Nursing shortages top of mind for public and nurses alike, survey shows

New survey results suggest Manitobans and registered nurses see eye to eye on key priorities to address challenges in the province’s strained health system, including expanding nursing education and maintaining independent professional regulation.

The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) released findings Monday from two surveys conducted earlier this summer by national research firm Léger, one of the Manitoba public and another of registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).

“The results show clear backing for enhancing supports for new nurses and nurses already part of the workforce, as well as growing our capacity to educate more nurses here in Manitoba,” said Deb Elias, CEO and Registrar of the College. “We found agreement on the importance of the independence of regulatory bodies like the College in setting professional standards.”

Survey participants highlighted three measures as the most urgent to address staffing shortages:

• Improving workplace conditions to retain nurses (95% of RNs/NPs; 79% of Manitobans).
  
• Enhancing supports for new nurses (88% of RNs/NPs; 81% of Manitobans).
  
• Increasing the number of seats in RN and NP education programs (77% of RNs/NPs; 76% of Manitobans).

Most respondents also backed requirements for recent nursing practice experience (90% of Manitobans; 87% of RNs/NPs), while two-thirds of nurses supported stronger mentorship and on-the-job training. A majority of both groups agreed regulatory bodies should operate at arm’s length from government (64% of Manitobans; 62% of RNs/NPs).

Despite broad alignment, the survey revealed gaps in public awareness. Fewer than half of Manitobans (46%) reported familiarity with the education, training, and responsibilities of RNs in the province.

Elias said the results are already informing the College’s work. Over the summer, initiatives were launched to support new registrants in meeting practice requirements, expand expedited pathways for internationally educated nurses, and increase flexibility for applicants.

“We know we can and must continue to engage with RNs, NPs, our partners and the public to bolster awareness of our regulatory mandate,” Elias said.

The College plans to continue engagement through the fall, beginning this week with a survey of internationally educated nurses to better understand their transition into Manitoba’s health system. 

This story was originally published in The Winnipeg Sun. It is republished under a Creative Commons license as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.