Ontario RNs applaud investment in nursing's future

    TORONTO, Feb. 27 /CNW/ - Ontario nurses praise today's announcement by
the provincial government to guarantee full-time employment to every new
nursing graduate, beginning immediately.
    "This is outstanding news for nurses who are just starting their
careers," says Mary Ferguson-Paré, president of the Registered Nurses'
Association of Ontario (RNAO). "It sends a clear message to graduates that the
government is committed to them and wants them to use their knowledge, skills
and compassion to take care of people here at home."
    James Chu, president of the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO), an RNAO
interest group that represents more than 2,500 nursing students in the
province, says today's announcement is welcome news for all new and future
nursing graduates in Ontario. "Students now know that Ontario is committed to
help us secure full-time jobs," says Chu, a new grad himself. "Let's hope that
all new and future graduates will take advantage of this dynamic initiative in
settings all across the province."
    The initiative, which provides $89 million in funding this year for up to
4,000 nursing graduates and multi-year funding thereafter, is something RNAO
has been advocating for several years. "We're delighted that the government
recognizes the importance of finding home-grown solutions because this, along
with other measures such as the Late Career Initiative, is how we can work
together to ensure there are enough nurses to care for Ontarians today and in
the years to come," says Doris Grinspun, RNAO's executive director. "Ontario
has the real potential to become the first North American jurisdiction to make
the nursing shortage history," she adds.

    The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional
association representing registered nurses wherever they practise in Ontario. 
Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in
nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care
system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.

For further information: Marion Zych, Director of Communications,
Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), Phone: (416) 599-1925 or
1-800-268-7199 ext. 209, (647) 406-5605 (cellular phone)