Dozens of newly recruited international nurses will bolster 30 sites in Central and Northern Alberta, says the province’s provincial health authority.
On Thursday, Alberta Health Services announced 70 internationally educated nurses from about 15 countries are coming to practise at AHS facilities as part of recruitment efforts designed to strengthen the organization’s rural health workforce and services.
“Our government is committed to removing barriers for internationally educated nurses to work in Alberta, and it’s exciting to see the results of our efforts paying off,” said Adriana LaGrange, minister of health and Red Deer-South MLA.
“Alberta is eager to welcome these newcomers, who will support the healthcare teams working tirelessly in rural communities, and we’re grateful to them for choosing our province as their new home.”
About 70 more nurses are anticipated to arrive in the next six months as they accept job offers and move through immigration, with more arriving in cohorts over the next two years.
Janice Stewart, chief zone officer for AHS central zone, said “we look forward to working with” the nurses to help them feel welcome.
“We are grateful to have these nurses joining our teams. Integrating into a community and workplace will be a big transition for them, and we know the warmth and support of our staff and communities will make an incredible difference,” Stewart said.
AHS launched a series of internationally educated nurse recruitment campaigns last year, attracting thousands of applications from around the world.
Internationally educated nurses already employed by AHS as licensed practical nurses or healthcare aides are being offered support to expand their skills and knowledge to become registered nurses.
Plans are also underway to recruit nurses to intensive care units and emergency departments in urban centres. These efforts align with AHS’ comprehensive health workforce strategy to build and strengthen its workforce across the province.
AHS President and CEO Mauro Chies added: “We appreciate the remarkable journey of these nurses and the skills they bring to our rural workforce.
“They’ll benefit our rural sites immensely, which have experienced crucial staffing needs in recent years. Our existing workforce — the staff who’ve have been with us all along — are just as vital. Supporting them and helping them welcome these new team members are also part of our work to strengthen our workforce and system for Albertans.”
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