Communities Work on Recruitment and Retention

By 250 News

Recruitment and retention, the two challenges facing communities throughout the north when it comes to finding and keeping professionals. 

Burns Lake, Fraser Lake,  Mackenzie and Dawson Creek have decided to try something new.  The four communities are  taking part in a project called "Feeling at Home".

The  communities have upgraded accommodations, linked the nursing students (who are on clinical placements) with  people in the community, or provided some  goods  and services to make the stay just a little nicer, all in hopes of convicing nursing students to  pursue a career in a rural community  once they graduate.

The program is funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education.  There are currently 2 students in Burns Lake, 2 in Dawson Creek, one in Mackenzie, and one in Fraser Lake.

"Feeling at Home " project co-ordinator Cynthia Brunt says the communities and students will share their experiences at a seminar on November 6th. She adds, "Ultimately  it's about providing positive experiences and these kinds of activities may be really important in enabling communities to attract more health professionals."

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