A recent provincial document reveals that turnover is undoing over half of the nurse recruitment progress in Manitoba. According to data obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request, for every 100 nurses hired into the public health-care system from April 2024 to May 2025, approximately 57 nurses exited their positions.
Sonia Udod, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba’s nursing college, emphasized the frustration among nurses, stating that while there was a net gain of 735 nurses in full- and part-time roles during the specified period, the province recruited 1,697 nurses but lost 962.
Udod highlighted the critical need for a focus on nurse retention rather than just recruitment, stressing the importance of addressing challenges faced by nurses, such as heavy workloads and the lack of mentorship opportunities.
The province’s efforts to enhance retention include initiatives like setting minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, although Udod emphasized the need for additional measures to support nurses effectively. The hiring trends correspond with a recent report from the Montreal Economic Institute, indicating a significant departure of young nurses in Manitoba.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara acknowledged the hiring dynamics, noting an overall net gain in nursing staff but emphasizing the ongoing efforts to recruit and retain nurses. Prairie Mountain region experienced a net loss of 23 nurses despite recruitment from local educational institutions, prompting concerns about staffing support in smaller facilities.
While the province reported an increase in casual nurses, Manitoba Nurses Union President Darlene Jackson expressed reservations about relying on casual staff due to the lack of stability in their employment. Asagwara defended the hiring approach, indicating a positive trend in nursing recruitment and retention efforts in Prairie Mountain.
Efforts to address staffing challenges in Prairie Mountain include promoting health careers in schools and expanding training programs for health-care aides. The region has also bolstered its float pool, aiming to reduce dependence on private nursing agencies.
In conclusion, the province is actively working on various strategies to stabilize the nursing workforce and improve retention rates amidst ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector.
