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The University of New Brunswick (UNB) and the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation are pleased to announce a gift of $100,000 in support of education for nurses at Horizon Health Network’s Saint John Regional Hospital. The Foundation’s gift will establish the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Transforming Health Care Fund. The announcement was made on May 11 in celebration of National Nursing Week (May 8-14).

The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Transforming Health Care Fund is intended to:

• Support nurses by providing access to training to become strong leaders in any healthcare environment and giving future nurses a reason to build their careers at the Saint John Regional Hospital;
• Provide financial support for deserving students and encourage a career in nursing and healthcare in the Saint John area; and
• Support tomorrow’s healthcare professionals in gaining hands-on experience across a spectrum of health and care-related environments in New Brunswick.

UNB president and vice-chancellor Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle praised the Foundation’s commitment to improving opportunities for nurses and student nurses in New Brunswick.

“For more than 39 years, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation has been doing an outstanding job of bringing new resources into New Brunswick’s public healthcare system,” said Dr. Mazerolle.

“We are happy to have the Foundation's support as we educate the next generation of New Brunswick nurses and create opportunities for working nurses to realize their leadership potential. Community partnerships like this are at the core of UNB’s Integrated Health Initiative, which is creating a world-class health innovation centre right here in New Brunswick.”

One quarter of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Transforming Health Care Fund ($25,000) will be designated for the pre-purchase of up to five seats in UNB’s certificate in nursing leadership & management program. This program provides hard-working nurses with customized upskilling online to support the development of non-clinical skills needed in the health sector, including in the areas of fast-paced communication, human resource management, quality management in healthcare, and financial stewardship in the non-profit sector.

With input from Horizon, the Foundation will help select nurses employed at the Saint John Regional Hospital to enroll in the program, upgrading their skills and opening the door to new career opportunities.

Between $65,000 and $75,000 will be allocated to scholarships for bachelor of nursing and bachelor of health students. These scholarships will encourage students to pursue careers at the Saint John Regional Hospital and in the greater Saint John area.

Up to $10,000 will be used to create internship and placement opportunities within the greater Saint John community for students in the bachelor of nursing and bachelor of health programs. These experiential learning opportunities will foster greater understanding of poverty and other social determinants that impact healthcare.

“Opportunities for continued education and professional development are integral in supporting our dedicated nursing staff to deliver safe and quality care, which creates positive patient experiences,” said Brenda Kinney, vice president and chief nursing officer of Horizon Health Network. “Partnerships like these also help with recruitment of the best and brightest nursing team members, who we look forward to welcoming at Horizon.”

James Gallagher, president and CEO of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, said partnerships such as this play a vital role in ensuring the delivery of effective healthcare now and into the future.

“Transformation in healthcare happens when we work together, and that is why we are pleased to be partnered with UNB to provide opportunities to secure healthcare for the future, said Gallagher. “Through our partnership with UNB’s Integrated Health Initiative, we will help ensure access to training and education that will allow nurses to grow their skill set and will offer scholarships to help retain the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Photo, L-R: Angelique Simpson, director, Integrated Health Initiative; Petra Hauf, vice-president Saint John, UNB; Michel Rod, dean of business, UNB; Jamie Gallagher, president and CEO, Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation; Lisa Best, program coordinator, UNB; Brenda Kinney, vice president and chief nursing officer, Horizon Health; Catherine Hamilton, nursing department chair, UNB.