Carmustine

A student nurse was attacked with a knife at Vancouver General Hospital, prompting the B.C. Nurses' Union to call for more relational security officers and stricter enforcement of workplace violence directives. The union president warns that improving nurse-to-patient ratios will fail without addressing working conditions.

In summer 2023, a provincial executive steering committee, including members from the Ministry, BCNU, NBA, HEABC, and health authority leaders, convened to oversee a new staffing initiative. Five working groups were formed with shared representation from the Ministry, NBA, HEABC, and health authorities, supported by a centralized project office. In April 2023, the NBA and the Ministry of Health signed an agreement to enhance nursing support by implementing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, with $169.5 million in one-time funding committed to address staffing challenges in rural and urban communities.

BCNU President Adriane Gear acknowledges challenges in B.C. nursing but sees incremental positive change from new nurse-to-patient ratios. B.C. becomes first Canadian province with such ratios, part of a $300 million strategy to recruit 8,000 nurses over four years. Gear emphasizes sustained progress and calls for patience in implementation, viewing the ratios as necessary but insufficient for addressing working conditions.

B.C. and BC Nurses’ Union establish nurse-to-patient ratios in most hospital settings, aiming to improve care and system strength. New recruitment strategies, education opportunities, and supports will make B.C. a leader in nurse practice in Canada. Ratios will be implemented in phases, targeting over 8,000 new nurses, with initial focus on emergency departments. $300 million allocated for nursing workforce development, including international recruitment and retention incentives.

B.C. and BC Nurses’ Union establish nurse-to-patient ratios for most hospital settings, aiming to improve care and system strength. New recruitment strategies and expanded education opportunities will make B.C. a leader in nursing practice in Canada. Ratios will be implemented in phases starting fall 2024, targeting over 8,000 new nurses. $300 million in funding supports these efforts, including incentives for nurses in high-needs areas and international recruitment campaigns.