More than 140 nurses return to Nova Scotia’s healthcare system

CITYnews halifax \ By Maryanne McLarty

The province says more than 140 nurses have signed on to return to Nova Scotia’s healthcare system since the government offered a $10,000 incentive to come back.

According to the province, 148 retired, casual and travel nurses have accepted permanent positions.

“When we invest in nurses, we are investing in better care for Nova Scotians,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thomson. “We have been clear with nurses — we need you and we want to work with you.”

The province says the returning nurses represent more than 270,000 hours a year of direct care for tens of thousands of patients. It says 34 “hard-to-fill” positions which have been posted for 90 days are now filled.

The incentive will be prorated for nurses working a less than full time position. For example, a nurse who took a 50 per cent position is eligible for half the bonus.

The province says initiatives to recruit and retain healthcare workers are part of Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare.