A new report identifies a critical shortage of Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN’s) in Saskatchewan.

There are an estimated 165 vacant RPN positions, which has led some mental health units to temporarily close beds due to lack of staff.

“The assessment highlights a significant supply and demand gap,” said Beverly Balaski, executive director of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan. “Half of the province’s psychiatric nurses are over the age of 50 and eligible to retire, with the majority intending to do so within the next three to five years.”

Some of the report’s key findings include:

-120 education seats are required to sustain the profession in Saskatchewan

-Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford is reportedly unable to fully open all units

-RPN retirements exceed those graduating and entering the profession

Balaski says immediate government investment is necessary to ensure an adequate number of RPN’s are available to address the mental health and addictions crisis.

Specialized education prepares RPN’s to intervene in psychiatric emergencies, including overdoses, psychoses, and suicide crises.