There are over 19,000 nurses working in Saskatchewan. The provincial government is highlighting this during National Nursing Week, saying in a news release that nurses of all designations are critical to the health of our communities and the future of the health care sector.

Health Minister Everett Hindley highlighted the Health Human Resources Action Plan to deal with staff shortages in health care, noting that nearly 1,100 nursing graduates since the plan was launched in September of 2022 and more than 250 Filipino nurses are in Saskatchewan with more than 160 now working across the province. The government news release also points to the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive, leading to 305 incentives provided so far in the nursing field.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Chief Nursing Officer, Andrew McLetchie, thanks nurses for their ongoing dedication and care they deliver every day.

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Seventy-two seats have been added to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Continuing Care Assistant program in recognition of the need for more workers. A news release from Sask Poly says CCAs are a part of their School of Nursing and they wanted to recognize this investment from the province during National Nursing Week. The 72 additional seats brings the total available to 245.

Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant says, “This year our government is providing over $1 million in operating funding for these additional 72 CCA seats, which will provide more opportunities to train for this essential, in demand career.”  It’s a 32-week certificate program that students can take in Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert.