Assiniboine seeking proposals for rural rotating Practical Nursing sites

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nursing graduates stand outside in front of sign.

Assiniboine Community College issued a call for proposals today to communities interested in hosting one of two rural rotating nursing program sites. This call for proposals is for the delivery of the college’s two-year Practical Nursing diploma program to begin in September 2020 and January 2021.

Regional health authorities and rural communities, in partnership with the college, have an opportunity to come together to address the shortage of Licensed Practical Nurses in rural Manitoba,” said Suzanne Nicolas, Assiniboine’s Associate Dean of Health Programs. “A concerted effort is required by all, particularly in these times of massive health reforms, to maximize collaboration in meeting the nursing labour market demands.

Proposals will be assessed based on labour market demand, health care partnerships, availability of facilities and capital equipment, student demand, and student experience.

Proposals are due on November 28, 2019, and site announcements are anticipated to be made by the college in late December 2019. The Assiniboine Community College plans to open the student application process for the two sites—each with capacity for 25 students—in early 2020.

Since 1999, Assiniboine has delivered its practical nursing program in rural rotating sites in addition to its permanent campuses in Brandon, Winnipeg, and Dauphin. Currently, rural rotating practical nursing sites are being offered in Portage la Prairie and Russell.

Over the years, Assiniboine’s practical nursing program has also delivered in Selkirk, Steinbach, Winkler/Morden, Arborg, Flin Flon, Beausejour, Killarney, Carmen, Boissevain, The Pas, Neepawa, Thompson, Ashern, Deloraine, and Glenboro/Cypress River.

The college’s two-year Diploma Practical Nursing program encompasses a theoretical component as well as the development of clinical competencies. More specifically, clinical competencies are acquired through laboratory and clinical placement experiences, including practicums in acute and extended care health facilities, personal care homes, community agencies and private homes.

The demand for Assiniboine nursing graduates is high; 95 per cent of graduates surveyed from the 2017-18 academic year said they were employed, making on average more than $46,800 a year.