hurley said that investment will not come close to filling already existing gaps and those left by people leaving nursing.
“once again, you have an announcement that is really insufficient in relation to the enormous staffing crisis.”
sharleen stewart, president of seiu healthcare, said the ontario government must address the systemic reasons so many nurses are retiring or leaving the profession.
“there is a problem in the system and it starts with respect, proper protection and pay and full-time jobs. until you improve the conditions of work, you are not going to see the conditions of care improve.”
both viao of ottawa and thunder bay rpn ashley macrae said they love their professions but, like many of their co-workers, are finding it increasingly difficult to cope.
macrae said she has hit “roadblocks” trying to get mental health support.
“as nurses, we give every shift, all we are looking for is support. we have been told that our labour is essential, but our lives are not.”
there are 57,758 registered practical nurses in ontario, 111,413 registered nurses and more than 3,000 nurse practitioners. the difference between the three is in the levels of education required and scope of practice.
share story
share this story
nearly quarter of nurses polled considering leaving job