This is Nursing Week and once again the union is calling on government to come to terms with staffing shortages.

The Registered Nurses’ Union says understaffing and excessive overtime have pushed their members to their breaking point.

President Yvette Coffey says instead of words of praise, what they really need is action.

She’s challenging decision-makers to take immediate action to address inadequate staffing and the recruitment and retention of RNs.

Nurses will celebrate the occasion virtually.

Meanwhile, the Union supports, in principle, a post-secondary review recommendation to move the School of Nursing from under the administration of Eastern Health to Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic.

Coffey says it’s something that’s been in discussion for the last five years.

“As long as our members are supported throughout the province and don’t lose their accumulated benefits and pension, we’re good with that,” says Coffey.