There is something divinely special about people who choose to risk [and sometimes] sacrifice their lives for the sake of others. Sheltee [Debose] Felton is one of them! As a Medical ICU Registered Nurse, Sheltee has experienced the gratification and grief that is inevitable within healthcare. However, her dedication to her purpose has exceeded every reluctancy she's ever had. Fortunately, at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic her brave and altruistic mentality did not change! Nurse Sheltee faced the deathly realities of COVID-19 with courage and grace.
Within her debut literary work, "Nursing During the Outbreak: What I saw, what I felt, and why I chose to stay," Nurse Sheltee takes her readers on a visual journey through the heart and brain of "Rona, the Destructive Infectious Fatale," aka Corona virus. Death always has someone's first and last name attached to it, but sometimes... just sometimes, God sends His angels by the names of Life, Grace, and Mercy to our aid.
Angels aren't disguised anymore; they are dressed in scrubs and sometimes work beyond a typical 12-hour shift. Despite the fatigue, daily encounters with death, and the anxiety of simply not knowing, Nurse Sheltee remained committed to her passion. Not only is nursing Nurse Sheltee's calling but nursing also called her. It is safe to say that the whole world has thanked God for His angel(s) who serve tirelessly on the frontlines of healthcare.
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
