The Nursing Graduate Guarantee | Meet Ram

Ram Javier always knew he wanted to work in an Emergency Department, but having completed most of his training internationally he knew the processes and technology would be a big adjustment as he started his career. After completing a bridging program in Canada, he sought out opportunities for training that would help him enter the workforce with the greatest amount of confidence and training possible. The Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG) program was the perfect solution.

The NGG program is an initiative from the Ontario Government to both provide extra training for nurses and respond to current workplace demands. It supports RNs and RPNs within 12 months of registering with the College of Nurses of Ontario, by providing hospitals and other healthcare organizations with 20 weeks of funding for the nurse’s training and transition to practice.

NGG nurses are added to the staff as an extra body for the first 12 weeks, giving them the opportunity to shadow an experienced nurse in all aspects of the job. After that, they work independently as healthcare workers who were given more than two times the hands-on training they got in school. Ram says this training left him feeling “completely confident” in his skills as a nurse, and he now can work in the Emergency Department without hesitation.

Part of the program is also a guarantee for both nurse and employer on the investment – after the 20-week funded period, the nurse has a full-time job, and the employer has the guarantee of a highly skilled, fully trained practitioner already a member of the team and familiar with internal processes.

The benefits for recent graduates are significant; Ram shares that he received as much support as he felt he needed throughout his training period, and got to experience something new every day. The Emergency Department is fast-paced and there is always something going on, but the training model ensured that Ram was never left behind. Ram was also provided with study materials so he could continue his learning outside of work, giving him well-rounded knowledge and experience.

Ram speaks highly of his experiences in the NGG program, praising his colleagues and supervisors for their supportiveness and assistance as he completed his training. As he begins his independent work at BCHS, he’s grateful to be in an environment in which he feels valued and listened to.

“I highly recommend the program for all new grads,” says Ram. “If you’re open to new learning experiences, this is a great way to bridge knowledge gaps. Management has always been so supportive and the culture here is amazing.”

Learn more about the NGG here. To find out how you can get involved at BCHS, email Ashleigh.Parkin@bchsys.org.