Hello/Bonjour! My name is Alisha (she/her/elle), and I’m honored to serve as the New Graduate Advocate (NGA) on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA)! As a recent graduate of McMaster University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, I know firsthand how exciting and yet overwhelming the transition to professional practice as a nurse can be. As someone currently going through this duality, I am passionate about supporting nursing students and new graduates as they navigate this pivotal stage of their careers.
In my role as NGA, I work closely with organizations like Nursing The Future to build and amplify resources and foster connections that empower new nurses. Whether it’s collaborating on initiatives, researching and finding ways to support new graduate nurses with transition to practice, or preparing reports and policy statements for the CNSA, my goal is to advocate for a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for every new practical, registered, and psychiatric nurse across Canada.
My journey into nursing has been shaped by lived experience and by nearly a decade of work and volunteer experience supporting children and families living with major illnesses and disabilities. I’m deeply passionate about family-centered care, which has guided my professional pursuits and advocacy work both within and beyond healthcare. As the former People of Color Caucus Chair for the CNSA, I’m proud to be ongoingly involved in equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts with the goal of continuing meaningful discussions and ensuring a seat at the table for equity-deserving people.
My ongoing interest in policy, advocacy, and education has led me to pursue a Master of Nursing in Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice where I am learning each day how to better support my patients, fellow nurses, community, and the greater world around me. A few of my current pursuits and advocacy interests as NGA include working with a variety of organizations and foundations in ensuring safe workplaces for ALL nurses, reducing barriers to practice post-graduation, and ensuring nursing education aligns with the demands of modern-day nursing practice. My current passion project has been spearheading the CNSA’s very first newsletter! Alongside CNSA updates, we aim to share and highlight the incredible projects, initiatives, advocacy efforts, and research that students, nurses, professors, and organizations across the country are carrying out! To inquire about our newsletter or to potentially have your work featured, please connect with us at newsletter@cnsa.ca!
I firmly believe that strong advocacy begins with listening, so I’m always eager to hear about your experiences and ideas. I look forward to advocating for you and working together to ensure a smoother, brighter transition into nursing practice for all. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at newgrad@cnsa.ca so we can connect!
After more than twenty years of national leadership in supporting nursing students and newly graduated nurses through professional role transition, Nursing the Future (NTF) is concluding its current operational chapter.
Since 2004, NTF has served as a vital bridge for new nurses, educators, and leaders navigating the vulnerable early months of practice. Through evidence-based programming, national partnerships, and a commitment to building a safe “cul-de-sac” for early-career nurses, NTF has supported thousands across Canada in cultivating connection, confidence, and professional identity.
We extend deep gratitude to our partners, including the Canadian Nurses Foundation, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Nursing Students Association, provincial ministries, healthcare institutions, and countless contributors whose belief in transition-to-practice support made this work possible.
While formal operations conclude, the scholarship, curriculum, intellectual property, and program infrastructure developed over two decades remain intact and available for strategic partnership and collaboration. For further dialogue on potential collaborations, please contact Dr. Duchscher directly: newgraduates@nursingthefuture.ca
We welcome conversations with ministries, health regions, academic institutions, and professional associations interested in advancing initiatives such as:
The mission of healthy and supported professional role transition remains urgent. The work continues, sustained through scholarship, partnership, and shared commitment to the future of Canadian nursing.
With enduring gratitude,
Dr. Judy Duchscher - Founder & CEO, Nursing the Future
Kathryn Corneau - Program Director, Nursing the Future
For our FULL letter of Gratitude CLICK HERE
