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By Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Getting more nurses working in B.C., faster

Jan 18, 2023 | 10:48 AM

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CONCERNS that people share with me is the challenges they have faced when it comes to healthcare, and I know my colleagues are hearing similar things.

These stories are especially acute to me, as a former nurse and as a family member of two healthcare workers. I know just how hard nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals work every day to care for as many patients as possible, providing everyone with the highest standards of care.

Healthcare is a top priority for our government, and one of the ways we can address these challenges is by getting more nurses in our hospitals as soon as possible.

Last week, we announced another step to get more nurses working in B.C. Our government will be covering the cost of application and assessment fees for internationally trained nurses to get ready to work in our healthcare system. The fees, which previously cost more than $3,700, will be covered up front, removing financial barriers and helping to get these nurses into jobs more quickly.

Back in September, we also began streamlining the assessment and registration process, to reduce the waiting period for these nurses down from three years to about nine months.

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There are talented and skilled nurses with the right experience who want to practice in B.C. and support high-quality care, but they have been kept on the sidelines by an expensive and complicated registration process.

In fact, I’ve experienced these barriers first-hand. As a nurse who was trained outside of Canada, I encountered many of these barriers when I wanted to begin working in B.C. several years ago. I’m so glad that this change will lead to a smoother process for these nurses, who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to their work and their care for patients.

On top of these changes, we are also providing new financial support to nurses who have left the field and want to come back to practice. They will no longer have to pay the $300 application fee, and they will be eligible for bursaries up to $10,000 to cover the costs of assessments and training they need to re-enter the workforce.

We need more nurses working in B.C., now more than ever. Whether they were trained in or out of the province, whether they are just starting their career or are coming back to the sector, we are ready to welcome those who are ready to care for British Columbians.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.