The president of the New Brunswick Nurses Union says the province is facing a nursing crisis which is why the Higgs government’s new strategy is timely.
The province has unveiled 21 action items including a focus on recruitment, retention and promotion of the nursing profession.
Paula Doucet says she has been involved in consultations with other stakeholders since December 2017 and this announcement was long overdue.
With so much overtime in recent years, she says nurses have been giving 150 per cent when they should be giving 100 per cent.
“Members that I represent are working – on almost a daily basis anywhere in this province – short (staffing shortages) on any given shift, at any given facility.”
The strategy also includes enhancing nursing education and employment and striking a balance between work and life.
Doucet adds one of the positive things about this is that everyone involved is now sitting down and trying to find solutions.
