Conference examines reasons for nursing shortage – and ways to fix it.
As nurses deal with an increasingly challenging work environment, issues of retention are a constant concern. The McGill University School of Nursing, in partnership with the McGill University teaching hospitals, will host a key conference to address factors that affect retention and develop knowledge and strategies to help foster and maintain a healthier workplace for nurses.
The Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) which represents 58,000 members, notes there is a shortage of 4,000 nurses in Quebec, which contributes to untenable working conditions such as extended schedules, compulsory overtime and burnout. This also leads to negative consequences for patients including increased wait times, closed beds and lack of resources for home care. The shortage is expected to hit 15,000 over the next four years as thousands of nurses retire, leave the public network for privately run agencies or simply quit.
What makes a nurse want to stay on the job has a lot to do with his or her work environment. Things like a strong team, good and respectful interpersonal relationships and solid professional and personal support from management make all the difference when it comes to nurses handling their already stressful and demanding jobs.
This year’s Nursing Explorations 2010 conference – Nursing our profession back to health: Creating high retention environments – will bring together a broad range of nursing professionals from across Canada. One-third of the registrants are students – a four-fold increase from previous events.
“The student voice is particularly important given the average age of nurses in Canada is just over 45,” said Sandie Larouche, one of the conference chairs. “We currently have four generations of nurses in the workforce whose attitudes, work ethics and practices may differ enormously, ultimately affecting patient care. Any ideas we can develop to improve the work environment and retain nurses will be better for patients in the long run.”
WHAT: McGill School of Nursing Conference: Nursing our profession back to health: Creating high retention environments. Simultaneous translation will be provided.
WHEN: Nov. 5, 2010. 7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Midtown, 420 Sherbrooke St. W. Montreal
For more information on the program of the conference, please visit:
http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/nursing-explorations2010/default.asp?docid=7&mp=7&lang=en
Contact:
Tamarah Feder
Media Relations Office
McGill University
514-398-6754
tamarah.feder@mcgill.ca
Tamarah Feder
Communications Officer, Media Relations - McGill University
Agent de communications, Service des relations avec les médias - Université McGill
t: (514) 398-6754
f: (514) 398-7364
Burnside Hall, Room 110
845 Sherbrooke Street West
Montréal, Québec CANADA H3A 2T5