The vast majority of nurses in a recent survey believe understaffing is putting patients at risk.
The survey conducted by the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union heard from a thousand of their members.
It highlights nurses concerns around safety, both for themselves and their patients.
Ninety-three percent believe patients are being put at risk due to working short.
And 77% believe changes in how the employer interprets overtime has increased the time their units have worked short.
NSGEU President Jason MacLean has challenged Premier McNeil and Health Minister Delorey to shadow a nurse during their shift.
“I’ve learned that this government works off of experience, works off of what they see. So, if they get down there and they get to see what’s going on there, then they may act then. But right now, their heads are buried in the sand and they’re not listening to the frontline workers.”
MacLean says the safety of nurses and patients is at stake.
“These guys are working under a lot of stress. They’re also getting bit and kicked and hit by patients and family members. They’re seeing an increase of incidents within the hospitals with patients. More patient falls, more bedsores and whatnot.”
Meanwhile, Carmelle d’Entremont, Vice-President of People and Organizational Development with the Nova Scotia Health Authority calls the results concerning.
While the NSHA hasn’t seen the raw data, d’Entremont says the survey illustrates how nurses are feeling.
“We want, obviously, to provide a workplace where our staff feel supported and feel they can work safely in a safe environment.”
d’Entremont says help is on the way.
“[We’re] Really trying to improve and ramp-up our recruitment efforts both nationally, but also with our three nursing schools here in the province.”
d’Entremont says the NSHA has just offered jobs to over 260 new graduate Registered Nurses and are looking to hire an additional 150.
She says the NSHA will also work with the unions representing nurses to address the overtime issue.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
