Nursing PLEDGE
Growing Nursing Excellence in LTC—One Mentor at a Time
Project led by:
The long-term care (LTC) sector in Ontario is facing a nursing shortage, with forecasts indicating a need to recruit and retain more than 1,800 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) by 2027-28.
Funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, and led by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), the Nursing Partnership for Learning, Employment, Development, Growth and Experience (Nursing PLEDGE) provides funding, tools and education to help LTC homes develop a nursing mentorship program.
Whether you want to better support new grads, internationally educated nurses, or existing nursing team members, investing in upskilling is key. By empowering experienced nurses to share their knowledge, Nursing PLEDGE helps your LTC home increase job satisfaction, improve clinical confidence and create a more resilient workforce.
How Nursing PLEDGE Supports Your Home
Funding
Access funding to support mentorship program coordination and backfill for dedicated mentor/mentee time.
Implementation Resources
Access practical tools, templates and guidance to launch and support the mentorship program.
eLearning
Equip your mentors and mentees with foundational training on building an effective relationship.
Community of Practice
Connect your mentors with a peer network across Ontario to learn, share and reflect on their mentorship practice through monthly virtual sessions and an online Mentor Hub.
How Mentorship Supports Nurse Recruitment and Retention
A strong mentorship program can help LTC homes:
- Support the successful transition of new grads, internationally educated nurses or nurses new to LTC practice
- Strengthen clinical knowledge and skills across both general and specialized roles
- Develop future nursing leaders by providing pathways for growth and leadership opportunities
- Foster a positive and supportive workplace culture that improves job satisfaction
- Enhance the quality of life and care for residents
What’s Involved in Participating?
To implement Nursing PLEDGE:
- Enroll your LTC home in the program.
- Select nurse mentors and mentees.
- Coordinate mentorship activities within your home.
- Support mentors and mentees in utilizing program resources
- Complete evaluation surveys to share program outcomes.
Do you have questions about the program?
Check out our FAQs page or send us an email at nursingpledge@the-ria.ca
Nursing PLEDGE is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care and led by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI) at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA).
