Humber Polytechnic and William Osler Health System (Osler) are addressing the health human resource challenges in Ontario with the Humber-Osler Academic Practice Partnership (APP).
The initiative, which is Canada's first formal collaboration of its kind between a polytechnic and a hospital, is designed to transform nursing education, enhance patient care and strengthen the health-care workforce through innovative clinical practice, education, and research collaboration.
"The Humber-Osler APP represents the first formal collaboration of its kind in Canada for nursing education, scholarship, practice and the advancement of excellence in patient care," said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic. "Right here in the heart of Etobicoke, we are showing what it means to collaborate by preparing Humber students to become well-trained, compassionate nurses who are ready to serve their communities. This partnership also directly supports health workforce priorities in our province. It demonstrates how academic institutions and health systems can align to drive change in our communities. Humber is proud to be an institution that actively solves problems and builds capacity where it's needed most."
Supporting a smooth transition to the workforce
Launched in May 2023, the Humber-Osler APP provides Humber's nursing students with earlier and more consistent clinical placements at Osler's hospitals, including Etobicoke General and Brampton Civic. Beginning in their second year, students receive hands-on learning within Osler's clinical areas where they will develop critical skills and strong relationships with peers and mentors.
This integration prepares students for success in their careers and supports a seamless transition into the workforce. There are also potential employment opportunities at Osler's hospitals upon graduation.
Beyond student education, the partnership fosters joint research initiatives between Humber faculty and Osler's health-care teams. These collaborations advance clinical education, enhance person-centred care experiences and contribute to improved patient health outcomes.
"This partnership between Osler and Humber Polytechnic is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change in health care," said Dr. Frank Martino, president and CEO, William Osler Health System. "By integrating academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience, we are not only supporting the next generation of skilled health-care professionals but also enhancing the quality of care for our communities. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient health system for the future.
They are learning in real-time from real experts'
Dr. Sandra Filice, associate dean, Nursing & Personal Support Worker programs at Humber, said the partnership is not simply an initiative but a shift in how nursing education is offered in this country. Filice said it's hands-on, forward-thinking and rooted in mutual respect and collaboration between academic and clinical practice.
"We see our students walking into Osler's hospitals not as visitors, but as valued members of the care team," said Filice. "They are learning in real-time, from real experts, in real situations, and they are thriving. Their clinical reasoning is sharper. Their confidence is growing. Their passion for the profession is deepening. And perhaps, most importantly, they feel like they belong."
Tiziana Rivera, executive vice-president, Quality, Research and chief nursing executive at Osler, said early results indicate that the APP along with the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) are leading to better staff outcomes, such as reduced sick time for employees, and better patient care and experience as demonstrated by reduced patient complaints and patient falls in the DEU.
Esha Patel, a registered nurse with Osler, spoke positively of the APP and how it means deeper and more meaningful learning support for students.
"When I was a new nurse myself, I remember how important that team support was in my early days," said Patel. "This model really helps bridge the gap between classroom and clinical and sets students up for success as they transition into practice. Starting off can be very overwhelming in health care and having the practical support and real-life experience under your belt is essential."
Find out more about the nursing programs Humber offers by visiting the Nursing and Personal Support Worker website.
