The Manitoba government hopes a one-time nursing program based in Neepawa will keep nurses in the community.

The province is providing $2.1 million to Assiniboine Community College (ACC) to offer a one-time, 25-student cohort for its practical nursing diploma program in Neepawa.

“Investment in training practical nurses helps fulfil the Manitoba government’s goal to add 2,000 health-care providers as laid out in the Health Human Resource Action Plan,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon. “Getting more practical nurses into the health-care system means that more Manitobans will have access to care in hospitals and clinics.”

Advanced Education and Training Minister Sarah Guillemard said the one-time offering in Neepawa will provide students with training close to home, allowing them to study, work and strengthen health care in the region.
 
Health Minister Audrey Gordon says Nurses from rural communities are more likely to stay or return to rural health settings. She also says that graduates of this program will be eligible to fill positions at the new hospital under construction in Neepawa, scheduled for completion in 2025.