Karyn Unrau is a Nurse Educator and is the Territorial Manager of Clinical Education in the Northwest Territories. She is a previous associate professor in the University of Victoria BSN program at Aurora College, Yellowknife, NWT, University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, and University of Hawaii in Honolulu. She has also worked as a previous Director of Regulatory Services & Policy with the Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (RNANT/NU), worked as a Legal Nurse Consultant, and currently is on the Board of Directors for Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) representing NWT and Nunavut. She feels very strongly that nurses should feel supported in their clinical practice regardless of geographical location or lack of resources. She continues to be a strong advocate for resources and services that will strengthen the northern nursing workforce.
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
