Nurses are continuing to speak out about the staffing crisis and the ways it is causing increased workloads, stress and burnout. As part of RNAO’s annual Fall Tour, members from 11 different communities across the province met virtually and in person with RNAO’s president, immediate past-president and CEO between Sept. 12 - 23, 2022.

It is important that Ontario nurses stay vocal about these issues to keep the pressure on – using a collective voice. Fall Tour allows members to engage with RNAO leadership for an important dialogue. From Waterloo to Lambton, visits took place to discuss what the opportunities and problems are and colleagues shared important ideas and solutions. RNAO leaders also explained the situation during media interviews.

RNAO President Dr. Claudette Holloway shared on Muskoka411 News that “the deepening nursing shortage is causing hardship in all sectors and settings across the province. And yet not enough is being done to alleviate the urgent issues threatening the health of Ontarians and of nurses themselves.”

In The Waterloo Region Record, Morgan Hoffarth, RNAO immediate past-president, said the toll the nursing crisis has taken on nurses is tremendous. “Nurses can’t take breaks. They’re not able to take care of the patients like they want to…They are so overwhelmed with tasks that they forget about the caring aspect of nursing.”

RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun on Windsor’s AM800 added that “Not only are nurses suffering the consequences of the crisis and the workloads, it’s patients and Ontarians, as well. The reality is that nursing is the backbone of the health system…this is why so many hospitals have had to close or shorten the hours to access emergency rooms.”

Read on to see what nurses in different regions and interest groups had to say about the nursing crisis, Bill 124*, public health nurses and internationally educated nurses.