Province Launches Nursing Strategy Web Site

Nurses and nursing students have a wealth of information at their fingertips through a new Web site designed to support the training, retraining, retaining, and recruitment of nurses in Nova Scotia.

The site was developed by nurses themselves as part of the provincial nursing strategy and was unveiled today, Nov. 3.

"We are seeing results from our nursing strategy, but we have a long way to go," Health Minister Angus MacIsaac said. "It is only by working together with nurses, educators and employers that we can make a difference. And we need to let nurses know what we are doing. This Web site is one of the resources we can use to do that."

The Web site consolidates information on topics including nursing grants, bursary programs, co-operative learning opportunities, relocation allowances, educational institutions and professional organizations.

Nursing students, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses will be able to use it to see what activities can benefit them, and what nursing opportunities are available across the province.

Members of the provincial nursing network were among the first to see the site at work today. The network includes nursing employers and practising nurses from district health authorities, the IWK, home care and long-term care facilities. It also includes educators, regulatory authorities, unions and representatives from the Nova Scotia Department of Health.

"The provincial nursing network is great," said Sara Campbell, a nurse at the IWK Health Centre. "Nurses are coming up with strategies and we're seeing results. The provincial nursing network looks at the issues from the inside and addresses them. The network has representatives from all areas of nursing and their input is acted upon through the nursing strategy."

Sheila Scaravelli, Pictou County District Health Authority, a member of the provincial nursing network said she values the key role that the Web site will play in getting current information on the province's nursing strategy to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

"The Web site will support nurses by having strategy information easily accessible and in one place. It is important that nurses be informed of the activities of the strategy -- in particular those relating to recruitment, retention, and renewal -- so that they see the commitment of all partners to making a healthier nursing environment and workforce for Nova Scotia."

The nursing strategy is a multi-year plan to build a stronger, healthier nursing workplace and workforce in Nova Scotia. The province is investing about $10 million annually on the strategy and on training more nurses.

For information see the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/health/nursing .