Community hopeful nursing program at Sackville, N.B. hospital means more nurses will stay – New Brunswick [Video]

Part of the Sackville Memorial Hospital is now serving as a training ground for nursing students as part of an accelerated nursing program being offered by a private university.

Officials gathered in Sackville, N.B., on Monday to mark the official opening of Beal University Canada’s nursing program.

Students are already getting training in the renovated wing of the hospital, with the first group set to graduate in August.

“Looking at our school here today, all of a sudden we have a large number of nurses from New Brunswick, training in New Brunswick, graduating in New Brunswick who will likely stay here,” Health Minister John Dornan said.

“In fact, a significant fraction of our early classes have indicated an interest in practising in New Brunswick.”

Tia Richard, who was born and raised in Sackville, is among the university’s students. She says being able to study at home allowed her to enter the nursing field.

“I’ve been wanting …