This summer, seven third-year bachelor of nursing students from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) will participate in the inaugural UNB-Shannex Long-Term Care Summer Institute.
The Summer Institute offers a prestigious experience that integrates innovation into nursing practice in high-performing healthcare organizations such as Shannex. The initiative aims to inspire future nurses to become leaders in transforming the culture of care for older adults within our health-care system.
"At the heart of every long-term care community are skilled, compassionate nurses who provide care, education, comfort and support to residents and families," said Gillian Ferris, Shannex's senior director of operations, enhanced care in New Brunswick. "It is a rewarding and challenging role and we're proud to be part of a program purposefully designed to elevate nursing practice in the sector."
Over the course of 15 weeks, students from Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton will engage in unique work placements, learning from experienced registered nurses (RN) in Shannex nursing home communities across the province.
The faculty of nursing developed the Long-Term Summer Institute, which will support the delivery of the program for a period of five years. Funding is provided with support from Shannex, as part of a $1 million donation to improve care, decision making and a person's experience during the transitions of aging and to prepare nurses and other health care professionals for the health care system of the future with early exposure to long-term care and older adult care.
"Our partnership with Shannex and creation of the Long-Term Care Summer Institute marks a significant step for nursing education," said Dr. Petra Hauf, provost and vice president academic at UNB. "These experiences are shaping students into future leaders in elder care. New Brunswick's aging population makes this education more crucial than ever. I look forward to seeing how this collaboration improves long-term care and positively impacts lives."
The initiative builds on the Nursing Education Design Summit held last May, where stakeholders in the long-term care sector (LTC) came together to understand and envision the role of the RN and design a mentorship program to prepare and recruit nursing students to careers in LTC.
About Shannex Incorporated
Shannex is a family-owned organization with a vision of Leading the Way to Better Living. Beginning in 1988, with a single nursing home, the organization now offers a full continuum of services designed to inspire health, wellness and fulfilment at all stages of life. With locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, Shannex brands include Allbright Life, Parkland at Home, Parkland Retirement Living, Faubourg du Mascaret, and Shannex Enhanced Care.
