Less than a year into his nursing career, Jade Ferens is already helping others grow
When registered nurse Jade Ferens walks through the doors of GD3, HSC Winnipeg’s trauma surgery unit, he knows the day ahead could bring almost anything. Trauma surgery is unpredictable—motor vehicle accidents, fractures, emergency surgeries, and patients facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. But for Ferens, nursing has always been about more than medical care alone. It’s about people, teamwork, and helping others grow.
Born and raised in Manitoba, Ferens chose to study nursing at because he knew he wanted to build his career—and his life—close to home, his parents, and three siblings, including his sister, Shayna Fontaine, who is the Annual Giving Manager at the HSC Foundation. That decision eventually led him to HSC Winnipeg for his final nursing placement, where he quickly found a supportive team that helped shape his confidence as a new nurse.
“The nurses here have taught me so much,” Ferens says. “And no matter how busy things are, people always make time to help each other on our unit.”
If you ask Ferens, the strength of nursing isn’t just found in clinical skills—it’s found in the willingness to share knowledge. When he started out, experienced nurses answered his questions, guided him through difficult moments, and helped him build confidence in himself and his care. Now, less than a year into his own nursing career, Ferens has already stepped into a new role: teacher.
Recently, he was paired with his very first nursing student. During a routine ostomy bag change, Ferens found himself passing along the same practical advice once shared with him by his own mentors. It was a small moment, but an important one.
“The teaching has become my favourite part,” he says. “When I was a student working at HSC Winnipeg, I looked up to so many nurses who are now my coworkers; I feel honoured to give that same guidance to our new students.”
For Ferens, nursing is about continuing the cycle of learning—supporting patients while also helping shape the next generation of nurses who will care for Manitobans in the years ahead.
This National Nursing Week, Ferens’ story reflects this year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” by highlighting the impact nurses have through mentorship, leadership, and compassionate patient care. For Ferens, transforming health care starts with something simple but powerful: taking the time to teach, support, and encourage the nurses who will one day do the same for others.
Make a gift in honour of National Nursing Week and help empower nurses to continue leading the future of care. Please make a tribute gift to the HSC Foundation today at hscfoundation.mb.ca or call 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free).
Read the rest of our National Nursing Week 2026 stories here.
By Heather Milne
