February 19, 2010, Calgary, Alberta - Dawn Kelly is used to helping students and employees as a nurse in SAIT’s Health Services Clinic. But until the end of February she is working as a nurse in a much different capacity – as an Athlete Care Nurse at the Olympic Village Polyclinic in Vancouver.

Kelly decided to volunteer for the Olympics after her sister submitted her own volunteer application. Kelly says she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. She was ecstatic when she found out that she had been assigned a nursing role in the Olympic Village.

“Thinking about getting to meet athletes from all over the world is what was most exciting. I remember the excitement in Calgary, and just wanted to contribute this time around.”

At the Olympics, Kelly has experienced a different side of nursing than what she is accustomed to at SAIT Health Services.

“My role at SAIT is about health promotion, disease prevention and educating students and staff. At the Olympics, my role is to deal with whatever comes through the door. Often it’s about dealing with an injury after it has happened, being able find a common place with people from other countries, and not only health promotion, but promotion of Canada as well.”

So far, Kelly has treated mostly minor injuries of athletes and volunteers based at the Olympic Village. Kelly reported for her first nursing shift at the beginning of February and will work a total of 16 12-hour shifts ending on February 27. She says the long hours are something she has had to get used to, but that the memories will outweigh any drawbacks.

“I know I will always remember the athletes and the discipline and hard work that goes into competing at this level. Actually speaking to these people has made it much more real to me.”

SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada and one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2011.

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