The Saskatchewan Government announced today that it is now recruiting for 27 new full-time registered nurses (NPs) and will accept applications until June 10, 2024.
The state government allocated $4.5 million for these positions in this year's budget to increase access to primary care in underserved areas.
The Ministry of Health, working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Association of Nurses (SANP), has prioritized 25 communities in need of additional NP services, including Estevan and Weyburn.
“The Saskatchewan Nurses Association is pleased to see the creation of 27 new positions for nurses across the province,” said Michelle O'Keefe, SANP president-elect. “These positions will help stabilize primary health care services in these communities while also creating employment opportunities for NPs that have been previously underutilized.”
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have received additional training and can perform a broader range of duties, working within a primary care team and providing many of the same services as family doctors. This includes advanced evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic conditions. They can also order diagnostic tests, admit and discharge patients, prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and make referrals to specialty services.
“Nurses play a vital role in Saskatchewan's health-care system and adding jobs to rural and remote areas will ensure residents can get the care they need closer to home,” said Tim McLeod, Minister of Mental Health, Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health. “We look forward to having more nurses providing quality care in Saskatchewan communities.”
The 27 additional positions will strengthen and expand the use of NPs, allowing health care teams to see more patients. There are currently 360 licensed NPs in the state.
