Important announcement regarding the VIANurse program

RNAO played a central role during the first wave of the pandemic, in many ways, including by running the VIANurse program to recruit and channel thousands of NPs, RNs, RPNs, and PSWs to health organizations in need. Until May 26 it had served more than 313 organizations in different sectors, including 238 long-term care homes, 29 hospitals, 11 public health units, 7 indigenous health facilities, 3 hospices, 3 correctional centres and other sectors. Many of these organizations accessed VIANurse multiple times. RNAO’s initiative and capabilities helped address many of the worst outbreaks, aggravated by staff shortages, and thus saved many lives.

RNAO has now decided it will not re-open the VIANurse program if another wave of COVID hits the province. VIANurse addressed an emergency in a province that was slow in responding to the pandemic, and thus played a vital role. The next waves of COVID should not be an emergency as we can prepare now. In the hard-hit long-term care sector, RNAO has insisted to government and to health organizations – see our press release above – the time to hire staff is NOW, in August, with immediate on-boarding and training of staff to be ready for the second wave of COVID-19 + Influenza season.

RNAO’s RNCareers program – a service open to employers and employees since 2005 – is ready to help you find the resources you need. The career site has served thousands of employers to hire NPs, RNs, RPNs, PSWs, and other health professionals. Individuals seeking work can register for free in the website.