August 03, 2022
The province hired a think-tank of nurses and government officials to bring short-term incentives to retain nurses as it grapples with hundreds of vacancies and more who are considering leaving the profession. Among the incentives:
- Retention bonuses to nursing union members for a minimum of a one-year commitment;
- Signing bonuses for casual RNs who accept a full-time or part-time position in an area of need for a one year minimum;
- Double-rate overtime for vacation periods to bolster the ability to grant annual leave for nurses and reduce the number of mandated and extended shifts; and
- Reimbursement of licensing fees and payment of liability insurance for retired nurses wishing to return to work for a designated period.
The benefits are available until Oct. 31. A registered premium pilot project was also set up to support work in select locum positions. There are also plans for more mental health supports and consideration of childcare options for people who don't work full time. A survey of nurses in the province suggested half of them were considering quitting their permanent positions for casual work.
Related:
Plusieurs primes pour les infirmières à T.-N.-L. - Radio-Canada