Nova Scotia guaranteeing jobs for all nursing grads over next 5 years
CBC
Nova Scotia's premier is offering guaranteed jobs to every nursing student that graduates in the province over the next five years in order to fill massive gaps in the health-care system.
Tim Houston made the announcement in the House of Assembly on Thursday, saying recruiters will be more aggressive by approaching students earlier in their studies.
He said the province graduates about 700 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses a year, and it needs to hire as many as possible to fill the current 1,400 vacancies.
The Nova Scotia Nurses' Union has warned that many more are expected to retire in the near future.
The announcement follows a CBC News report that revealed students in their final year at Dalhousie University met with recruiters from British Columbia before Nova Scotia representatives. They said it created uncertainty about their futures.
The province's health authority said it had attempted to meet with the students a few weeks earlier, but the initial meeting was postponed by the students.
Liberal Leader Iain Rankin took aim at the pledge.
"The government before this took significant steps," he said. "There's nothing new in this statement, this political statement."
When asked by reporters, Houston said he wasn't sure how many nursing students were slipping through the cracks.
The health authority said it hires 350 to 450 a year. The nursing students will also be offered positions at the IWK Health Centre and continuing-care centres.
Houston said Thursday's announcement signals "that Nova Scotia needs — and wants — their skill, their energy and their compassion."
Under the province's new plan, Houston said the timing is not being left up to chance, and they will approach students significantly earlier in their studies.
Houston elaborated on a goal set by the head of the newly formed Office of Health Care Professionals Recruitment, Dr. Kevin Orrell.
"First-year nurses will be given job offers," Houston said. "They will be given information about all the opportunities and programs that are available here."
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