Government begins recruitment for new chief nurse

Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer today announced that the recruitment process for a new provincial chief nurse will begin this weekend.

"Nurses play an integral role in our health and community services system and their expertise and perspective will be invaluable in policy development and in addressing nursing issues," said Minister Ottenheimer.

The chief nurse position will be advertised this weekend in provincial papers. Interested candidates must submit applications on or before December 17, 2004.

Budget 2004 confirmed government�s Blueprint commitment to establish this position. Leaders in the nursing community are pleased government has honoured its commitment.

"The Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL) commend government on establishing a chief nurse for the province," said Sandra MacDonald, president of the ARNNL. "Other provincial governments find a chief nurse�s leadership and strategic advice valuable in the development of government policy to advance health system reform and renewal and in particular, the role of the nursing profession in health system reform and renewal."

"ARNNL sets the standards for nursing practice in the province and we look forward to working with the successful candidate to ensure that high quality nursing services are provided to the people of our province," added Ms. MacDonald.

"We have long advocated for a chief nurse position within government and are very pleased to see the position finally come to fruition," said Debbie Forward, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses� Union. "We firmly believe the chief nurse, with a strong advisory role, has the potential to positively impact nursing issues, such as education, practice and workloads."

The Council for Licensed Practical Nurses (CLPN) also expressed their pleasure with today�s announcement. "CLPN sees this as a progressive move by government in the advancement of the nursing profession within the province and in recognizing the invaluable services all nurses provide," added Paul Fisher, executive director, CLPN. "This position has the potential to build stronger working relationships between government, RNs and LPNs."

Newfoundland and Labrador has over 8,000 practising members of the nursing profession, representing the largest group of health care providers in the province. It is anticipated that the chief nurse will be named in January.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 682-5093

2004 12 03                             4:55 p.m.