This is nursing week in Canada and Orillia’s Soldiers memorial Hospital not experiencing any immediate nursing shortage.
Chief Nursing Executive Cheryl Harrison, speaking with Sunshine 89.1 news says they are fortunate that they only have a few positions to fill.
However she says that wont be the case over the next few years as projections by the Canadian Nurses Association show that up to 60 thousand new nurses will be needed over the course of the next 15 years to replace those who will be retiring.
Harrison says the role of nurses also has changed over the years and they now work in co operation with other medical professionals when dealing with patients.
She says its more of a team effort now when planning out patient care while in the hospital and when they are discharged.
Harrison says they have expanded the role of registered practical nurses in some speciality areas line dialysis and the emergency department.
