In an effort to help improve both the workplace environment and the retention of nurses in the province, the Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador (RNUNL), will implement a number of financial incentives and employee supports to help address the immediate nursing workforce challenges and help stabilize the system.
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services and Yvette Coffey, President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media today (Tuesday, August 2) at 1:00 p.m. to discuss these measures. The availability will take place in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.
The initiatives developed to address the immediate nursing workforce challenges are:
- Retention Bonuses– A retention bonus is available to RNUNL members (registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs)) for a minimum of a one-year return-in-service commitment. Eligible employees include those who are permanent or temporary employees and this incentive is available until October 31, 2022;
- Signing Bonuses for Casual Registered Nurses– A signing bonus is available for casual RNs to incentivize them to accept a full-time or part-time position in an ‘area of need’ as defined by the Regional Health Authority with an associated return-in-service of one year minimum. This incentive is available until October 31, 2022;
- Double Rate Overtime for Vacation Period– This measure will support shifts being filled in advance to increase the ability of the Regional Health Authorities to grant annual leave for RNs and NPs until October 31, 2022 and reduce the number of mandated and extended shifts;
- Reimburse Licensing Fees for Retired RNs– The College of Registered Nurses of NL $500 licensing fee and liability insurance will be paid for those who wish to return to work for a designated period and is available until October 31, 2022
- RN Locum Premium– A Registered Nurse Locum Premium Pilot has been established to support work in select locum positions in Labrador-Grenfell Health;
- 24-7 Mental Health Supports– A Mental Health and Addictions Supports group has been assembled to promote mental health and well-being services, as well as develop new solutions providing 24/7 support;
- Child Care– Government has committed to explore child care options for employees who work non-standard hours; and,
- Bursaries for Third-Year Students in Bachelor of Science in Nursing– Bursaries are available for third-year students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Additionally, signing bonuses have also been reinstated to attract experienced health professionals. Signing bonuses are available for selected health occupations, targeting difficult-to-fill positions and tiered to address geographic considerations. A one-year return-in-service agreement is required for each signing bonus. Details and policies are available online here.
In April 2022, a two-day virtual Nursing Think Tank took place to identify issues and concerns, listen to the lived experience of registered nurses, determine opportunities and carve out a path forward to address the concerns and challenges facing the nursing profession. Along with the RNUNL, the event included representatives from the Regional Health Authorities, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, the Schools of Nursing and representatives from several government departments.
Additional findings from the Nursing Think Tank will continue to inform the work of the Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office within the Department of Health and Community Services. The office was established earlier this year to address the significant health care recruitment and retention challenges facing Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“We made a commitment to help address the workplace challenges faced by our nursing community and, working collaboratively with Ms. Coffey and the RNUNL, I am pleased with the suite of measures we announced today. Health care professionals like nurses and nurse practitioners contribute so much to our province, particularly as they went above and beyond throughout the pandemic. I believe these initiatives will lead to meaningful, positive changes and I look forward to continuing our work with the RNUNL.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We have worked together with the registered nurses’ union and Ms. Coffey to find creative means to help improve the workplace and address recruitment issues facing the nursing community. The Think Tank held with registered nurses this spring provided valuable insight into the challenges facing their profession. The goal of these solutions is to help alleviate the pressures on this sector, as we continue our efforts to improve health care delivery in the province, including a focus on recruitment and retention.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“There are more than 600 vacancies in our province. Burnout is incredibly high among registered nurses and patients in every community are impacted by the nursing shortage. These measures, which are a result of the Nursing Think Tank, will provide some short-term relief. Efforts to create healthier workplaces and address recruitment and retention must continue. RNU looks forward to continued collaboration with Premier Furey and Minister Osborne.”
Yvette Coffey
President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador
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News Release: Initiatives Aim to Improve Primary Care Access in Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
MeghanMcCabe@gov.nl.ca
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca
Karyn Whelan
Registered Nurses’ Union
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-691-0889
kwhelan@rnunl.ca
