New Recruitment Incentive for Nurses

The Nova Scotia government will help experienced nurses who want to get back into the workforce. Health Minister Jamie Muir made the announcement today, May 9, in Halifax.

Registered nurses who have practised less than 1,125 hours in the past five years must complete a re-entry program in order to be licensed. As of April 1, the Department of Health will pay up to 80 per cent of their tuition costs -- about $1,400 -- if they agree to work in Nova Scotia for at least a year after they finish. Licensed practical nurses already receive funding for a similar program.

"This is National Nursing Week, and we want to recognize nurses for their vital contribution to our health-care system," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "We've made it a priority to address their issues -- not just during nursing week -- but all year- round by supporting our nursing strategy for another year."

Carolyn Rowe, a registered nurse (RN) who recently completed the program, left nursing 13 years ago to raise a family. In order to return to the profession as an RN, she needed to take the re- entry program.

"I really had to think about it because it's a significant financial and time commitment," said Ms. Rowe. "This funding is a wonderful incentive. It may be the boost many people are looking for to get back into nursing."

Most of the $5 million strategy benefits nurses already in the workforce, through orientation and continuing and specialty education.

Barb Oke, the province's nursing policy advisor said that apart from adding funding for the RN re-entry program, the nursing strategy is not changing.

"It's a long-term strategy," she said. "We're very happy with the positive results we've seen in the first year and we'll keep all our programs in place to give them the time needed to achieve stability."

Through the strategy, student nurses receive co-op experience and bursaries. Since it was introduced April 2001, 60 third-year student nurses had paid co-op work terms, and 90 more are set to begin. Twenty-five fourth-year nursing students received bursaries and are just completing their return-in-service. Twice that number received bursaries this year and they are starting work now at facilities across the province.

Licensed practical nurses also receive funding to take a refresher or pharmacy course. Close to 50 licensed practical nurses have been reimbursed for their programs and 95 more are in progress.

Also, since last April, over 90 new nurses from outside the province have been recruited through job fairs and with relocation allowance.

Nova Scotia's Nursing Strategy was developed by the Provincial Nursing Network, a group representing nursing employers, educators, professional associations and unions and practising nurses.

The RN re-entry program is offered through distance education by Grant MacEwan College, with a co-ordinator in Nova Scotia. Registered nurses who are interested in the program should contact the re-entry co-ordinator at 902-477-2971.