Nova Scotia travel nurse program starts slowly

Nova Scotia’s internal travel nurse program is experiencing a slow start, but officials are assuring the public that this is intentional. The program, which was promised by the Progressive Conservatives in the last provincial election and advocated for by the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, was launched earlier this spring. The goal of the program is to have 30 registered nurses participate in the yearlong pilot, which is currently based at the Aberdeen Hospital emergency department in New Glasgow. However, only eight nurses have been hired so far, with some already working and others set to join in the coming months.

Jennifer MacDougall, a director with Nova Scotia Health, explained that some applicants did not meet the hiring criteria due to a lack of necessary background or a preference for casual work, while the positions available are for permanent full-time employment. Applicants for the program must have at least three years of experience and the required training to work in emergency medicine. Additionally, internal candidates cannot apply if their departure would leave their previous unit understaffed.

Despite the slow start, officials in Nova Scotia received advice from provinces like British Columbia and Manitoba, where similar programs exist, to start small and allow the program to grow gradually. MacDougall emphasized that ongoing promotional efforts will be made to attract more applicants.

The primary goal of the program is to reduce the province’s reliance on nurses from private agencies and provide an alternative work option for nurses who prefer not to be tied to a single site. Like many provinces, Nova Scotia spends a significant amount of money on agency nurses to address staffing shortages, which can lead to morale issues and compatibility problems within units.

Sandra Mullen, president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, highlighted that internal travel team members are Nova Scotia Health employees who have already been screened and are familiar with the healthcare system. These nurses work alongside existing staff and receive a pay premium of $6 an hour above their base rate or an additional 15 percent, whichever is higher. While this may be less than what agency nurses earn, internal team members have access to benefits and a pension as employees of the health authority.

Nurses on the internal travel team also receive accommodations while working in New Glasgow, with travel expenses covered for distances over 75 kilometers. Most nurses opt for four shifts followed by five days off, allowing for a flexible work schedule. Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, highlighted that the program’s appeal lies in the guaranteed time off, with nurses able to bank extra hours for extended breaks without using vacation time.

As the pilot progresses, finding a balance between ensuring nurses receive enough hours for additional time off while maintaining a safe work environment will be crucial. MacDougall mentioned that the possibility of expanding the program to other sites is being considered, although no decisions have been made yet. Mullen believes that the program would attract more nurses if it were extended beyond emergency departments.