Yukon Hospitals proudly supports new nursing graduates as they transition from the classroom to clinical practice through a specialized mentorship program. The ‘New Grad’ program, through the Canadian Association School of Nursing (CASN) is designed to help nursing graduates settle into their roles at the hospital, knowing it can be challenging.
Daria Lehner, who graduated earlier this year from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton as a Registered Nurse, recently moved to Whitehorse with her family to work at Whitehorse General Hospital.
Lehner was excited to learn about the program offered by Yukon Hospitals. It is a 6-month residency for integrating nursing graduates into health care delivery with the goal of creating a more sustainable workforce. As a newly licensed registered nurse, it appealed to Lehner that she’d be supported in transitioning into her professional role.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing,” says Lehner. “I feel like everyone at the surgical department has been very welcoming and open to having students around, providing teaching opportunities and helpful feedback.”
In the first three months of the residency, new grads work “shoulder to shoulder” with a preceptor-mentor, an experienced nurse, starting with a minimal patient load and working up to a full load.
Lehner praises the mentorship offered through the program at Whitehorse General Hospital. Lehner, who works in the Operating Room, says the program creates a safe environment for learning and asking questions. Mentors are available to new grads to discuss challenges, and as well, to “debrief heavy days”.
“Having a mentor in the first few months helped me to slowly build my confidence,” says Lehner. “It’s been great all around.”
She and her family are enjoying settling into Whitehorse and exploring the “beautiful scenery” around the city. When she’s not working, Lehner says she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
The “small town feel” of Whitehorse has helped Lehner get to know the staff at Whitehorse General Hospital and the wider community.
“I find that in this environment we have a better opportunity to connect to our patients and provide them with more personalized care,” says Lehner.
“Although some things are challenging with nursing in the north, everyone is well prepared and knowledgeable to do their best in challenging times. It’s been great to witness this working in the Yukon.”
As Lehner continues her journey as a new nursing grad, she is excited to embrace the challenges ahead. With the support of her mentors and colleagues at Whitehorse General Hospital, she’s confident that she will grow both personally and professionally.