New report says Quebec nurses need better working conditions
Quebec must improve working conditions for nurses by adopting a series of standards across the province, according to a 104-page report released Thursday.
That was one of 31 recommendations made by commissioners Francine Ducharme, an honorary professor at the Université de Montreal's nursing faculty, and Robert Salois, a former Quebec government health and welfare commissioner, in their report into the profession.
"We believe that it is essential that health-care institutions demonstrate a real desire to put an end to organizational dysfunction and to create conditions that are favourable to the development and use of nurses' skills," the report stated.
Among the measures proposed is the stabilization of care teams by avoiding the use of placement agencies "as much as possible." It is suggested that there be a maximum number of hours of work that can be done per day and per week.
The composition of teams should also be better planned according to the needs of different types of clients. It was also suggested that a nurse-to-patient ratio be established to ensure that the right care is provided at the right time to the right person.
MANDATORY UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Another key recommendation is to make the baccalaureate the only degree that gives access to a license to practice the profession in Quebec within five years.
"In order for nurses to fully take their place and occupy the role that is rightfully theirs, having a university education that would place them on an equal footing with their colleagues in other health professions, for which a university education is required, would certainly contribute to this, in addition to giving credibility to their expertise," said Commissioner Salois, in a press release.
The DEC-Baccalaureate pathway would be another avenue to get a licence, but it would still require university training. The commissioners are recommending transitional measures for students currently in college training and for the approximately 32,000 nurses (43 per cent of the profession) who hold a DEC.
Behind the recommendation to take a university education is the broader principle of recognition of nurses' competencies. The Act provides for 17 activities that are reserved for nurses.
"The exercise has clearly shown that nurses' skills and knowledge are not used to their full potential," said Ducharme.
"In practical terms, this means that nurses continue to perform procedural care that could be done by other members of the care team. This affects the meaning of their work," she said.
SHORTAGE QUESTIONED
The release of the report comes at a time when the Legault government is concerned about the lack of nurses in the public health network. The premier has said he is "working day and night" to find solutions. He has opened the door to increasing nurses' pay to attract those who have turned to the private sector.
Despite the shortage in hospitals, the number of practising nurses is on the rise, according to the commissioners' report. There are 74,467 in 2020-2021, up from 69,776 in 2015-2016. "Objectively, there is reason to believe that we are not short of nurses, but rather of nursing care," the report stated.
"If nurses actually did what they were authorized to do and did not do what others could do, the shortage could be resolved."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.