The New Brunswick Department of Health is recruiting travelling nurses and retired nurses on a short-term basis this summer.
The move is designed to cover vacations over the next few months for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
“Our nurses work incredibly hard to ensure New Brunswickers get the care they need,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard.
“After two years on the front lines of the pandemic, preceded by years of working short-staffed, these professionals need a break. We are asking our retired and travelling nursing community, who are able to return for a short period over the next few months, to help fill some gaps while we work on longer-term solutions.”
Since April, Horizon Health has hired 11 retirees and hired about 180 nursing students.
Vitalité Health has hired about 200 nursing students.
The province will cover registration fees for retired nurses and health authorities will cover accommodations and travel for those willing to practice in other parts of New Brunswick.
The provincial government said its recruitment efforts continue and include:
- Introducing a nursing resource strategy.
- Facilitating increased enrolment in bachelor of nursing programs.
- Funding for more seats in LPN-to-RN bridging programs.
- Creating a navigator unit for internationally educated nurses.
- Increasing recruitment of internationally educated nurses.
Those who can provide assistance over the summer months are asked to contact the regional health authorities directly:
- Horizon Health Network – Careers@HorizonNB.ca or Carrieres@HorizonNB.ca
- Vitalité Health Network – Emplois.jobs@vitalitenb.ca
