Nursing educators concerned province's call for 200 more nurses is a rush job
The provincial government is hoping Manitoba can educate and train 200 more nurses, as it deals with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. But some are concerned this is a rush job to make up for past mistakes.
Nursing colleges, including the one at the University of Manitoba, have been asked to come up with a plan to increase nursing training seats by 200.
The province says nurses are in high demand in Manitoba and around the world, so it is asking for proposals from the various institutions.
But some worry the government is moving too fast.
Genevieve Thompson is an associate professor of nursing at the University of Manitoba.
“Why has the province asked us to develop a proposal for nursing education in a relatively short time frame?” asked Thompson, adding schools were asked to come up with plans in three days.
She said taking in more students would require restructuring of the current program and more resources.
Thompson said the province has had a nursing shortage for years. She said the Pallister Government has added to the problem, and the pandemic has exacerbated the situation.
“I think myself and other people who are in nursing education do really see this that the government is trying to play catch-up and is rushing this process,” said Thompson.
Orvie Dingwall is the vice president of the Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations.
Dingwall said there are not enough trained instructors to pull this off right now.
“Faculty members have a master’s degree or a PhD in nursing and we don’t have extras of those here in Manitoba right now,” said Dingwall.
In a statement, Manitoba Advanced Education Minister Wayne Ewasko suggests funding will be available to expand the programs.
“The ministry and our post-secondary partners are currently in preliminary discussions on the financial resources and needs of our institutions and teaching staff to ensure standards and practices remain at its highest level," said Ewasko.
The province has not announced when it expects the additional nursing seats to be added.
The university said its nursing college welcomes the opportunity to work with the government to address the nursing shortage.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.