Beyond Bandaids: Retaining Nurses in Pediatric Healthcare

In this episode of the SPARK: Conversations podcast, host Dr. Katharine Smart engages with Dr. Leigh Chapman and Rebecca Earle in a compelling discussion on nursing retention and the role of the nursing workforce in right-sizing healthcare systems for children. They explore challenges faced by new nurses in children’s healthcare, including post-pandemic burnout, and emphasizes the importance of retention strategies, as described in the newly released Nursing Retention Toolkit.

The conversation highlights the need for accessible, equitable, and connected healthcare systems designed specifically for children, youth, and families. Rebecca and Leigh share practical insights on the implementation and impact of the Nursing Retention Toolkit, focusing on how it can ensure a competent and adequate nursing workforce for children’s healthcare. They also discuss the opportunities to spread and scale the toolkit for other healthcare professions and across the continuum of children’s healthcare systems, underscoring its potential role in right-sizing healthcare systems serving children.

Join us as we uncover actionable steps that healthcare organizations can take to meaningfully support nursing staff, reduce turnover, and ensure the highest quality of care for our youngest patients. Whether you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of children's health and healthcare, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical solutions. Tune in to hear our guests share their passionate and optimistic views on addressing these complex healthcare challenges and right-sizing children’s healthcare systems to meet the unique and growing needs of children, youth, and their families.
Special Guests:
Rebecca J. Earle, RN, MSc(A), CpedN(C), CCMP (Prosci)
Lead, Health Human Resources Initiative - Health Transformation; Nova Scotia Health

Rebecca Earle is a highly experienced Registered Nurse specializing in pediatrics, notably serving at IWK Health in Halifax with leadership roles in advanced practice nursing, research, and operations management. She spearheaded the development of a Nursing Strategy and established a Nursing Council focused on shared governance and decision-making within nursing. As the former President of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Nurses (CAPN), Rebecca advocated for child health nationwide and collaborated on advocacy campaigns with Children’s Healthcare Canada. She co-founded "Maritime Children’s Hospice" to establish Atlantic Canada's first children’s hospice, aiming to provide equitable access to pediatric palliative care and medical respite services.
Currently, Rebecca is contributing strategic leadership to Nova Scotia Health's Health Workforce Initiative. Rebecca holds a master’s degree in nursing from McGill University, certification in Paediatric Nursing, and is a PROSCI certified Change Management Practitioner.
Dr. Leigh Chapman, RN PhD
Chief Nursing Officer, Health Canada
Dr. Leigh Chapman has nearly 20 years of experience in nursing, including roles in clinical leadership across various healthcare settings. Her expertise spans critical care, community care, education, and professional associations such as the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. Recently, she served as the Director of Clinical Services at Inner City Health Associates in Toronto, overseeing nursing programs for people experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. Dr. Chapman holds a Master of Science in Clinical Health Sciences from McMaster University and completed her doctoral work at the University of Toronto, focusing on competency assessment practices in academic hospital settings and the intersection of health professional regulation with organizational priorities.