CANADA ALBERTA TO FACE SHORTAGE OF 5016 NURSES IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS WITH PRESENT SALARY LEVEL OF $ 34 TO 45 PER HOUR 15TH JANUARY 2014 EDMONTON - Despite chipping away at an overall labour shortage, Alberta’s latest jobs forecast shows the province could be short more than 5,000 nurses within 10 years. The latest Alberta Occupational Demand and Supply Outlook, released Wednesday, says the province’s forecast shortage of nurses has grown by about 11 per cent in the two years since its last outlook report. Alberta could face an estimated shortage of 5,016 nurse supervisors and registered nurses by 2023, up from the 4,540 previously predicted by 2021. The province will be short an estimated 455 licensed practical nurses, down from the 695 predicted two years ago. Heather Smith, president of the United Nurses of Alberta, said the province’s estimates could be on the low side if current workplace dissatisfaction isn’t adequately addressed in the current round of collective bargaining. The last collective agreement for the union’s 26,000 registered nurses agreement expired March 31, 2013. “If people find themselves in situations or environments that they do not believe are appropriately staffed, with an appropriate mix of skilled providers to deliver care, they leave,” Smith said. Jurisdictions all over the world struggle with recruiting and retaining nurses, said Matthew Grant, press secretary to Health Minister Fred Horne. “It’s a very competitive environment out there,” Grant said. The province boasts a high salary range for nurses, he added. Under the previous collective agreement, nurses are paid between $34.31 and $45.03 per hour. Alberta Health Services is currently advertising for 387 registered nursing positions.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:43:35 +0000
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