A new study from the Montreal Economic Institute has found that for every 100 nurses who enter the profession in Canada under the age of 35, 40 leave. In Ontario, that number is slightly lower at 38. 

RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun told CTV News Channel (Oct. 22) that more work is needed to retain young nurses. “Retention is the best way to recruit. If people hear that people are leaving the profession, it becomes harder to recruit,” she said. But there is still some hope as more students are applying to nursing school than ever before. Grinspun noted that, post-pandemic, nursing schools are seeing a high number of applications. “We cannot uptake as many nurses as apply.”

RNAO President-Elect Sue LeBeau responded to the study by explaining the factors that cause early- to mid-career nurses to leave the profession. “The overtime never really stopped – even after the pandemic. The work environments are becoming increasingly dangerous and the level of stress has also not decreased since the pandemic,” she told Radio-Canada (Oct. 23). LeBeau highlighted the unique experiences of nurses working in Northern Ontario, who often take on extra work due to limited staff. “In the north, if we don’t have another professional, it’s the nurse who does the job,” she said. 

RNAO’s report, Nursing Career Pathways, highlights recommendations on how to retain nurses by offering increased compensation, increased staffing and supports, and full-time employment and mentorship.