Q&A with VCC health care instructor Signy Novak

VCC instructor Signy Novak with best friends Missie and Louie

Vancouver Community College (VCC) practical nursing instructor Signy Novak has been teaching for 12 years and still loves every moment of it. Lately, she’s begun teaching new courses through VCC Continuing Studies that focus on professional development in the constantly evolving area of medication management.

What do you love about teaching?

I really love connecting with students from various backgrounds and sharing with each other about both the course material and life experiences. It’s all about learning from each other. Each time I complete a course with a group of students, I walk away having learned something new and changed for the good. 

Could you describe the new Medication Course for Health Care Workers?

Medication Course for Health Care Workers helps those working in detox and recovery to learn the basic knowledge and skills required to provide medications safely to clients. The feedback so far is positive. We have great discussions in the class regarding medication administration challenges that come up with clients, and how to manage these situations. There is a great deal of learning that goes on through this sharing of students’ experiences. The students say the course really highlights the high importance of safe medication administration.

What's something interesting about your journey?

I was encouraged to go into teaching by a nursing manager who strongly suggested I apply to VCC. I am so very grateful to her to this day. I did not let fear of change hold me back, and completely changed my career path. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach every single day.

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