Brock University Expands Nursing Program Amid Shortage Concerns

Brock University in St. Catharines has significantly expanded its nursing program for the upcoming academic year, adding 50 student openings. This increase brings the total number of nursing students enrolled to 250, the largest cohort in the university’s history. The new students are expected to graduate by 2029, with the opportunity to add an additional 10 spots in future years.

The expansion comes at a crucial time as the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) warns of a critical shortage of nursing professionals in the province. According to ONA president Erin Ariss, despite the increase in enrollment, there is still a long way to go to ensure adequate nursing care for patients in Niagara and across Ontario.

The growth of Brock’s nursing program has been facilitated by a provincial government investment of $2.9 million, which includes $500,000 earmarked for clinical supplies and laboratory equipment. This funding aims to provide students with the necessary resources for hands-on training in their education.

In a media release, Brock University president and vice-chancellor Lesley Rigg emphasized the importance of this investment, stating it equips the next generation of healthcare leaders with essential skills. “More nursing students will have the opportunity to learn from our world-class instructors and gain valuable experience working in local healthcare settings,” she said, highlighting the community impact of the program.

Nota Klentrou, the dean of applied health sciences at Brock, noted that the university’s nursing graduates are recognized for their dedication to care and workplace excellence. She expressed optimism about enhancing this reputation and training future nurses to effectively contribute to the healthcare system.

Brock is not alone in its efforts, as other universities across Ontario are also increasing nursing student spots. This is part of a broader initiative supported by a total $56.8 million provincial investment, which is expected to add 2,200 nursing professionals to the Ontario healthcare workforce by 2029.

Local MPP Sam Oosterhoff commended the government’s actions, claiming they connect more individuals to care by enhancing the enrollment of frontline healthcare workers. He stated that this expansion would ensure more direct care for residents in the Niagara region.

Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn echoed this sentiment, affirming that the investment is critical for growing the healthcare workforce and ensuring access to quality care throughout Ontario.

While acknowledging the program expansion as a positive step, Ariss expressed concern that the addition of 2,200 nurses is insufficient in addressing the urgent needs of the healthcare system. Referring to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, she pointed out that Ontario requires 25,000 more nurses to meet the national average for registered nurses per capita.

“The stark reality is that this will come nowhere near alleviating the severe nursing shortage this province is experiencing,” Ariss stated in an email. She urged the provincial government to take immediate action to improve working conditions for nurses, including the implementation of safe staffing levels.

The ONA has been advocating for mandated safe nurse staffing ratios, which have been shown to improve retention and recruitment rates in other regions, including British Columbia. Ariss noted that jurisdictions that have adopted these measures report better work-life balances for nurses and improved patient health outcomes.

To retain more nurses in Ontario, Ariss emphasized the need for safer workplaces and support from employers to prevent burnout. She criticized the government’s focus on funding private healthcare corporations rather than addressing the core issues within the public health system.

As Brock University prepares to welcome its largest nursing cohort yet, the spotlight remains on the broader challenges facing Ontario’s healthcare system, underscoring the need for continued investment and reform to meet the demands of a growing population.