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
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.