Health and Community Services
May 12, 2015

The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Recognizes National Nursing Week in Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to rise in this Honourable House today to recognize May 11 to 17 as National Nursing Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme for 2015 is Nurses: With you every step of the way. This theme speaks to the broad scope of health services our nurses provide and this week is an excellent opportunity to recognize their contribution to our health care system.

We currently have 6,342 registered nurses working in our province. This represents the second highest per population ratio for registered nurses in the country. Newfoundland and Labrador is also fortunate to have the highest per population ratio in Canada for licensed practical nurses, with 2,383 LPNs working in our province.

Nurses play an invaluable role in our communities. With a vast array of duties delivered in a number of settings, from long-term care facilities and emergency departments, to frontline health services in schools and clinics, nurses are often the first point of contact for patients when they enter the health care system. Nurses also play an important role in post-secondary education, administration, research and policy. They are responsible for providing direct care to patients, mentoring new employees and students, and ensuring that everyone under their care is treated respectfully.

Nurses often act as emotional support and provide reassurance that helps ease the minds of patients and their families during difficult times. Our nurses demonstrate humility and empathy, as well as a tremendous work ethic and steadfast dedication to helping those who are most in need. We continue to support nurses by negotiating competitive collective agreements, implementing recruitment and retention initiatives, and providing financial support to nursing students.

Mr. Speaker, as part of our government’s five-year strategy to reduce emergency department wait times, Budget 2015 includes an investment of $938,300 to provide approximately seven new full-time triage nursing positions, which will make a real difference in ensuring all patients are assessed and triaged quickly by a qualified nurse upon arrival in emergency departments across the province.

Mr. Speaker, we applaud every nurse working in our province. I encourage everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize the tireless efforts of nurses during National Nursing Week and to acknowledge their dedication to patients and families.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 05 12                              1:45 p.m.