Sophie Nadeau
The University of Ottawa's new PhD program in nursing science got a welcomed shot in the arm last month when the Ontario government announced its investment of $10 million dollars over four years for nursing graduate programs.
Sylvie Lauzon, director of the School of Nursing, says the government's decision indicates a shift in thinking around the importance of nurses in the health-care system.
“For once there is recognition that the research conducted by nurses improves the health-care system and makes a difference in people's lives,” says an excited Lauzon. “We couldn't be happier.”
“I'm really delighted about this because the government has been talking about putting more emphasis on the importance of nursing for a while without action,” explains Lauzon. “This recent decision will have a very direct impact on graduate nursing education.”
The new money will enable five students to enrol in the nursing PhD program this year, and every year for the next five, instead of the projected four students a year. The University of Ottawa's nursing PhD program was launched this fall and is only one of four of its kind in Ontario.
The funds will also support distance education and part-time study for students enrolled in master's programs.
Another key initiative is that the government will cover tuition fees for nursing faculty who enrol in PhD programs.
“This will allow for easier recruitment as there is a shortage of PhD-level professors in nursing,” says Denis Prud'homme, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. It's especially important since the faculty is facing the looming retirement of nearly one-third of its teaching staff.
“At the end of the day this will help make the University of Ottawa known for its nursing-based research in decision support and multi-level intervention,” says Prud'homme. “Our PhD work here will have far-reaching implications for Canada's health-care system in the long run and that's what is exciting.”
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