The provincial government is breaking down the numbers regarding nursing vacancies in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For the first time officials are painting a picture of the turnover rate specifically affecting registered nurses.
They say the average turnover rate, based on a five-year period from 2018 to 2023, is five per cent, or 292 RNs annually. For context, NL Health Services employs nearly 6,000 RNs.
As well, they say 55 new positions have been created for registered nurses.
So far in 2023-2024, 370 registered nurses have been hired, translating into a reduction of 78 RN vacancies.
Based on that, they conclude that “with sustained effort” overall vacancy numbers will be reduced.
Officials say the turnover rate for RNs is below the national average.
Numbers weren’t immediately available for vacancy rates related to other nursing positions.
Elsewhere, government says 839 nurses, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, have been hired since April 1st, 2023, and are working in the system.
A graph provided by government specifically related to registered nurses shows that vacancies were relatively stable until the pandemic hit. The numbers began trending upward, peaking at 695 vacancies in October 2022.
As of April, government says that number sits at 603.
Health Minister John Hogan says he’s pleased to see overall health care vacancies trending downward.
But he says there are always going to be vacancies, which he notes the nurses’ union has acknowledged.
He says the target is a five per cent vacancy in the workforce, which equates to about 300 positions. He says government is working toward that, adding the trends show they will get there “sooner rather than later.”