Canada Faces Challenges in Retaining Young Nurses
A recent report by the Montreal Economic Institute highlights the growing trend of young Canadian nurses leaving the profession, posing a retention challenge for the healthcare industry. The data reveals that in 2023, for every 100 new nurses under the age of 35, 40 opted to leave the profession.
While Quebec has shown a slight improvement, with 37 young nurses choosing not to renew their licenses for every 100 new recruits in 2023, the overall national trend is still on the rise. The report underscores the need for better working conditions to retain nursing staff, emphasizing the importance of not only attracting but also keeping nurses in the field.
The report points to British Columbia as a model for successful nurse retention efforts. In 2023, British Columbia had the lowest ratio of young nurses leaving the workforce compared to those entering it, with innovative practices such as job-sharing pools providing nurses with more flexible schedules and greater control over their work-life balance.
Emmanuelle B. Faubert, the economist behind the report, highlights the importance of learning from successful models like British Columbia to improve nurse retention nationwide. She also cautions against limiting the use of employment agencies, citing their role in providing nurses with schedule flexibility and work-life balance.
The report underscores the need for proactive measures to address the challenges of nurse retention and calls for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes creating a supportive work environment for healthcare professionals.
