Portage College Practical Nurse Diploma instructor Jackie Lubemsky is an Alberta 2025 Distinguished Instructor Award recipient. The award was presented at the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association (ACIFA) conference held from May 11-13 at the Banff Springs Hotel. 

Lubemsky is a 2009 graduate of the Practical Nurse program at Portage College and has been teaching the program at the College’s Cold Lake campus since 2021. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse working at the Bonnyville Health Centre, where she has been employed since 2010.

Despite the career that she says came naturally because she has always been a “people person” who wants to make others feel comfortable and accepted, Lubemsky was surprised to learn she had been nominated … She was shocked when told she had won.

“It is still so crazy to think that I would be nominated for such an award,” she said, humbled by the honour.

Lubemsky’s nomination included testimonials from students and other instructors. The praise runs deep in all the comments.

“Welcoming and genuine … Her warm and supportive approach fosters a sense of belonging, allowing students to feel comfortable and valued … Jackie connects with each student on a personal level … deep commitment to her student’s success … Jackie also enriches her classroom with personal stories drawn from her extensive nursing experience … cooperative spirit … Jackie exemplifies professionalism through her actions, demeanour, and dedication to her role as a nursing educator.”

Lubemsky said she took the nursing program to apply her passion and compassion to the healthcare field. She teaches her students to do the same – and sees the direct results of that teaching when she works her hospital shifts.

“My main goal is to create my future colleagues who I will enjoy working with. I want to work with future nurses who are compassionate, competent, and hardworking,” she said. “When you look at our hospitals in the local areas alone, a lot of the LPNs are our past graduates. I am proud of the nurses we create.”

The award, she says, is a bit of a full-circle moment – herself being a student who benefitted from strong instructors in the Portage College program.

“I had an instructor that went out of her way for me when I was in school. She was funny and down to earth, and I respected her so much. She has been my biggest influence,” Lubemsky said of instructor Lisa Letendre. “I told her about my award recently and thanked her for everything she did because she is a huge reason I love teaching now.”

The ACIFA Distinguished Instructor Award is a province-wide recognition that highlights instructors who build quality, respectful and positive learning environments through innovative teaching, encouragement, and enthusiasm. The distinction comes with a financial reward of $1,500 for the faculty member and $500 for the faculty. The financial contribution is sponsored by Johnson Insurance.

For more details on the Portage College Practical Nurse Diploma program, visit the links on the Portage College website.