Blind River “Growing” Its Own Nurses

Blind River District Health Centre (BRDHC) is establishing a two-year practical nursing program called “Grow Your Own Registered Practical Nurse.”

Through the Rural Economic Development Program, Ontario is helping BRDHC to:

• develop and administer a Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) program in Blind River
• recruit and retain RPNs in the area
• assist local personal support workers who wish to transition into nursing
• create functional space for training health care professionals in a rural area
• provide an affordable training option for rural residents seeking a college diploma in nursing
• implement a local solution to address the nursing shortage and provide health professional employment opportunities in a rural area 

QUOTES

“The McGuinty government is proud to support local solutions to local challenges, such as the ‘Grow Your Own Registered Practical Nurse’ program. This training initiative will provide viable health professional career opportunities to residents of Blind River and the surrounding area.”
— Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma – Manitoulin

“This investment will ultimately help enhance access to rural community health care services. Providing training for new nurses and opportunities for local health care professionals is part of our government’s commitment to the health of our communities.”
— Carol Mitchell, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

“We warmly welcome the Province and Sault College as partners in helping to develop a local solution to our nursing shortage. More nurses will ease the workload of our current nursing staff, resulting in retention of staff and better care for patients.”
— Mary Ellen Luukkonen, Chief Nursing Officer, BRDHC

QUICK FACTS

• BRDHC and Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology are receiving $41,046 through the Rural Economic Development Program.
• Since 2003, Ontario has invested over $91 million in 266 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the BRDHC.

Explore the Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology.

For more information:

Brent Ross, Communications, 416-326-9342