Kristen Bird

Instructor,  Student Practice Placement Coordinator, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kristen Bird is an instructor and student practice placement coordinator in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program at Selkirk College. She teaches primarily in years two, three and four, with a focus on skills lab, simulation and nursing practice.

Kristen completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Victoria in 2005 and worked for 10 years as a registered nurse at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. She became a full-time instructor in Selkirk College’s BSN program in 2015 and moved into the role of student practice placement coordinator in 2019. She completed her Master of Education through the University of British Columbia in 2020.

At the heart of Kristen’s teaching is the belief that students need to feel supported before they can fully step into growth. Her teaching is grounded in relationship, reflection and student-centred support. She works to create learning environments where students feel safe, respected and capable as they move through the complexity and vulnerability of learning in nursing. Kristen values clear and compassionate feedback, reflective dialogue, experiential learning and opportunities for students to connect their developing knowledge and skills to the realities of nursing practice.

Kristen’s areas of interest include experiential learning, simulation as pedagogy and assessment for learning. She is passionate about helping students build confidence within their scope of practice, feel a sense of belonging in nursing, and recognize themselves as thoughtful, capable, and valued members of the profession.