Nurses’ Union hears from hundreds of nurses wanting to help with immunization efforts

Nova Scotia could soon be in receipt of a considerable influx of COVID-19 vaccines, however, whether the province is able to get shots-in-arms in a timely manner is in question.

As the race to achieve herd immunity and that 75 to 85% target of double-dose inoculation gains speed, there’s concern about our supply of health human resources. In order to safely loosen more restrictions and meet standard immunization targets, the province is ramping up efforts by expanding clinic hours, vaccine locations and opening walk-in sites. To succeed, all require increased support from qualified healthcare personnel.

Recognizing that nurses play a significant role in the delivery of care, and that as demand for vaccines increases so does the need for experienced individuals to administer shots, the Nurses’ Union took the challenge and reached out to its 7900-plus members asking for assistance should public health issue a call for help.

“Within less than an hour close to 100 nurses responded, saying they would step up, find time in their busy schedules to answer the call. That’s remarkable,” says NSNU president, Janet Hazelton. 

Since that initial request was sent by the Nurses’ Union on June 11th, hundreds more have responded, offering to assist in reaching provincial vaccination goals. Given that other health services are returning, or have returned to pre-COVID status, it’s a significant gesture.

“Nurses from all sectors and designations replied to our email, willing to give up days off, time with family and friends, to work beyond their regular shifts and jobs to help in their communities. I’m not surprised because this is what nurses routinely do – it’s in their DNA,” says Hazelton.

The list containing the names and contact information of nurses willing to sign up for shifts in vaccination clinics across the province has been sent to the Health Authority should the need for additional experienced workers arise.

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The NSNU represents over 7900 Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Practical Nurses working in hospitals, long term care facilities, and community care (VON and Canadian Blood Services). NSNU represents nurses in acute care in hospitals in all 4 Health Zones 4, the IWK, long-term care facilities throughout Nova Scotia and our VON. The NSNU is a member organization of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions which represents over 200,000 nurses and student nurses across Canada.

Contact

Coleen Logan, Communications Officer
Email: coleen.logan [at] nsnu.ca
Mobile: 902-430-6169