The move’s designed to cover vacations over the next few months for RNs and LPNs. The province will cover registration fees for retired nurses and health authorities will cover accommodations and travel for those willing to practice in other parts of the province. Since Apr., Horizon Health hired 11 retirees and about 180 nursing students. Vitalité Health Network hired 200 nursing students. The province says its recruiting efforts currently include:
- Introducing a nursing resource strategy;
- Facilitating increased enrolment in bachelor of nursing programs;
- Funding more seats in LPN-to-RN bridging programs;
- Creating a navigator unit for internationally educated nurses; and
- Increasing recruitment of internationally educated nurses.
While hiring travel nurses isn’t uncommon in other provinces, the NBNU is concerned that travel nurses are paid higher than nurses already working in the public healthcare system. It says the money would be better spent on bridging programs for LPNs who wish to become RNs.
Related:
Le système de santé recrute du personnel infirmier itinérant et à la retraite pour l’été - Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick
Des infirmières «d’agences» appelées en renfort au Restigouche - L'Acadie Nouvelle (abonnement)
Healthcare in danger of being "uberized" says economist - Canadian Health Coalition