Ontario Nursing Shortage Worsening Rapidly

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Key Takeaways:

Ontario faces a severe nursing shortage, projected to reach 33,200 vacancies by 2032, up from 6,000 in 2022.
Federal programs and updated immigration policies aim to alleviate the shortage by attracting internationally-trained nurses to Canada.
Experts stress the importance of expedited credential recognition, increased training programs, and improved incentives to address the crisis.

How Severe Is Ontario’s Nursing Shortage?

Recent reports have brought to light a dire situation in Ontario’s healthcare: a rapidly worsening nursing shortage. The statistics are staggering. In 2022, Ontario faced a deficit of 6,000 nurses. This number has since more than doubled, reaching a projected shortage of 13,200 by the end of 2023. Looking ahead, the forecast is even bleaker: by 2027, the province could be short 20,700 nurses, and by 2032, this shortage could escalate to 33,200 vacancies. In just a decade, the shortage will have increased over fivefold from its 2022 levels.

Ontario Nursing Shortage Worsening Rapidly

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is acutely aware of this crisis and has taken steps to address it. “We’re in need of more nurses, as many as we can get,” he stated. “We’re throwing everything and the kitchen sink at this.”

What Are The Projections for Nursing Shortages in Canada?

Beyond Ontario, the national picture is also concerning. The Job Bank job-hunting site has long warned of Canada’s growing nursing shortage. By 2031, they predict a gap of 11,700 positions for registered and psychiatric nurses, 1,500 for licensed practical nurses, and 700 for nurse practitioners—a total of 13,900 vacant positions despite ongoing international recruitment efforts.

“Over the period 2022-2031, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 155,400, while 143,700 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration, and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them,” according to Job Bank.

How Immigration Changes Can Help Alleviate the Crisis

In November last year, the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, a part of the Express Entry system, saw changes that could help address the nurse crisis. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added 16 new jobs to its list of eligible occupations, including nurse aides and orderlies. This move aims to bolster the healthcare workforce and tackle the nursing shortages across Canada.

“We are seeing patients in Canada facing longer and longer wait times for medical and surgical procedures, while also facing increasing challenges to access the care they need,” said Sylvain Brousseau, president of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), back in 2022.

Can Internationally-Educated Nurses Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada?

For internationally-trained nurses, the pathway to working in Canada involves several steps. Nurses can obtain permanent residency through various economic immigration programs at both federal and provincial levels. These include the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Quebec’s Skilled Worker program. The first step is getting one’s academic credentials assessed to match Canadian standards through recognized agencies like World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS).

Once these assessments are complete, the next step is credential recognition by the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), which costs $650. Interested applicants need to complete multiple forms and submit essential documents, including:

Two notarized identity documents.
A completed nursing education form, sent directly by the educational institution.
A nursing registration form sent by the current licensing authority.
A nursing practice/employment form filled out by previous employers.
IELTS language test results sent directly from an approved testing organization.

How to Submit Applications to Provincial Associations?

Once the NNAS process is complete, nurses need to apply to provincial associations. NNAS covers several provincial nursing organizations, including:

British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals and Midwives
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
College of Nurses of Ontario
Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec
Nurses Association of New Brunswick
Associations in other provinces and territories

What Role Do Provincial Associations Play?

Upon selection by NNAS, nurses submit their applications to the chosen provincial nursing group. This step involves further checks and may include provincial exams or additional training, depending on the specific requirements. This rigorous process ensures that the incoming professionals meet the local standards and are well-prepared to contribute effectively to Ontario’s healthcare system.

Quotes from Experts on the Importance of Addressing the Nursing Shortage

Experts emphasize the urgent need for more investment in healthcare human resources. The Canadian Nurses Association has highlighted the critical nature of this issue: “Just over these past few weeks, we have witnessed many stories of emergency departments shutting down or reducing their hours of operation in many parts of the country. The reason for this crisis is very clear: Canada is facing a severe health workforce crisis and nursing shortages,” said Sylvain Brousseau.

How Can Nurses Seek Immigration and Permanent Residency in Canada?

Nurses aiming for Canada have several immigration programs at their disposal. Here’s a systematic approach:

Credential Evaluation: Use one of the five recognized organizations for the assessment of foreign educational credentials.
NNAS Application: Complete the NNAS process, including submission of identity documents, education credentials, registration forms, practice/employment verification, and IELTS results.
Provincial Application: Choose a provincial nursing association and follow their specific guidelines for application.

For detailed guidelines on immigration and residency, prospective applicants can refer to the official government website.

What Steps Can Ontario Take to Improve Its Nursing Situation?

Given the projections and current state, Ontario has a few critical pathways to consider:

Increase Training and Education: Invest in more nursing programs and expand seats in existing ones.
Fast-Track International Credentials: Simplify the process for internationally-trained nurses to enter the workforce.
Offer Incentives: Create attractive packages to retain current nurses and attract new ones.

Ontario’s nursing crisis affects everyone, from the healthcare professionals on the front lines to the patients needing care. By addressing this shortage with urgency and multifaceted solutions, Ontario can ensure a robust healthcare system for its residents.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration-Related Terms

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
A component of Canada’s Express Entry system that allows skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residence based on their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Express Entry System
An online immigration application system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, to fill labor market needs.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Programs managed by individual Canadian provinces and territories that allow them to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on specific labor market needs, including shortages in healthcare professionals like nurses.
National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)
An organization that evaluates the credentials of internationally-educated nurses to ensure they meet Canadian standards, which is a necessary step for nurses seeking to work in Canada.
World Education Services (WES)
A recognized agency that evaluates and converts international educational credentials to the Canadian system, assisting immigrants in having their qualifications recognized for licensing and employment purposes in Canada.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Ontario faces a severe nursing shortage, with projections showing escalating deficits. Premier Doug Ford is actively tackling the crisis, emphasizing the need for more nurses. Nationally, Canada also grapples with a growing gap. Changes in immigration programs aim to alleviate the issue. Experts stress urgent investment in healthcare human resources.
— By VisaVerge.com
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