Funds will go toward mentoring programs, bonuses and equipment
The Quebec government has pledged $80 million a year to help solve the province's nursing shortage, Health Minister Philippe Couillard has announced.
The money will go toward better organization of work, establishing a system for older nurses to mentor younger nurses, more on-the job support for younger nurses, developing a staffing plan and spending $10 million on nursing equipment. About $36 million of the money will also go to incentive bonuses for nurses.
The staffing plan could include adjusting schedules so nurses work fewer weekends and less overtime to reduce burnout, said Couillard.
Other possible solutions to the shortage, which has been most acutely felt in home care, seniors' care and ICU wards, include hiring more nurse practitioners and orderlies to take over some of the nurses' responsibilities, said Couillard.
Fewer weekend shifts and the opportunity to mentor younger nurses could attract retired nurses back to the profession, according to Francine Girard, dean of the faculty of nursing sciences at the University of Montreal.
The money will go toward better organization of work, establishing a system for older nurses to mentor younger nurses, more on-the job support for younger nurses, developing a staffing plan and spending $10 million on nursing equipment. About $36 million of the money will also go to incentive bonuses for nurses.
The staffing plan could include adjusting schedules so nurses work fewer weekends and less overtime to reduce burnout, said Couillard.
Other possible solutions to the shortage, which has been most acutely felt in home care, seniors' care and ICU wards, include hiring more nurse practitioners and orderlies to take over some of the nurses' responsibilities, said Couillard.
Fewer weekend shifts and the opportunity to mentor younger nurses could attract retired nurses back to the profession, according to Francine Girard, dean of the faculty of nursing sciences at the University of Montreal.
