Health Care Aide Conference

The NorQuest College Health Care Aide Conference is currently sponsored by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) and AUPE.

Welcome to the 2025 Health Care Aide Conference!

The theme for this year’s conference will be "HCA Resilience in Care: Caring for clients with diverse needs." We promise a day of celebration, growth, and recognition for Health Care Aides (HCAs) in Alberta. Attended by a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including employers, regulators, and government agencies, the conference acknowledges the vital contributions HCAs make to Alberta's healthcare system. It also provides professional development opportunities to enhance HCAs' skills and knowledge. We aim to empower our HCAs, equipping them with the tools to be effective healthcare professionals in their fields. Join us in this enriching experience that not only celebrates your role but also contributes to your professional journey.

A big part of the conference will also be showing recognition and expressing gratitude to HCAs. We are asking employers and peers to please send us something that shows recognition for your colleagues and staff. We are looking for short stories, comments, photos, etc. that we can share with the audience throughout the day. If you know HCAs that deserve recognition at the conference, please email the details you would like to share to healthcareaide@norquest.ca with the subject “HCA Conference Recognition.”

The registration deadline is Monday, October 6, 2025, at 4:00 pm MST.

Early bird tickets ($95.00 + tax) are available for the first 80 registrants. Thereafter, the general admission fee is ($120.00 + tax).

The ticket fee includes breakfast and lunch meals as well as complimentary coffee/tea break. By attending the event, you will enjoy interactive participation, receive a certificate of attendance, and have your name entered into a draw for a complimentary ticket to the 2026 HCA Conference.

If you have any dietary requirements, allergies, or general questions, please contact healthcareaide@norquest.ca by October 10, 2025.

This professional development day includes three educational sessions:

Emcee

Brenda Robinson

Brenda is a speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant. She is the founder and president of The Robcan Group. Her Bachelor of Arts was earned at Brandon University and her Masters of Education at Simon Fraser University. She has been addressing groups for over thirty years about communications, humour, laughter, positive working skills, and wellness in general. Her workshops and presentations are in high demand. She has authored four books and created an Audio CD set to help people develop these skills.

Brenda grew up on a farm close to Minnedosa, Manitoba and continues to stay connected to her family there. She now lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Brenda has five children and six grandchildren.

Brenda believes that we are on a life-long learning journey. It should be enriching, exciting, interesting, and above all, it should be fun!

Speakers

Olson Centre for Health Simulation

The Olson Centre for Health Simulation is NorQuest College’s advanced simulation facility, designed to support hands-on healthcare education through realistic, immersive training. We provide students and professionals with opportunities to practice clinical skills, improve teamwork, and prepare for real-world healthcare challenges using high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality technology, standardized patient actors, and online learning environments.

Diving into Dementia Immersive Experience (DDIE)

Diving into Dementia Immersive Experience was designed to enhance empathy, collaboration, and care skills in healthcare professionals for dementia through simulations. Learners engage in scenarios that highlight dementia characteristics through sensory perception manipulation and introducing simulated pets. This innovative intent advocates for the understanding of dementia by building awareness and empathy, and use of alternative techniques rather than pharmacological intervention. Diving into Dementia Immersive Experience simulations reshape compassionate care for individuals.

Advanced Foot Care 

Janessa Chappell

I have been an LPN since 2015, working in several areas such as internal medicine, general surgery, emergency, home care, and in a clinic setting. I completed my Advanced Foot Care certificate in 2021 and started my own independent practice shortly after, while also providing foot care at my local Primary Care Network.

Tammy MacDougall

After 23 years in healthcare—most recently in Advanced Foot Care—I have a strong belief in supporting the wellness of Albertans through an interdisciplinary approach. I look forward to sharing foot care information that will support HCAs in their roles as essential members of the healthcare team.

Summary

Health Care Aides (HCAs) are essential members of the foot care team. Research shows that complications related to poor foot health can often be prevented through early intervention, regular assessments, and proper foot hygiene (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2024). HCAs who provide direct resident care in both home and facility settings are well-positioned to play a vital role in all phases of foot health management.

Schizophrenia Society of Alberta – Starry Night Theatre

Since 1980, the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta (SSA) has been providing support and education programs for individuals living with schizophrenia and their family members and caregivers. Our peer support groups and activities are peer led and peer driven. Facilitators are trained and employed through our Supportive Employment program. Family support groups are facilitated by family members who themselves have a loved one living with schizophrenia. The peer driven nature of the programs ensure that the programs meet the current needs of the group.

SSA also offers Community Education programs to increase understanding and help reduce the discrimination in our communities, that is experienced by 96% of those living with schizophrenia. 

• Living With Schizophrenia: A Personal Perspective, presented by individuals who live with schizophrenia themselves, is offered to High Schools, Post Secondary Schools, First Responders and community organizations.
• Starry Night Theatre Performance: offered to conventions and conferences across Alberta.

Starry Night Theatre

This extremely impactful play is performed by a cast of 14 individuals who live with schizophrenia. This play is performed in Reader’s Theatre, which means cast members use scripts during the performance. This helps reduce stress, which is a major trigger for symptoms of schizophrenia.

Starry Night was written by a group of SSA clients who felt that writing a play would help people understand how it feels to live with schizophrenia. They wanted people to know the facts and to pave the path for more empathy and understanding. The play provides a unique and moving glimpse into what it may be like for an individual, and those close to him, as he experiences his first episode of psychosis.

Tammy Crush

Tammy Crush is a Registered Nurse, certified Trauma Facilitator, and currently training in breathwork. From a young age, she aspired to leave the world better than she found it, and she has learned that resilience begins in the small shifts — the way we think, act, and communicate with ourselves. Tammy believes that when we empower ourselves and uplift others, we create a ripple effect of healing, compassion, love, and acceptance. Her work combines professional expertise with a passion for guiding others to build resilience in the face of challenge.

We would like to thank the organizations below for their donation of door prizes.

Bubbles & Bliss Soaps Inc., NorQuest College Olson Centre for Health Simulation, Pieces by Sharon, Stampin’ Up, Fit and Ease, CLPNA/HCA Directory.

Register

The registration deadline is Monday, October 6, 2025, at 4:00 pm MST.

Early bird tickets ($95.00 + tax) are available for the first 80 registrants. Thereafter, the general admission fee is ($120.00 + tax).

The ticket fee includes breakfast and lunch meals as well as complimentary coffee/tea break. By attending the event, you will enjoy interactive participation, receive a certificate of attendance, and have your name entered into a draw for a complimentary ticket to the 2026 HCA Conference.

If you have any dietary requirements, allergies, or general questions, please contact healthcareaide@norquest.ca by October 10, 2025.

Register