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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.