Mowat & Silas Join Federal Minister in Grant Announcement

MNU President and CFNU President Linda Silas participated in a media conference on March 6th to announce a Federal grant to support a new initiative being undertaken by the CFNU to improve the recruitment and retention of nurses across Canada. Federal Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq lead the speakers by announcing the $4 million in funding being provided by Health Canada through the Pan-Canadian Health Human Resources Strategy.

The project aims to help nurses to develop skills and expertise and to help employers increase the capacity for collaborative project development and research. It will provide training and professional development opportunities for 898 nurses, while 1,085 nurses will be involved in retention and recruitment initiatives.

“These projects are examples of nurses’ organizations, employers and all levels of government working together to resolve issues in the public health system.” said Linda Silas, “The tremendous commitment demonstrated by all parties will be needed as we work towards addressing the significant challenges posed by nursing shortages.”

Manitoba

The Manitoba project will provide an enhanced orientation period for recently hired nurses at three Personal Care Homes (pilot sites) within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). The enhanced orientation program will include two components. Initially, fifteen nurses new to long term care will be matched with fifteen experienced nurse mentors to provide support and guidance to the new nurses. This will be followed by a series of workshops based on clinically relevant topics on care of the older adult. The workshops along with the support from their mentor will equip these new nurses to be successful in geriatric care and the leadership role expected of nurses in long term care. The project will cover the financial costs of attending the workshops to ensure there is adequate coverage while the nurses participate in the program.

Left: MNU President, Sandi, Mowat giving her reaction to a member of the media
Centre: CFNU President, Linda Silas, addresses the Conference
Right: Federal Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq announcing the $4 million in funding