Nurses are the backbone of Canada’s public health system. Learn why chronic understaffing is putting an immense strain on our public health care system.
The nursing shortage in Canada is a national crisis that impacts patient care, nurse well-being and the overall health care system.
The nursing shortage leads to longer wait times, higher nurse-patient ratios and delayed surgeries, all of which compromise patient care. Overburdened nurses struggle to manage excessive workloads, increasing the risk of medical errors and negative health outcomes. Research shows that inadequate staffing contributes to higher mortality rates and complications such as infections, falls and medication errors, putting patient safety at risk.
Excessive workloads and stressful conditions are driving nurses to burnout, mental health struggles and physical exhaustion. Many are leaving the profession or turning to private agencies, worsening the shortage and creating a cycle of instability.
Supporting the next generation of nurses is important to increasing the number of nurses in our health care system. But financial difficulties force more than a quarter of nursing students to consider leaving their nursing program. The mandatory clinical placements and preceptorships all nursing students must complete are unpaid, adding more financial pressure. Paid preceptorship programs would help more students complete their education and join the workforce.
Adequate staffing ensures better follow-up and prevention - ultimately reducing hospital readmissions and keeping communities healthier.
A Patient Safety Bill of Rights would guarantee staffing levels across the country by:
Establishing minimum nurse-patient ratios: establish clear nurse-patient ratios that protect both patients and health workers.
Creating better working conditions: address issues like mandatory overtime, workplace violence and lack of mental health supports.
Introducing retention, recruitment and return programs: develop targeted strategies to bring back retired or inactive nurses, while attracting new graduates and internationally educated nurses into the public health care system.
Your voice is our strongest hope for meaningful investment in public health care, putting an end to the nursing shortage in Canada. Complete the following steps below to pressure all political parties.
Show your support for a strong public health system – write to the party leaders today and demand better health care for everyone.
Click below to record a video and share your thoughts on why strong public health care – and proper support for nurses – is essential.
From shareable social media graphics to step-by-step local action guides, our toolkit has everything you need to amplify the call for stronger public health care in your own community.
On election day, vote for a candidate who is committed to protecting and enhancing public health care in Canada. Visit Elections Canada to find your riding and make a plan to vote.
*According to a recent Canada-wide survey of CFNU members by Viewpoints Research.