The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the year 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.During this time, the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a global event for which nurses had limited time to prepare before receiving an influx of high-acuity patients experiencing respiratory instability and other co-morbidities. Nurses, both novice and expert, truly displayed their power to advocate for their patients and demonstrated their profound sense of teamwork. It is fortunate that nurses, such as our guest Kim Scherr, is willing to share their individual reality of COVID-19 in a critical care setting.
More about Kim Scherr, NP, Critical Care and Rapid Response Team Member.
“I have worked in critical care for most of my career, and have been a nurse practitioner for the past 24 years. My areas of interest have been critical care/rapid response teams, cardiovascular nursing and advanced practice nursing, and I have presented in those fields at many conferences and published several papers as well. I have worked in the Misericordia Hospital ICU for the past 12 years where I contribute to a collaborative interdisciplinary team providing care for critically ill patients. I am the Team Lead for the institutional Rapid Response Team. This team responds to calls from unit staff with the intent to initiate early interventions that prevent further illness and deterioration which could ultimately lead to cardiorespiratory collapse and the need for ICU admission. I am also a champion for the prevention and treatment of ICU delirium, and have been a member of national and provincial collaboratives whose goals are to improve long term cognitive outcomes for ICU patients. Currently I am working in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Papathanassglou from the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta to conduct research on the use of integrative therapies (music, therapeutic touch, guided imagery, massage) in the prevention of ICU delirium.” ~ Kim Scherr
Be proud to be a HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
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
