The provincial government has announced a number of initiatives to expand the scope of practice for nurses in the province, and make it easier for nurses from across Canada and outside the country to become licensed in the province.

The province announced the changes after the Registered Nurses Union recently revealed nineteen RN vacancies in the Health Sciences Emergency Department.

The Department of Health acknowledges that the recruitment and retention of health care professionals has been, and continues to be, a challenge not only locally, but around the world.

The province says amendments are being explored to the Registered Nurses Regulations which will allow RNs to prescribe medications, in accordance with a framework set by the College of Registered Nurses.

Government and the College are also looking at potential amendments to the Registered Nurses Act and regulations to allow multijurisdictional licensure for nurses currently practicing in another province or territory. They’re also looking at streamlining educational review and English language requirements.