TRU Professor Leads National Project to Support New Nurses

Nursing the Future is a program to offer professional support for newly-graduated nurses.

Few have been hit harder by the ongoing pandemic than nurses. We need professionals on the front lines to push back the pandemic, so it's no surprise that nursing is an incredibly popular post-secondary program right now.

Still, new nurses need professional support as they build their skills. That's where Nursing the Future comes in.

Nursing the Future

Thompson Rivers University and the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF), with admin help from the Canadian Nurses Association, have teamed up to develop Nursing the Future. Judy Duchscher of Thompson Rivers University has built a team of stakeholders from registered nurses to new grads to contribute to the project.

Nursing the Future is an online network for registered and licensed practical nurses to connect socially and share information as they begin their careers amidst a generational pandemic. The site is sponsored by CNF's COVID-19 Fund for Nurses until the summer of 2021.

Information, networking, research, and innovation

The site offers newly-graduated nurses a unique chance to network with peers and colleagues, exchange best practices and new research, with a special eye towards transitioning into — and maintaining — a professional role in the healthcare system.

The site also offers information for healthcare educators, admins, and established nurses to help them guide new practicioners into the profession.

Studies suggest this support is needed. Between 31 and 65 per cent of new nurses consider leaving nursing within only two short years of starting. A full two thirds of new nurses (67%) report suffering burnout. The potential impact on nurses' wellbeing, thanks to initiatives like these, is immeasurable.

Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing

Thompson Rivers University is proud its own Dr. Duchscher is leading the project. Supporting newly-graduating nurses is critical to providing effective and efficient healthcare to everyone — to say nothing of the pandemic.

Nursing the Future is a fantastic opportunity for any new nurses to get a feel for the field and connect with professionals who can help them through their careers. Kudos to Thompson Rivers University and the CNF for their efforts! New info is added all the time, so be sure to check back often.

PS: Browse scholarships offered for nursing here!