The College Connection Podcast

ALL NEW! Join hosts Kelly Kean, Wanda Squires, and Michelle Carpenter as they sit down with Lynn Power, CEO/Registrar, and Wanda Wadman, Deputy Registrar, to discuss one of the most significant milestones in nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador—the establishment of the NL College of Nurses.In this episode, you’ll learn how the former College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CRNNL) and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (CLPNNL) came together to form a single, modern nursing regulator, and what has happened since the merger to integrate programs, policies, processes, and services while continuing to fulfill the College’s mandate of protecting the public.The conversation also explores the upcoming Board elections, including what’s new under the Nurses Act, the Board positions available, who is eligible to run, what serving on the Board involves, and how nurses can play an important role in the governance and strategic direction of the NL College of Nurses.Whether you’re interested in learning more about the College’s evolution, the work taking place following the merger, or considering putting your name forward for the Board, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of nursing regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the College Connection Podcast so you never miss an episode.Resources:🌐 Learn more about the NL College of Nurses: https://nlcn.ca🗳️ Learn more about Board elections and governance: https://nlcn.ca/about-us/board/#NLCollegeOfNurses #CollegeConnectionPodcast #Nursing #Nurses #RegisteredNurses #LicensedPracticalNurses #NursePractitioners #RegisteredPsychiatricNurses 

⭐️ Season 5 Finale: Merger Update & The Role of Governance in RegulationThis special season finale of The College Connection Podcast brings together two influential voices in nursing regulation: Tonya Ryan, Chair of CRNNL Council, and Chris Janes, Chair of the CLPNNL Board. Join hosts Kelly Kean and Wanda Squires as they explore how governance shapes the profession—and what nurses can expect as the CRNNL and CLPNNL officially move toward one unified college.Hear exclusive updates on: • The progress of the merger • Key leadership announcements • What the governance of the NL College of Nurses will look like in 2026Don’t miss this important conversation as we wrap up Season 5 with insight, clarity, and a look ahead at what’s next for nurses across Newfoundland and Labrador.

In this episode of The College Connection Podcast, we chat with Brenda Carroll, Director of Professional Conduct Review at the College of Registered Nurses, to discuss one of the most critical aspects of nursing practice: documentation.Brenda offers insights into why clear, timely, and accurate documentation is not just a professional obligation—but also a nurse’s strongest protection in the event of a complaint or investigation. From real-world examples to common documentation pitfalls, this episode empowers RNs with practical advice to ensure their records reflect safe, ethical, and competent care.Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned RN, this is a must-listen episode that reinforces a fundamental truth: if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.

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