The Manitoba government is working with three nursing regulatory colleges to create a streamlined path for former nurses to return to work.
“We need every trained nurse in Manitoba to be working in health care to deliver the quality of care that Manitobans deserve,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “After seven years of the former government’s mismanagement and cuts, we want nurses to know that it is a new day in Manitoba and that we’re working to make the culture of health care better. This announcement, which is the result of collaboration with the nursing colleges, will help nurses who have left the profession to return with the knowledge, experience and mentorship our health system needs.”
The interim changes will ensure former licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses who worked in Manitoba’s health-care system in the last five years and were in good standing with their regulatory college have a faster, more flexible pathway to return to their profession. Effective immediately, all three colleges will reduce the number of recent practice hours required for reinstatement and will have more options to meet requirements for currency of practice including conditional registration or a supervised return to practice. Provisions remain in place to protect the quality of care and responsibility for patient safety that Manitobans expect, noted the minister.
In collaboration with nursing colleges, regulatory amendments making these changes permanent are expected to be in place this spring, noted the minister. Individuals who return to the workforce under the interim approach will continue to be eligible to practise at that time.
“We are actively working with the Manitoba government and our partners across the health system to create additional opportunities for former registered nurses to return to the health workforce in an expedient and safe manner,” said Deb Elias, chief executive officer and registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. “We are pleased to see the government commit to timely regulatory updates that help us meet our mandate to serve and protect the public interest.”
“This is a wonderful step forward in trying to return experienced nurses back into the public system,” said Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union. “We’re excited to work with the government on this and other steps to support nurses and help address the shortage of nurses across Manitoba.”
“We welcome the collaborative problem-solving approach that has enabled regulators and government to work together on these registration and regulatory changes,” said Jennifer Breton, executive director, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. “These changes will ensure that we have the flexibility we need to welcome nurses back into the profession, without compromising competency standards.”
“Today’s announcement showcases collaboration and we welcome the opportunity to work with government and our partners in the health system to ensure a safe return to psychiatric nursing practice,” said Laura Panteluk, registrar and chief executive officer, College of Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba. “We appreciate the Manitoba government’s initiative to work with us towards a longer-term solution through these regulatory updates.”
Former nurses who are interested in returning to the public health-care system should contact the regulatory college associated with their profession for more information on the new reinstatement criteria.
Retired nurses may also be eligible for financial supports through Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, which would help to cover the cost of registration, reinstatement application, licensing and professional liability fees.
