For nursing students eager to gain real-world experience, grow their confidence and contribute meaningfully to patient care, Interior Health’s Employed Student Nurse (ESN) and Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse (ESPN) Program offers a unique and impactful path into the profession.
This paid employment program supports students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing program who have completed their second or third year of study.
The program provides early exposure to professional practice, allowing future nurses to strengthen their clinical skills, explore different areas of care and show up as valued members of the health-care team.
Student nurses grow professionally, gain autonomy
Unlike traditional student placements, ESNs and ESPNs are hired as Interior Health (IH) employees, practising with a BCCNM licence under the supervision of a designated RN, RPN or NP, not a clinical instructor or preceptor. This structure encourages greater autonomy and professional growth, while ensuring strong guidance and support are always readily available.
“The ESN/ESPN program is such an important investment in our future nursing workforce,” says Kiana Poweska, regional educator.
“The program not only builds confidence and competence in nursing students, but it also introduces them to areas of care they may not have considered like rural sites, long-term care or even specialty nursing roles,” she adds. “And they’re doing important, meaningful work the entire time, which truly benefits the teams they’re supporting.”
With more than 200 diverse placement options across the Southern Interior of B.C. and more than 250 employment opportunities each year, students can explore settings that align with their interests and discover new passions along the way.
Learn about Ryann’s journey
Ryann Stasiak, a nursing student from Alberta, joined the ESN program in May 2025 and is currently completing her hours at Kelowna General Hospital. She was drawn to the role for the chance to build hands-on experience and confidence before starting her final preceptorship.
As someone interested in working in B.C. after graduation, Ryann valued the chance to build familiarity and confidence with the systems and workflows used across IH.
I’m incredibly passionate about nursing and wanted to gain all the experience possible. The ESN program allowed me to work in an acute setting alongside experienced nurses, develop my clinical judgment and practice essential skills in a way that bridged the gap between theory and real-life nursing.
Participants like Ryann are fully integrated into the day-to-day operations of their units. They contribute to patient care while growing their skills under the guidance of experienced professionals. They also play a meaningful role in reducing team burnout and increasing team capacity, while benefitting from mentorship and practical insights that will carry them forward into their careers.
“Being exposed to highly acute patient care scenarios really helped me develop my time management and clinical reasoning,” Ryann adds. “But even more than that, I was learning in a supportive environment where I was constantly encouraged to ask questions and push myself, and that gave me so much confidence in myself and my abilities.”
“I’d absolutely encourage other students to apply,” says Ryann. “During my time in the program, I experienced a huge amount of growth, not just in my skills, but in my understanding of what to expect in the real world. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the work we do, and for the career I’m stepping into.”
Learn more about ESN/ESPN
The ESN/ESPN program is a flexible, skills-building opportunity that helps students walk into their new grad roles with clarity, confidence and a sense of community and connection.
Monthly hiring cohorts run from May through November, and students have four months to complete their funded hours once hired.
For more information or to connect with the ESN/ESPN team, email IHEmployedStudents@interiorhealth.ca.
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