Recruitment and Retention Incentives Announced for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Personal Care Attendants in Long-Term Care

  • Health and Community Services

March 27, 2023

Today, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services announced recruitment and retention incentives to stabilize the long-term care workforce. Minister Osborne was joined by Debbie Walsh, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Eastern Health at Pleasant View Towers in St. John’s.

Incentives to stabilize the long-term care workforce include:

Retention Bonus – A retention bonus is available to identified employees working in long-term care, for a one-year return in service commitment. The bonuses will be pro-rated based on hours worked, with employees working full-time equivalent hours receiving the full amount.

  • Registered Nurse – up to $3,000
  • Licensed Practical Nurse I and II – up to $1,950
  • Personal Care Attendant – up to $1,650

This retention bonus is in addition to the incentives previously announced for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Personal Care Attendants.

Recruitment Bonus – A recruitment bonus is available to attract registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and personal care attendants (including new graduates and retired employees) to work in long-term care, for a one-year return in service commitment.

  • Registered Nurse – up to $8,000
  • Licensed Practical Nurse I and II – up to $5,200
  • Personal Care Attendant – up to $4,300

Health Accord NL provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for re-imagining health care in order to address the needs of people in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including improving the quality and availability of long-term care.

Budget 2023 includes the largest ever investment in health care, and these incentives build upon significant actions government is taking to address the current health care challenges in the province.

Regional Health Authorities will communicate processes for these initiatives to employees in the coming weeks.

Quotes
“We recognize the valuable role all health care professionals provide in the delivery of health care throughout the province. Retaining current staff and attracting new employees will increase long-term care capacity and improve patient flow across the entire continuum to improve our health care system for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Today’s announcement to provide recruitment and retention initiatives for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and personal care attendants in long-term care facilities is a positive and supportive step toward encouraging more staff to work in this rewarding area of health care. With an increase in nursing staff, we will be able to accept additional residents into our long-term care facilities and provide them with the care that they need.”
Debbie Walsh
Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Eastern Health

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2023 03 27 3:07 pm