Transition to Practice Program

The Transition to Practice Program strives to support newly graduated Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) employed at Health PEI throughout their first year of practice and beyond. Newly graduated nurses beyond their first year of practice may also access these supports.

Supports include:

• Mentorship, 
• Ongoing Education, and 
• On Call Support. 

Currently, mentorship is the key focus of this initiative. It links newly graduated nurses with an experienced nurse for ongoing education and support in their practice area. 

How do I qualify for the program?

You must be:

• a newly graduated RN or LPN employed with Health PEI; or
• an experienced nurse interested in becoming a mentor.

Note: Participation in the program is voluntary.

I am a newly graduated nurse, how can I apply?

You can apply by contacting the Transition to Practice Program Coordinator by email at TransitiontoPractice@ihis.org or by phone at 902-566-0754.

Support from your current manager is required to participate in the Transition to Practice Program. Nurse managers must contact the program coordinator via email to note their support for your participation in the program.

Note: You may begin participating in the program while you are a graduate nurse, prior to completing your full registration requirements. 

I am an experienced nurse, how can I become a Mentor?

Experienced nurses who are interested in becoming a mentor can contact the Transition to Practice Program Coordinator by email at TransitiontoPractice@ihis.org or by phone at 902-566-0754. You will be invited to attend an information session to learn more about the mentor role. You may decide after the session if you would like to become a mentor. 

Note: You will be compensated for your time to attend the information session.

To participate in the Transition to Practice Program as a mentor, support from your current manager is required. Nurse managers must contact the program coordinator via email to note their support for your participation in the program.

What is the Mentorship process?

Following 6 weeks of orientation, newly graduated nurses will be linked with an experienced nurse mentor. The mentor and newly graduated nurse will meet on a biweekly basis outside of regular work hours. During these meetings, the mentor will facilitate education on a topic of interest in their practice area. 

Note: Both the new graduate and mentor will be compensated for their time to participate in biweekly meetings.

What type of Ongoing Education will be offered?

Ongoing education includes two parts: 

1. Education specific to the new nurse’s practice area through mentorship facilitated by experienced nurse mentors; and
2. Education that applies across practice areas through education sessions facilitated by the Transition to Practice Program Coordinator.

Note: Newly graduated nurses are encouraged to contact the program coordinator with suggestions for continued education topics by email at TransitiontoPractice@ihis.org

What On Call Support is available?

On Call Support is a tool that nurse managers can use to support newly graduated nurses on shifts where no senior staff are available. An experienced staff nurse can be scheduled “on Standby” for telephone support throughout the designated shift. 

Note: Newly graduated nurses should be aware of existing supports within their work sites including nursing supervisors, clinical leaders and clinical nurse educators/resource nurses.

How can I contact the Transition to Practice Program Coordinator?

Transition to Practice Program
Janelle Jackson
Transition to Practice Coordinator, Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Program Coordinator
University of Prince Edward Island
Health Science Building, Rm 216 
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 4P3

Telephone:  (902) 566-0754     
Email:  TransitiontoPractice@ihis.org