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Think Tank: It’s Time to Stop the Bleeding
April 13, 2022
RNU has been calling on government and employers to take action to address the crisis facing nursing.
A number of projects to inform longer term strategies to improve recruitment and retention were recently announced.
This includes a health human resources plan, core staffing review, and workforce research. Read the details here.
While these measures are positive, RNU has been adamant we also need action right now to stop the bleeding of the nursing workforce.
We successfully lobbied government to hold a Think Tank to come up with short term solutions to improve the workplace and the retention and recruitment of registered nurses and nurse practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Think Tank took place virtually on April 4-5. It was the first time everyone – from the frontline all the way to CEOs– gathered in this format to discuss the challenges facing nursing.
The event was encouraging and hopeful.
More than 150 people participated in the Think Tank, including RNU members, RNU Board of Directors and staff. Schools of Nursing, CRNNL, NLNPA, nursing students, managers, staff and senior officials from the Regional Health Authorities and various Provincial Government departments also participated.
The Think Tank featured a panel of RNU members who shared heartbreaking stories about the impact of staffing and working conditions on their wellbeing, work life balance and patient care.
RN Lauren Byrne spoke during a lived experience panel. Other RNU members bravely shared their stories during the panel, including Bev Wheeler, Marie-Pier Doré, Jerome Tapang and Jennifer Hiscock.
Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, provided a keynote address. Yvette, Premier Furey and Minister Haggie also provided remarks and openly acknowledged the scope of the challenges facing nursing and the urgency to find solutions.
“I’ve seen nurses not be able to book a vacation. I’ve seen them crying because they can’t book for their son’s wedding a year from now. Those are unacceptable positions for a professional to be in.”
– Premier Andrew Furey, quoted in Think Tank coverage by The Telegram.
More than 700 RNs and NPs completed a Think Tank survey. The results were presented during the Think Tank and helped guide discussions.
Some of the findings are startling:
- 90% of RNs & NPs identify as experiencing burnout;
- 78% have experienced workplace violence in the last month;
- 1 in 2 permanent RNs are considering resigning their position to go casual
- 16% are seriously considering leaving the nursing profession.
Top issues RNs and NPs would like addressed:
- Providing Incentives to Retain Existing Permanent RNs/NPs
- Access to Leave
- Reduce/Eliminate Mandatory Overtime
Virtual breakout rooms were used to facilitate small group discussions. The Think Tank was a welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. The discussions were powerful, heart-wrenching, and hopeful.
A committee will begin meeting next week to review the results of the Think Tank and develop a plan with short term recommendations to retain and recruit RNs and NPs. RNU will keep pushing for measures to be announced as soon as possible.
More than 150 people participated in the event, including RNU members, RNU Board of Directors and staff. Schools of Nursing, CRNNL, NLNPA, nursing students, managers, staff and senior officials from the Regional Health Authorities and various Provincial Government departments also participated.
