Tag Archives: nursing shortage in Canada

β™₯ With so many people retiring, will we have enough continuing-care workers (LPNs and RNs)?

Dear Friend,

It was during the boom in the economy in Alberta that I went from advising Canadians on career related issues, to working with Internationally Educated Health Professionals. At that time the industry was hot: the nursing shortage evident. Then the economy shifted. What was happening in the US impacted us here in Canada. The well dried up, or so it seemed. All of the jobs disappeared: not because they were filled but because a dip in the economy means decreased spending or cutbacks. Instead of cutting back, our health care system simply continued as it had been: coping with the shortages but not talking about it.Seeing these changes I kept encouraging people: don’t worry. Use your time wisely. The economy will shift. The nursing shortage will become a hot topic once again. All the jobs will suddenly reappear. Proceed on your licensure process so when they do appear you are ready!

I hope you were listening. They are starting to talk about the shortage again. The winds of change are signalling the time will be here soon.Will you be ready?

This week I received in my mailbox the NorQuest Community Report. Norquest is a college in Edmonton where LPNs are trained. The headline screams, “Navigating the Perfect Storm: Norquest College’s crucial role in the future of Alberta health care.” Here is a quote:

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