An incentive program to bring newly registered nurses to New Brunswick, is helping.
The initiative was launched last spring, and so far, more than 170 have been hired.
Newly registered nurses can receive up to $10,000 in exchange for a three year commitment in either a full or part time role.
It must be in hard to fill positions with either of the two regional health authorities or with Extra Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick.
“Around the world, health systems are struggling with workforce shortages made worse by the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet our aging population requires more health services than ever before,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “This incentive program is designed to help ease the burden on other nurses in these locations while improving patient care.”
The program is based on an agreement between the provincial government and the New Brunswick Nurses Union.
“This incentive program for hard-to-recruit areas is similar to a program offered in the mid-2000s when we were faced with a number of vacancies throughout the province,” said Paula Doucet, president of the New Brunswick Nurses Union. “Any initiative to ensure our New Brunswick nursing graduates choose jobs in New Brunswick is a positive step in the right direction.”
