The government of Nova Scotia has announced a new initiative to address staffing shortages in the province's healthcare system. By limiting the duration of contracts for temporary travel nurses to six months and restricting new nursing graduates from working as travel nurses in their first year, the province aims to encourage a long-term commitment from its nursing staff. Health Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the importance of retaining nurses within the public system to ensure stability and continuity in healthcare services.
The program seeks to reduce the financial burden associated with hiring travel nurses from private agencies. Over the years, Nova Scotia has heavily relied on these agencies, incurring considerable costs. Premier Tim Houston highlighted that the initiative would not only keep more nurses in the public system but also attract those currently employed by private agencies back into public service.
Nova Scotia Health plans to hire 20 to 30 full-time nurses who will be deployed to emergency rooms requiring additional support. These nurses will need to wait a full year before returning to their previous roles, ensuring a dedicated presence in critical areas. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to maintain a stable workforce within the province's healthcare facilities.
“There are many opportunities for permanent jobs, and we welcome any nurse who wants to be part of lasting change in our healthcare system.” – Health Minister Michelle Thompson
The program, set to commence by the end of March, requires applicants to either be current residents or willing to relocate to Nova Scotia. This initiative represents a shift from the traditional reliance on travel nurses supplied by private agencies, offering an alternative that prioritizes long-term engagement in the public sector.
Premier Houston expressed confidence that this initiative would benefit both existing public system nurses and those looking to transition from private agencies. By fostering a more stable workforce, the government hopes to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in Nova Scotia.
“This will help retain nurses already working in our system and bring back those currently working for private agencies,” – Premier Tim Houston
