The College Connection Podcast

Honest, Open, and Transparent. In our latest episode, our hosts sit down with Collette Smith, Senior Director of Recruitment & Retention at NL Health Services, to discuss the pressing issue of nursing retention in Newfoundland and Labrador. In this timely conversation we dive deep into:• The frontline reality, how NLHS acknowledges heavy patient loads, frequent overtime, burnout, and moral distress are affecting nurses.• The shift from recruitment to retention: Rather than relying solely on travel nurses, NLHS is investing in keeping its current workforce engaged and supported .• Innovative strategies: Learning about flexible scheduling, mentorship programs, compassionate leadership training (including the EXTRA Fellow initiatives), and capacity management tools NLHS is implementing to enhance work–life balance .• Empowering nurses’ voices: how NLHS is actively listening to frontline nurses—through moral community-building, inclusion in decision-making, and formal leadership development—to shape policies that support their wellbeing .Tune in to hear how NLHS is tackling nurse retention from multiple angles—emotional, ethical, and operational. Whether you’re a healthcare leader, practitioner, or advocator, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating a sustainable and supportive nursing environment in Newfoundland and Labrador

The College Connection Podcast sits down with Collette Smith, a Registered Nurse and the Senior Director of Recruitment, Retention, Education and Culture with NLHS. Collette answers our questions and explains what NLHS is doing to recruit RNs and address the workforce challenges that many nurses in NL experience. Don't miss it.

In this special episode of The College Connection Podcast, we sit down with guest and cohost Kelly Kean to explore the newly released Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador, which takes effect on June 1, 2025. Kelly shares the background behind this important regulatory document, offers key highlights from the new Code, and underscores what it means for safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice. Tune in as we break down the six guiding principles, how they support professional decision-making, and the resources available to help nurses across the province integrate the Code into everyday practice. Whether you’re a frontline nurse, educator, policy leader, or health partner, this episode offers essential information on this fundamental regulatory document.  For more information, visit CRNNL.ca or contact the Practice Team at practice@crnnl.ca.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Glyn George, a dedicated public representative on the Council of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL). With a background in engineering and a passion for public service, Dr. George brings a unique perspective to the regulatory landscape of nursing. Whether you’re a nurse or a member of the public, this conversation offers insight into the importance of public representation in professional regulation. If you or someone you know is interested in opportunities to serve as a public representative, visit https://www.iacnl.ca/opportunities/

Part 2! Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the health care system and the people of our province, but one area in particular that has seen exponential growth is in virtual nursing. Our guests for this 2-part podcast are Charlene Brophy and Valda Duke of Fonemed, a NL healthcare services company that provides telehealth, nurse triage services, and much, much more! If you've ever been interested in virtual nursing practice you won't want to miss this extremely interesting and informative conversation

Nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador is continuously evolving to meet the needs of the healthcare system and the people of our province. One area in particular that has seen exponential growth is virtual nursing. Our guests for this two-part podcast are Charlene Brophy and Valda Duke of Fonemed, a Newfoundland healthcare services company that provides telehealth, nurse triage services, and much more. If you’ve ever been interested in virtual nursing practice, you won’t want to miss this extremely interesting and informative conversation.

In Part 2 of this 2-part episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey. Don't miss this honest and open discussion with the CEO of NL Health Services on matters such as travel nurses, elements for an efficient and effective health care system, incivility amongst health care providers, the importance of health regulation. Check it out today!

The College Connection Podcast Presents: A Conversation with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services.In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, our hosts sit down with Dr. Pat Parfrey, CEO of NL Health Services, for a conversation which highlights a career spanning medicine, research, and public policy. We dive into how his journey led him to the helm of the province’s largest public organizations, NLHS. Dr. Parfrey brings a wealth of insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our health care system today and shares his thoughts on the evolving role of NLHS, the impacts of the social determinants of health, and how the NL Health Accord can reimagine the future of health care in our province.Stay tuned to this platform for Part 2 on Tuesday, April 22nd, where we go deeper into a strategic vision for lasting change.

SEASON 5 PREMIERE !! MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: In December of 2024, the Nursing Act was passed in the House of Assembly. This legislation paves the way for The College of Registered Nurses and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to merge into one entity. The NL College of Nurses, will soon become the largest health care regulator in the province. Our guests for the Season 5 are Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses and Wanda Wadman, the CEO and Registrar of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses to discuss this major announcement.