An annual survey from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses indicates that the province’s registered nurses are demoralized, exhausted, and losing confidence in provincial leadership.

Almost 83 per cent reported permanent or temporary vacancies for RNs in their workplace, which is more than double the almost 40 per cent who indicated the same in last year’s survey. Just over 89 per cent say there is currently a shortage of registered nurses to cover absences or to meet higher service demands. Fifty-seven per cent say they have considered quitting in the past year.

SUN President, Tracy Zambory, says, “While the provincial budget begins to tackle future staffing needs in Saskatchewan healthcare, it does very little to address the crisis we’re in right now.” She believes without immediate relief, more RNs will leave the profession.