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Twenty Trent-Fleming School of Nursing graduates hired as part of Peterborough Regional Health Centre's incentive program |
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Twenty Trent-Fleming School of Nursing graduates have been hired in the school's backyard, by the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). The graduates have signed on for part-time positions with PRHC for one and two years, and in return, received signing bonuses in addition to an amount equivalent to their final year's tuition. In its fifth year, the hospital program has seen 111 local nursing graduates hired by PRHC as part of the program and, of those, 83 per cent have stayed on at the Health Centre. The opportunity is open to Trent-Fleming students who have completed their consolidation, also known as clinical practice placement, in an area of PRHC that has an opening, explains PRHC Vice-President and Chief Nursing Officer Wendy Fucile. She adds that this result is an easier transition for the nurse and for hospital staff members who have already worked with him or her. The program started when it became clear that there would be a nursing shortage. With a new hospital on the horizon, Ms. Fucile says it was a proactive approach to staffing. The program is not limited to Trent-Fleming graduates, though more than 95 per cent of those who have taken part are graduates of the program. "With this program in place, these graduates are less likely to leave the community, and we know it's harder to get them back later," says Ms. Fucile, adding novice nurses are partnered with a preceptor as part of a mentoring program at PRHC. "This is a successful approach – a great way for graduates to make the transition." Kate Kincaid, academic team leader, Institute for Healthy Aging and Nursing, Fleming College, says "The win-win for our students and the hospital was and is obvious, but on a relational level it is another example of thoughtful partnerships and solid leadership in our community. 'Health human resources' is a very complex circumstance and this innovative approach to local problem solving is being emulated in other hospitals. We look forward to more opportunities with our local health care providers and our students appreciate the practice and learning support provided." Among the graduates hired on by PRHC is Shawna Longford, who plans to build her career in Peterborough. Upon her convocation, she gave credit and thanks to her professors, clinical instructors, and her preceptor at PRHC, Andrea Keating, RN. Ms. Longford consolidated and was hired on in PRHC's Surgical Services department, where she will work part-time for one year. She hopes to then have the opportunity to apply for a full-time position and, in 2008, work in the new hospital. Ms. Longford, who says she is proud to have joined such a trusted and respected profession, went back to school after careers in social work in Toronto and as a personal support worker. As the mother of two teenage boys, it was important to her to be both educated and employed in Peterborough. Posted July 11, 2005
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