Lambton College and Bluewater Health collaborate to expand nurse training and hiring pathways
SARNIA, May 15, 2025 – In response to the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region, Lambton College is actively working with the provincial government to increase training capacity within its nursing programs. With support from longstanding partner Bluewater Health, the College hopes to expand enrolment in both its Bachelor of Science - Nursing and Practical Nursing programs.
“Lambton College is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community by training the next generation of highly skilled nurses,” said Rob Kardas, President & CEO of Lambton College. “The demand is there and the need for more nurses in our community isn’t going away.”
Between world-class training facilities, expert faculty, and provincial funding programs like the Ontario Learn & Stay Grant, Kardas says the College’s Faculty of Nursing is well equipped to fill this critical role in the local healthcare system.
Additionally, their longtime partnership with Bluewater Health has provided training, clinical placement opportunities, mentorship, and employment for many nursing students over the years.
For the past four years, Bluewater Health has been collaborating with the College to actively recruit nursing graduates before they complete their final term. The hospital’s Human Resources team connects directly with students during their final clinical placements, facilitating early conversations about career paths and helping match students to positions aligned with their interests and skills.
This approach has led to consistent and successful outcomes. In 2024, Bluewater Health hired 20 Lambton College nursing graduates – 11 from the Bachelor of Science – Nursing program and 9 from the Practical Nursing program. The year prior, the hospital hired 27 graduates, and 25 the year before that. Currently, the hospital is engaging with 21 nursing students – five who are already employed as clinicians – while they complete their studies.
“Lambton College has continually shown a strong commitment to improving the quality of education and training for the healthcare sector, which has faced many challenges in recent years,” says Paula Reaume-Zimmer, President & CEO of Bluewater Health. “The hospital has a vested interest in the College’s ability to increase enrolment capacity in their nursing programs. These graduates become the skilled healthcare professionals we need to provide patient-centered care in the Sarnia-Lambton community.”
The collaboration between Lambton College and Bluewater Health stands as a model for how educational institutions and healthcare providers can work together to find solutions to regional workforce challenges. As healthcare needs continue to rise due to retirements, parental leaves, and an aging population, both organizations feel well-positioned to support the increasing demands of the sector.
With National Nursing Week (May 12–18) shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions nurses make to healthcare, the conversation naturally turns to the impact strong nursing education and training has on the community.
“Lambton College remains focused on ensuring that our students have access to high-quality nursing education – and that our community will continue to benefit from a steady pipeline of qualified, compassionate healthcare professionals,” said Kardas.
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