A recent study reveals that Newfoundland and Labrador are experiencing a significant exodus of young nurses from the workforce compared to the national average. The report, published by the non-profit organization Montreal Economic Institute, shows that out of every 100 nurses under 35 who joined the profession in the province in 2023, 98 opted to leave.
In contrast, across Canada, there were 100 new nurses entering the sector for every 40 nurses exiting. Yvette Coffey, the president of the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador, expressed some reservations about the accuracy of the statistics. She emphasized that the report underscores the pressing issue of nurse retention within the province.
Coffey pointed out that the data in the report includes nurses who renewed their licenses with the college, encompassing those in private practices, managerial roles, and private contract agencies. Despite acknowledging some discrepancies in the numbers, Coffey stressed that the fundamental concerns and challenges related to nurse retention in the province remain unchanged.
She highlighted the difficulties faced by newly graduated nurses in securing only part-time positions, leading them to seek opportunities outside the province. Additionally, Coffey mentioned that nurses in the healthcare sector encounter issues such as violence, mandatory overtime, and denials of leave.
Samantha Dagres, the communications manager at the Montreal Economic Institute, attributed Newfoundland and Labrador’s notably higher turnover rate to the temporary influx of travel nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. She suggested that the absence of registration by temporary travel nurses in 2023 might contribute to the province’s elevated numbers in the report.
Dagres pointed out that the national trend of high turnover among young nurses is primarily driven by challenging workplace conditions, including excessive overtime, violence, and abuse. She emphasized the strain on healthcare systems, where nurses often face demanding situations and prolonged waiting times in emergency rooms.
Looking ahead, Coffey called for the incoming PC government to expedite the nurse practitioner classification process, enact safe hours legislation, enhance nurse-to-patient ratios, establish an independent health sector safety council to address workplace violence, and ensure equitable pay for nurses.
Dagres warned that the failure to address nurse retention could have severe repercussions, despite efforts to recruit internationally educated nurses and increase nursing seats at Memorial University. She urged the government to explore solutions implemented by other provinces, such as introducing shift flexibility to improve the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the challenges of nurse retention in Newfoundland and Labrador remain a critical issue that necessitates urgent attention and proactive measures to ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce.