BCNU declares Northern Rockies Health Care Champion

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) has been recognized and commended by the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) for its work to recruit and retain nurses.

The union presented its first-ever annual Health Care Champion award to the NRRM on Wednesday, September 24th at an event in Victoria.

The award celebrates local governments that take steps to make their communities more attractive and livable for nurses, and municipalities that advocate for stronger support structures for nurses from local health authorities and higher levels of government.

According to the BCNU, the NRRM has taken significant steps towards attracting new nurses and keeping them around, including the launch of the Recruitment, Retention, Education and Training Initiative program.

The initiative provides nurses new to the NRRM with access to temporary housing at reduced rates, grants to help with relocating to the region, access to rental vehicles and financial incentives for further training.

BCNU also cited another program that the NRRM runs, offering housing to travel nurses and agency nurses arriving temporarily in the community, as an example of the community’s efforts.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition from BCNU,” said NRRM Mayor Fraser. 

“Our community knows that attracting and keeping nurses starts with making sure they feel welcomed, supported and connected. This award reflects the hard work of our council, staff and residents to create a place where nurses can thrive, and where quality health care is part of our community’s foundation.”

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) was also invited to apply for the award earlier in September.