Health and Community Services
February 18, 2015
Enhancing Service Delivery for Health and Well-Being
Provincial Government Announces New Initiative to Enhance Recruitment and Retention of Licensed Practical Nurses
The Provincial Government is launching another initiative to address licensed practical nursing workforce shortages in Newfoundland and Labrador. The approach will include a complete curriculum review and updates to the existing practical nursing program.
“We have been faced with a shortage of practical nurses in recent years and addressing the issue has been a chief concern for this government. We will work with the Centre for Nursing Studies to complete a curriculum review to ensure the practical nursing program effectively addresses the health needs of residents today and into the future. Our goal is to increase access to careers in this field in order to maintain a reliable supply of qualified practical nurses in this province. At a total investment of approximately $135,000, this initiative will serve the people of the province for many years to come.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
Operated by Eastern Health and in consultation with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Centre for Nursing Studies will undertake the curriculum review and will provide recommendations for program changes and updates. The Centre will also explore options for part-time and distance education, increasing access for students in an effort to bolster enrollment numbers.
“After the addition of multiple components to the practical nursing curriculum over the years, now is an appropriate time to re-evaluate how the program and workload is working for students. Additionally, as the role of licensed practical nurses continues to expand in scope, so too will the program requirements. By reviewing and revising the curriculum now, we can ensure the program is designed to be manageable for students, and that it is a thorough and effective educational program.”
- Dr. Kathy Watkins, Director, Centre for Nursing Studies
Approximately $135,000 will be allocated to complete the comprehensive review, revision and implementation of recommended updates to the program. It is anticipated that the review will be complete and a new curriculum implemented by the fall of 2016.
In addition to this latest initiative focused on recruitment and retention of practical nurses, student bursaries of $5,000 are offered to practical nurses for a return-in-service commitment of two years. These actions reflect the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to enhance service delivery and quality of care to residents in Newfoundland and Labrador.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is launching an initiative to address a practical nursing workforce shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The Centre for Nursing Studies will undertake a curriculum review and will provide recommendations for program changes and updates.
- Approximately $135,000 in funding is being allocated to complete this work.
- This recruitment and retention initiative complements the latest offering of $5,000 student bursaries for a return-in-service commitment of two years.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
|
Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca | Angela Greenslade Media Relations Manager (Acting) Eastern Health 709-777-1426 Angela.Greenslade@easternhealth.ca |
2015 02 18 10:50 a.m.