Prairie Mountain Health Boosts Nurse Recruitment for New ICU

Prairie Mountain Health is making significant strides in recruiting nurses for the new critical care centre at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, slated to open in early March 2024. The organization has posted approximately 30 positions for its internal medicine unit, attracting interest from both internal staff and nurses from outside the region, including those from Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

Treena Slate, Chief Executive Officer of Prairie Mountain Health, expressed optimism about the recruitment efforts. “We are having good success in filling a lot of those positions. So, that’s really good,” she stated. The new facility aims to open with 10 out of 16 intensive care unit (ICU) beds operational, alongside half of its 30-bed internal medicine unit.

The initial 15-bed internal medicine unit will focus on specialized care, addressing various medical conditions and diseases. Currently, the existing 10-bed ICU will transition to the new centre upon its completion. Once staffing shortfalls are addressed, the ICU will expand to accommodate up to 16 beds.

To attract potential candidates, Prairie Mountain Health has promoted the new facility through videos, social media, and tours for internal staff. These initiatives have allowed prospective employees to engage with current ICU nurses, fostering feedback on workflow and equipment placement. “I think all of those efforts together have been beneficial,” Slate noted.

The health authority maintains a proactive approach to connecting with nursing students from Brandon University and Assiniboine College. This outreach not only prepares students for careers within the health authority but also serves as a recruitment avenue for future staffing needs. While the current focus is on nursing roles, there has been no additional recruitment for doctors, as existing ICU and internal medicine physicians will transition to the new facility.

The new critical care centre is designed to be a “state-of-the-art environment,” providing single-room occupancy and ceiling track lifts to enhance patient care. It will offer crucial services as the only ICU located between Winnipeg and Regina, thus ensuring access to life-saving care for residents of western Manitoba.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara emphasized the importance of the phased opening approach, stating, “Prairie Mountain Health has been clear that a phased opening is the safest way to ensure every bed that comes online is fully supported by the right staff and clinical resources.” The provincial government has reported that since October 2023, they have successfully recruited 1,100 new nurses across Manitoba, including 51 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

In a culturally significant gesture, Indigenous elder Deborah Tacan performed a blessing ceremony within the new facility, reflecting the commitment to providing culturally safe care. The Brandon Regional Health Centre has supported Indigenous patients through dedicated advocates since 2021 and will continue this effort in the new building.

As construction nears completion, preparations for staff orientation and training are underway, setting the stage for the critical care centre’s first patients. The ongoing recruitment efforts and community engagement signal a promising future for healthcare in the Brandon area, ensuring improved patient support and access to essential services.