The initiative provides financial assistance and quality education to New Brunswick residents who wish to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.
A practical nurse for 12 years at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, Diane Lagacé of Petit-Rocher had always dreamed of being a registered nurse. Thanks to the Step Up To Nursing initiative, a learning model alternating work and study, her dream will soon become a reality.
“This program is the best opportunity I could have to continue my studies education in Nursing Science. It allows me to combine work and studies,” she explains.
Until obtaining her nursing diploma, Diane Lagacé will alternate between one month of study in the classroom and one month of work in a hospital environment while maintaining her full-time salary.
Laughing, Diane Lagacé confides that returning to school is not always easy and that she must organize her time well. However, the unique Step Up To Nursing formula allows her to concentrate on classes during study periods or on work when she returns.
“There is no better program that exists now, especially with the nursing shortage. Practical nurses like me have experience and skills. The bridge program helps us learn more,” she says.
Diane Lagacé will become a baccalaureate nurse in 2026 and she intends to continue working at the Bathurst hospital. She encourages everyone interested in nursing to learn about this program.
“I really encourage people to sign up for the next cohort. If there are practical nurses like me who want to progress in their career, this program is exceptional,” she adds.
Launched in spring 2023, by the Government of New Brunswick, the Step Up To Nursing initiative offers training in Bathurst (in French) and Saint John (in English).
The deadline to apply for the practical nursing program at CCNB, Bathurst campus, or the bridge program for licensed practical nurses at the Université de Moncton, Shippagan campus, Bathurst site, has been set for January 12, 2024.
Application deadlines for the English programs, Practical Nurse stream at NBCC and LPN Bridge at UNBSJ, is February 15, 2024.
Do not miss this opportunity! An exciting possibility awaits you!
For more information, visit www.gnb.ca/StepUpToNursing.
*This article was provided by Acadie Nouvelle.
