Hospitals Hoping for Extension of Nursing Program

Hospitals in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Fort Frances are
asking Confederation College and Lakehead University to continue a
community-based nursing program.
25-students are expected to graduate from the pilot program next year.
Darlene Furlong of the Dryden Hospital says they are pushing for the
program’s continuation starting in Fall 2008.
Furlong says it’s a great recruitment tool as most students are expected to stay and practice in their home communities.
Furlong says the North is facing a critical nursing shortage as in 2012, up to 50% or more of Registered Nurses are eligible for retirement.
She says participating Hospitals will go to bat for the Thunder Bay
schools to lobby the province for program funding.