Local hospitals are putting a call out for all nurses, retired or not currently working in the acute care system to be a part of emergency response plans.
Windsor Regional Hospital is putting plans in place to cover significant sick time, as well as an increase in hospital beds if the novel coronavirus affects the community as it has in other jurisdictions.
Steps have already been taken to bring in and train new staff so that they are ready to go in case of shortages.
To help fill the gap, the College of Nurses in Ontario has opened an expedited process for nurses working in other jurisdictions or whose licenses have lapsed in the last three years to register with the college under the Emergency Class. According to the CNO, the Emergency Assignment Class comes into effect when the province declares an emergency and asks the college to register qualified nurses.
There is no fee for this registration and it can be made online.
Any qualified registered nurse or registered practical nurse who is not currently working is encouraged to contact human resources at any of the local hospitals to become a part of the temporary emergency workforce.
