Health and Community Services
May 13, 2008

The following statement was issued by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Minister Wiseman Recognizes National Nursing Week

I rise in this House today to pay tribute to the nurses across our province during National Nursing Week, which runs from May 12 - 18.

Over 8,000 nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are critical in the provision of quality care to the people of our province. On behalf of our government, I thank each one of them for their commitment and dedication to the people and communities they serve.

In recognition of its centennial celebrations, the Canadian Nurses Association is reprising its 2007 theme, "Think You Know Nursing? Take a Closer Look." This theme serves to raise awareness about the many roles that nurses play in the health and community services system.

You will find nursing professionals in just about every corner of the health and community services system. They are researchers, counselors, advocates, educators, administrators and developers of policy, just to name a few.

Our government is committed to supporting our workforce of nurses. With an investment of more than $2 million in Budget 2008, we are strengthening our ability to attract and keep qualified nurses living and working in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our incentives include: Bursaries for third- and fourth-year nursing students with a one-year return-in-service agreement; relocation allowances to cover 50% of moving costs; and signing bonuses for targeted positions.

As well, we are also fulfilling our Blueprint commitment to expand the number of funded seats in the Schools of Nursing by 36, bringing the total number of seats to 291 which includes seats for the LPN bridging program. This expansion is a strategic one with the goal of positively impacting the supply of nursing graduates in this province.

These initiatives complement the many other additional actions we have taken including funding Educational Leave for registered nurses, hosting a conference in nursing leadership; approving $579,000 for 101 bursaries or signing bonuses over the last year; and, hiring 187 new graduates in the last fiscal year.

Collectively, these measures mark a strategic investment by our government that will strengthen our nursing recruitment and retention successes and have a positive impact on the provision of quality health care for the people of this province.

In closing, I thank the nursing professionals who work in every corner of Newfoundland and Labrador supporting and protecting the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.


2008 05 13                                                1:40 p.m.

 


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