Nursing Students Offered Co-operative Education Option

Sixty nursing students will gain on-the-job training and get paid for it as part of a new co-operative education option. This is another example of government''s commitment to recruit and retrain nurses in Nova Scotia.

"Nova Scotia already has excellent education programs for student nurses," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "This co-operative- education option will complement the current course of study, giving them more practical experience before they join the current team of expert health-care professionals in providing quality care to Nova Scotians."

The 10-week nursing experience, which will be in place this summer for third-year students, will also contribute to the province''s recruitment and retention efforts. The Department of Health is contributing more than $300,000 to the program.

"In addition to being an excellent learning experience for our student nurses, it offers them an opportunity to witness first-hand the attractive nursing options right here in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Muir.

The initiative is the result of two co-op-nursing pilot projects that took place last summer. The Western Regional Health Board, the Dalhousie School of Nursing, the Nova Scotia Hospital and the QEII Health and Science Centre implemented and evaluated a co-operative education experience for 24 students for 10 weeks. The program received positive feedback from participating students, registered nurses and educators. A similar pilot project was successful at St. Francis Xavier University.

Students who participated were pleased with the co-operative education option. The following are some of their comments:

• "Being an employee and a working member of the team -- rather than a student -- has helped build my confidence and given me more opportunities to collaborate with other nurses and members of the health-care team."

• "This is a fantastic way to learn and there is no doubt in my mind that it should continue. I have realized in this co-op experience, how much learning there is to be done in the nursing profession."

Representatives from Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier nursing schools are also pleased.

"The nursing department at St. FX sees this as a winning combination," said Ellen MacFarlane, St. Francis Xavier nursing professor.

"Students will acquire increased knowledge, skill and experience; employers will have an excellent opportunity to check out potential recruits; the university nursing programs will be better able to produce nurses with desired competencies; and the Department of Health will enable the above to happen

Dr. Carol Smillie of the Dalhousie School of Nursing echoed Professor MacFarlane''s support.

"Dalhousie University School of Nursing is pleased to have the co-op student nursing experience recognized by the Department of Health," said Dr. Smillie. "This will contribute to the preparation of nurses who can competently care for diverse populations within multiple settings. All who participated in the pilot reported that the experience created a learning environment of mutual respect, driven by a vision of excellent nursing care for Nova Scotians."

Students will be encouraged to practise in health-care facilities across the province, with the option of a number of disciplines, including acute care, mental health and long-term care.

The Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier University schools of nursing will facilitate the selection and placement of students and "preceptors" -- their mentors on the job.

The nursing co-op experience is among a number of nursing-related initiatives undertaken by the government, including:

• appointing a nursing policy adviser to work with the nursing profession to develop strategies to retain, recruit and retrain nurses in Nova Scotia.

• forming a Provincial Nursing Network, consisting of Department of Health staff, employers, educators, professional associations and unions.

• creating more than 100 new full-time or part-time positions through converting casual positions in the acute-care sector.

• expanding baccalaureate schools of nursing by approximately 30 per cent (75 seats), the largest percentage increase in Canada.

• creating a Nursing Student Bursary Program which, in its first year, made $3,000 available to 37 university students in their graduating year, and provided additional money for licensed practical nurses for their refresher course or pharmacy upgrade.

• launching a provincial web site for nursing vacancies.