Speaker Cindy Smith (CEO & Registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan) and Rotarian Joanna Alexander
The purpose of the CNRS is to protect the public through the regulation of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. This is achieved by setting requirements for entry into the profession, approving nursing programs, establishing standards of practice, supporting members to meet the practice standards through consultation and education, promoting continuing learning and professional development and intervening when a member’s practice does not meet standards.
Cindy confirmed there is a lot of negative commentary about nursing in Saskatchewan but assured us there are also numerous positives. The nursing shortage is not only provincial but also national and global. The shortage is not only from lack of supply but also from choices made by the nurses. Many are now opting to work outside acute care, some not to live in remote areas, more are opting for casual or part-time. One of the steps being taken to resolve this was the recent recruitment of 400 nurses from the Philippines. Cindy advised all 400 are now here, have gone through the transition steps needed to meet Saskatchewan criteria and are working in the system.
Another step is looking at the scope of duties for the Nurse Practitioners to see if their job responsibilities could be expanded to include such things as prescribing medications. On a positive note, Cindy advised this year they had some 1000 more nurses renew their licences then the prior year bringing the number involved in the system to 14000.