In this article, we would provide an answer to the question ‘are nurses in demand in Canada. Before then, it is important to know who a nurse is and what he or she does.
Who is a Nurse?
According to ICN, a nurse is a person who has completed a program of basic, generalized nursing education and is authorized by the appropriate regulatory authority to practice nursing in his/her country.
In simple terms, a nurse is a person who has received authorized education, acquired specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes, and is registered and licensed to give care to a person who is injured or sick.
Duties of a Nurse
Nurses roles can be divided into three categories. These categories include: registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and Licensed practical nurses. Below are the responsibilities of these nurses according to categories.
Registered Nurses
According to America Nurses Foundation,the following are the key responsibilities of a registered nurse
- Perform physical exams and health histories before making critical decisions
- Provide health promotion, counseling and education
- Administer medications and other personalized interventions
- Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of health care professionals
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
According to the American Nurse Foundation, the following are the key responsibilities of an advanced practice registered nurses;
- Nurse Practitioners prescribe medication, diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries
- Certified Nurse-Midwive provide gynecological and low risk obstetrical care
- Clinical Nurse Specialists handle a wide range of physical and mental health problems
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer more than 65 percent of all anesthetics
Licensed Practical Nurses
According to the American Nurse Foundation, the following are the key responsibilities of a licensed practical nurses;
- Check vital signs and look for signs that health is deteriorating or improving
- Perform basic nursing functions such as changing bandages and wound dressings
- Ensure patients are comfortable, well-fed and hydrated
- May administer medications in some settings
Where do Nurses work in Canada
The following are some of the employers of nurses in Canada;
- Government sector clinics and hospitals
- private sector clinics and hospitals
- private sector healthcare providers contracted to provide services to NHS patients
- voluntary organisations
- local authorities (for work in nursing and residential homes)
- schools and further and higher education institutions
- industry
- prisons and the armed forces
Are Nurses in demand in Canada?
Nurses are in high demand in Canada. This is why there are so many immigration pathways for nurses to choose from to move to Canada. The public health care system is one of the sectors the Canadian government pay much attention to. For this reason, nurses are very special in Canada. Even as the population of Canada grows, so does the demand for nurses grows.
Salary of a Nurse in Canada
According to the Canada Job Bank, registered nurses in Canada can earn as low as $27.03 per hour and as high as $49.00 On average, nurses in Canada make up to $40.00.
This figure is however different for those in Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N) in Canada. According to the Canada Job Bank, registered nurses in Canada can earn as low as $22.59 per hour and as high as $33.90. On average, nurses in Canada make up to $28.70
Top Areas in Canada where Nurses make the Highest Wages
Here are top areas in Canada that Nurses earn the most in Canada
- Northwest Territories
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
- Nunavut
- Yukon Territory