The province of Nova Scotia wants to fill some positions in long-term care facilities to address staff shortages “caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing vacancies.”
More than 500 health care workers across the province are in self-isolation due to COVID-19, although it is unclear how many of them work in long-term care.
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The province is asking any health care workers who are not currently in the workforce to step in and help.
“There is pressure on the system, there is pressure on long-term care,” Prime Minister Tim Houston said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “If there are people who can stand up and help, you are welcome.”
Houston said he had “no doubt” that many people would apply.
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In a release, the province said temporary, short-term and long-term positions are available for continuing care assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
“Our workers have done a tremendous job and sacrificed so much over the past 20 months,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, in the release.
“They deserve more than our respect. They deserve relief from overtime and canceled days, and our loved ones deserve to be served by people who are not beyond their ability to provide care. ”
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The release said Health Association Nova Scotia is working with the department to recruit people with the necessary skills and training, who are either retired or not currently working in the sector. They are also looking for part-time workers to switch to full-time hours on a temporary basis.
Anyone interested in applying can learn more about the Nova Scotia Health Association website. “All applicants will receive a follow-up call from the association,” the release reads.
It said the short-term positions are funded by current vacancies in the continuing care sector, and the recruitment efforts are being made through a previously announced $ 57 million strategy to improve the sector.
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