If you want to have a job where you have the potential to make a difference in people's lives every day, nursing is a great option," he says.

GET THE FACTS

• Kellett earned his bachelor of nursing degree from Memorial ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in St. John's, Nlfd. and is currently working on a master's degree from Memorial

• The Feb. 13 Men in Nursing Recruitment Day runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morning sessions are being held in AH117 with the afternoon sessions in the Nursing Skills Lab, PE040

• As of April 1, 2009 a first-year Registered Nurse in Alberta will earn $32.34/hour before educational adjustments or shift differentials (approximately $60,000/year, if working full-time)

• For more information on the U of L's nursing programs, see the Faculty of Health Sciences website (www.uleth.ca/healthsciences/nursing)

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��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate nursing student submission one of the top 10 finalists for the Hunter Prize

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