A nurse seeking help when experiencing PTSD should not be viewed as personally weak, nor should expressing the challenges of stress be seen as dangerous to one's career.
Cecilia Yeung: “IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK”
Guest Cecilia Yeung, RN, has been a critical care nurse for over 10 years and currently works at Vancouver General Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (VGH ICU). As a VGH ICU nurse, Cecilia looks after patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), those undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) or individuals with brain injuries who require intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, as well as post-transplant and post-trauma patients and their families. This high pressure care is standard in the ICU population. Cecilia is also the founder of PTSD Support for Nurses. The objective is to promote self-care that can protect nurses from psychological injury incurred in the course of ‘doing their work’, which then can lead to stress, burnout, exhaustion, or post-traumatic stress. This program provides a judgment-free safe space for healthcare workers to de-stress and nourish their resilience. One of the initiatives is to provide frontline healthcare workers with someone to talk to when they have experienced something traumatic, as well as personalized self-care packages delivered to their door. Nurses can request these personalized self-care kits so if this interests you please reach out to ptsdhelpfornurses@gmail.com. Cecilia was recently recognized as a Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 for her work with nurses; this recognition notes entrepreneurs under 40 who have demonstrated excellence in business, judgment, leadership and community contribution.
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
