May 13th, 2026 | 2-minute read

Nursing Students Win at Provincial Games; Student Leader Erica Marrello Shares the Journey

For Erica Marrello, nursing became a calling during the COVID-19 pandemic when her father suffered a heart attack. That crisis gave her a firsthand look at the compassion and urgency required in healthcare.

National Nursing Week (May 11-17, 2026) is an annual celebration that recognizes the important contributions of nurses to people’s health and wellbeing. This year's theme, adopted by RNAO from the International Council of Nurses, is Empowered Nurses Save Lives.

(May 13, 2026) — For Erica Marrello, nursing became a calling during the COVID-19 pandemic when her father suffered a heart attack. That crisis gave her a firsthand look at the compassion and urgency required in healthcare.

"Since coming to Laurentian, my motivation has grown tremendously," Erica says. "Through clinical experiences in Northern Ontario, I’ve seen the profound impact nurses have during a person’s most difficult moments."

Erica’s impact at Laurentian is felt far beyond the classroom, recently culminating in a major provincial achievement. As a key member of Laurentian’s Francophone Nursing team, Erica helped lead the university to a 1st place victory at the 2026 Ontario Nursing Games. Competing against programs from across the province, the team’s win in clinical expertise and teamwork serves as a testament to the excellence of the training provided at Laurentian.

Her individual performance was equally standout; Erica was also named one of the two MVP award recipients for her team.

As the Co-president of the French Nursing Council, Erica remains a vital voice for Francophone students. Her resume reflects a deep commitment to the profession:

Provincial Champion: Member of the winning 2026 Ontario Nursing Games team.
Academic Mentor: Serves as a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) in the École des Sciences Infirmières.
Community Representative: Represents the Consortium National de Formation en santé (CNFS-UL).

Erica recalls a clinical moment where she sat with an anxious patient just to listen. "It made me realize nursing isn’t only about clinical skills; it’s about being present during vulnerable moments," she explains. "The impact of care can be immediate, even in small actions."

Choosing Laurentian was about the community. "You’re not just another student; you’re known and supported," she says. "As a Francophone student, studying in French allows me to prepare for providing culturally appropriate care to our Northern Ontario communities."

As she looks toward her final year, Erica is ready to pay it forward: "I aspire to be the kind of nurse who truly makes a difference in someone’s life, just as someone once did for me."

Students interested in following in these footsteps may be eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. For the 2025–2026 academic year, this program offers full funding for tuition and books for students who commit to working in Northern Ontario after graduation. This support is available for both new incoming students and those continuing their studies this fall, ensuring a clear path to a rewarding career in the North.