It is no secret that newly graduated nurses transitioning from school to practice settings are challenged during their first year; COVID-19 has made that transition even more difficult.
Madison Cook graduated from Thompson Rivers University, School of Nursing in April 2020. As she made her professional role transition amidst the COVID-19 global public-health crisis, she is eager to share her experiences. Madi is currently employed on the Medical Telemetry floor of Vernon Jubilee Hospital, British Columbia.
During her undergraduate degree, one of the aspects Madi most enjoyed was the holistic approach of nursing care. Madi sees communication as a vital element in her nursing practice, that helps her respond adequately and humanely to her clients. She often finds herself engaged in teaching with her clients. Upon entering her third year of the BScN program, Madi was presented the opportunity to become a Research Apprentice, allowing her to work on internal, provincial and federal grants. This quickly opened the door for Madi to become a Lead Research Assistant on a year long study exploring the professional transition experiences of newly graduated nurses and mentorship. That project's subject material was highly relevant to Madi's future and further sparked her desire to become involved in Nursing the Future (NTF).
Madi was once told “you aren’t paid to worry” – it spurred her to focus on creating a culture where questions were embraced and a nurse’s decision to advocate for their patient was backed up. She carries that thought with her. Madi was grateful to have been asked to provide a New Graduate perspective for the NTF team in it’s November 2020 launch to the Canadian nursing community and is hopeful her insight has helped new nurses feel needed, valued, and appreciated while decreasing stress and improve self-confidence.
We want to take a moment and THANK nurses everywhere for their tireless efforts throughout this global pandemic.
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
