New Graduates

A key aspect of the curriculum is the establishment of a NGN Steering Committee, which includes nursing students from different post-secondary institutions (PSIs). This diverse committee meets monthly to provide insights and feedback on the direction of the program, ensuring the curriculum reflects the real-world challenges and opportunities NGNs face. Their input plays a crucial role in shaping the content and structure of educational offerings, helping the program remain responsive to the evolving needs of both students and the healthcare industry.

In commitment to providing well-rounded education, a series of educational sessions featuring guest speakers have been hosted, covering essential topics that directly impact the professional development of NGNs. These sessions not only expand NGNs' knowledge but also provide opportunities for networking and learning from content experts.

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As part of the curriculum redesign, an Education Menu has been introduced, allowing NGNs to select additional instructor-led education aligned with their current practice and future career goals. Facilitated by content experts within IH, these educational opportunities offer NGNs the chance to engage in meaningful, relevant learning experiences. The program also offers a mix of in-person and virtual sessions to better reach and support new graduates in rural and remote areas.

This initiative supports NGNs' professional development and provides a personalized pathway to career advancement, helping them plan for long-term growth within the healthcare system. The education offered through the menu is designed to align with the NGN Transition Program learning outcomes, supporting new graduates in meeting key competencies and practice goals.

Examples include: 

Skills days are hosted around the IH region and include fun presentations and learning opportunities. During the skills days, NGNs can come practice practical hands-on skills to improve their proficiency and confidence.

Check out the pictures below from previous Skills days events:

New to Nursing Podcast

The New to Nursing podcast is produced by the NGN Transition Program and offers engaging content for new nurses seeking quick, resourceful, and supportive information.

You can stream the podcast on Apple and Spotify.

The podcast offers a blend of practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert insights. It aims to empower new nursing graduates as they transition from the classroom to the clinical world. It regularly features co-hosts and interviews with health-care leaders, educators, fellow nurses, and other contributors from the NGN Transition program. They explore a variety of topics, delivering peer-reviewed and up-to-date content on nursing and regional best practices within IH.

Want to learn more about the New to Nursing podcast? Check out our Stories@IH blog post.

RKCs are here to:

• Offer tailored support and education
• Conduct one-on-one check-ins to address your needs
• Deliver a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance competencies
• Organize "skills days" for hands-on practice of essential techniques
• Collaborate with unit leadership to support your success

Your designated RKC will reach out to you after you’re hired. If you haven’t heard from them or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at NewGradProgramPPO@interiorhealth.ca.

You are automatically enrolled in this program upon hire to IH as a nurse with less than 18 months of practice.

The NG Nurse Transition Program is 18 months long. 

Through the program, new nurses can expect assistance from the Professional Practice Office (PPO) and RKCs as they navigate work as a new nurse. During this period, you will gradually increase your workload, practice, and consolidate knowledge, skills, procedures, and judgment within your practice environment so that you are prepared to manage a full patient load independently.

You will be able to participate in skills workshops, education sessions, and have a dedicated NG Nurse RKC for individual support, coaching, resources, debriefing and assistance with Professional Development Planning.

Educational sessions are short form learning opportunities. You are encouraged to participate in these education opportunities to further your professional growth, but the education is not mandatory. There will be a wide range of educational opportunities for you to attend during your 18 months in the program. Some topics may include:

• Coping with the challenges of transition to independent practice based on Dr. Judy Duchscher’s Transition Theory
• Understanding Scope of Practice within the health care team
• Navigating critical incidents, documentation, communication, and team related dynamics
• Physical, mental, and emotional/spiritual self-care discussions and resources to help you build resilience
• Opportunity to attend Skills Days and other in-person educational events
• Other IH provided sessions such as wound care workshops, Indigenous anti-racism exercises, and additional courses related to professional growth and development
• Specific information will be provided to you once you start working

NGNs will have the opportunity to provide feedback through an extensive evaluation survey that the NGN Transition Program Team regularly monitors and incorporates the feedback into the program.

• Yes – If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN), you will have 24 paid hours to attend NG Nurse Transition Program education sessions this fiscal year (April 2025 – April 2026)
• If you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) please connect with your manager to discuss options for payment or compensation for your participation in these sessions.

All new graduates are encouraged to complete a minimum of 120 New Grad Funded Hours, as recommended by the Ministry of Health. These hours are designed to support a safe and confident transition into practice.

The NG Nurse Transition Program collaborates with managers and units to ensure that you receive sufficient orientation to help you feel prepared, supported and competent in your new role.

These hours are typically completed within the first six to eight weeks of employment and are intended to be used for supernumerary (non-baseline) shifts to maximize your learning unless unforeseen circumstances occur.

This program will be offered in the following Allied Health occupations:

• Respiratory Therapists
• Dietitians
• Physiotherapists
• Social Workers
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists

New Allied Health Entrants will have the chance to work in a variety of practice settings, including hospital-based medical-surgical and mental health units, rehabilitation and outpatient services, long-term care homes, and home and community programs.

As an Allied Health New Entrant, you will receive valuable support from our Regional Transition to Practice Mentor in areas such as:

• Orientation and onboarding
• Fostering and strengthening relationships
• Clinical practice and mentorship to build practice readiness and consolidate skills
• Developing a customized learning plan to transition to practice
• Virtual open office space and introductions to other new graduates
• Protected and/or supernumerary time for mentor/mentee connections, job shadows, self-directed learning, and/or classroom learning
• Navigating tools and resources