Province Tightens Travel Nurse Rules
The Nova Scotia Government is changing the way it deals with ‘Travel Nurses.’
A travel nurse is an RN who works in the healthcare system through a contract with a staffing agency.
Premier Tim Houston announced yesterday that such employment contracts will now be limited to a maximum 180 days.
The Premier says, “Travel nurses have been a critical part of maintaining our healthcare system while we work to train and hire more nurses. But the associated costs are much higher and there is always the risk of them leaving, creating instability in the system.”
Houston added, “There will always be nurses who want to travel, but the change we are making will encourage more to take on permanent positions where they are needed most.”
The Nova Scotia Nurses Union has long been critical of the role of travel nurses. Some were known to leave the union and opt for contract work, at higher pay, travelling throughout the province.
The change, effective December 15th, applies to all government contracts for travel nurses.
After completing a travel contract, they must wait a year before they can apply at the same institution.
Nurses graduating from post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia cannot work as travel nurses in the province for one year following graduation.
The Minister of Health pointed out there are lots of openings for permanent jobs in the province. Michelle Thompson said, “We welcome any travel nurse who would like to be part of creating long-term, lasting change in healthcare in Nova Scotia.”
The premier has asked the leaders in other provinces across the country to consider doing the same.
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