All trained nurses in Manitoba are asked to strongly consider a return to the field of work to improve health care culture in Manitoba.

Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement this week, noting the province is working with three nursing regulatory colleges to create a streamlined path for former nurses to make a comeback.

"We need every trained nurse in Manitoba to be working in health care to deliver the quality of care that Manitobans deserve," says Asagwara. "After seven years of the former government’s mismanagement and cuts, we want nurses to know that it is a new day in Manitoba and that we're working to make the culture of health care better. This announcement, which is the result of collaboration with the nursing colleges, will help nurses who have left the profession to return with the knowledge, experience and mentorship our health system needs."

They're making interim changes that will allow former licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses who worked in Manitoba’s health-care system in the last five years, and were in good standing with their regulatory college, to experience a more flexible and fast means of returning to their profession. All three of these colleges are currently reducing the number of recent practice hours required for reinstatement and will have more options to meet requirements for currency of practice including conditional registration or a supervised return to practice. While this takes place, patient safety and quality of care are being protected.

In efforts to make the changes permanent this spring, this "interim" effort will see those who come back to nursing will continue to be eligible to practise at that time.

"We are actively working with the Manitoba government and our partners across the health system to create additional opportunities for former registered nurses to return to the health workforce in an expedient and safe manner," notes Deb Elias, chief executive officer and registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba. "We are pleased to see the government commit to timely regulatory updates that help us meet our mandate to serve and protect the public interest."

"This is a wonderful step forward in trying to return experienced nurses back into the public system," adds Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union. "We're excited to work with the government on this and other steps to support nurses and help address the shortage of nurses across Manitoba."

"We welcome the collaborative problem-solving approach that has enabled regulators and government to work together on these registration and regulatory changes," says Jennifer Breton, executive director, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. "These changes will ensure that we have the flexibility we need to welcome nurses back into the profession, without compromising competency standards."

For those interested in the program, they can contact the regulatory college associated with their profession for more information on the new reinstatement criteria.

Financial support for retired nurses may also be obtained through Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, to assist to cover the cost of registration, reinstatement application, licensing, and professional liability fees. 

For more information about financial supports and eligibility, retired nurses interested in returning to the public health-care system can connect with an employment navigator at nurseemploymentnavigator@sharedhealthmb.ca.

Information about nursing colleges in Manitoba can be obtained at https://crnm.mb.ca/, https://clpnm.ca/ and https://crpnm.mb.ca/.