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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
New Initiative Aims to Diversify Healthcare Workforce
IWK Health in Halifax, in partnership with Dalhousie University, has launched a new pilot program focused on increasing the representation of Black nursing students within the healthcare system. The program, which started in September, is designed to introduce students to real-world medical settings early in their careers, with an emphasis on bringing more people of African descent into healthcare roles at the children’s and women’s hospital.
Pilot Program Details and Duration
The pilot is set to run for a year and began its first placements in the fall of 2023. The current model allows for five to seven students to participate per semester, with flexibility to accommodate more depending on demand. The initial phase saw Aseil Elaskari, a nursing student at Dalhousie University, complete a five-week placement with the IWK’s Reproductive Mental Health team, concluding in mid-October.
Student Perspectives: Focus on Mental Health Nursing
Aseil Elaskari, who is nearing graduation, expressed that her experience in the pilot broadened her interest in mental health nursing. She noted, “I really enjoyed that kind of side of nursing as well, and it really opened my eyes to mental health because I previously wasn’t really looking into that.” Her placement exposed her to different aspects of patient care not previously considered, influencing her potential career direction.
Elaskari also reflected on the importance of representation in clinical settings, observing how patients, particularly those from similar backgrounds, seemed more comfortable and understood when cared for by someone who looked like them. This mirrors the program’s central goal of improving healthcare diversity and ultimately enhancing patient experiences.
Leadership Insights on Health Equity and Patient Care
Angela Johnson, the director of health equity, safety and wellness at IWK Health, emphasized that having individuals from diverse backgrounds—on both the front lines and in leadership roles—can foster trust and drive significant, long-term change in healthcare delivery. She stated, “I think having individuals in a variety of positions, not only leadership but on the front lines and in clinical care, who understand and have lived experiences and can translate that into what service and care looks like, will make a system change over the long term.”
Johnson mentioned that evidence suggests there are improved health outcomes when Black patients receive care from Black providers. A referenced study indicates that these patients report better experiences and results when treated by providers who share their background.
Program Participation and Future Expansion
The first round of the pilot program featured one student, but two more students are set to begin their placements in the coming weeks. According to Johnson, the hospital is ready to welcome more students if there is sufficient interest. “The IWK has seats for five to seven students this semester,” she stated, highlighting that the program can scale based on demand.
Looking ahead, Johnson expressed hopes that the pilot will expand beyond its initial year, reaching more students and further strengthening workforce diversity at IWK Health and in the wider healthcare system.
Summary
This nursing pilot program between IWK Health and Dalhousie University represents a concerted effort to promote health equity and improve patient care by supporting Black nursing students as they prepare to join the workforce. By fostering greater diversity and encouraging interest in fields such as mental health nursing, the program aims to create meaningful change in both the short and long term for healthcare institutions and the communities they serve.
Source: cbc.ca.
