The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNUNL) is deeply concerned about the growing number of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who have reached out, sharing their experiences of unfulfilled job promises. These nurses were recruited to Newfoundland and Labrador with assurances of full-time, permanent nursing positions, but many are facing a starkly different reality.

Despite passing their NCLEX exams and holding licenses to practice, IENs are often working as Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and Ward Clerks instead of as registered nurses.

“These nurses are eager to contribute to our healthcare system, and yet they are not getting the opportunities they were promised,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNUNL. “The stories we are hearing are distressing: licensed nurses being left in limbo, denied full-time positions, and some even having their work hours cut.”

IENs have told the Union they have settled into Newfoundland and Labrador, bought homes, and wish to become a part of the communities they live in. Yet, months after their arrival, they remain sidelined.

“This situation is unacceptable, especially in the face of a healthcare crisis with over 600 registered nurse vacancies,” added Coffey. “Our healthcare system is in dire need of these skilled nurses, so why are they not being hired?”

RNUNL is also hearing similar frustrations from nursing students. Just last week, students reported being ignored by recruiters and watching as preference was given to private agency nurses rather than investing in the talent trained right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We must ask: who is profiting here?” Coffey stated. “Our public healthcare system is hemorrhaging millions of dollars on private agency nurses. It’s certainly not the people of Newfoundland and Labrador or the nurses, IENs, or nursing students who are benefiting from this situation.”

The Union is calling for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) to provide immediate explanations and concrete solutions.

“The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve a well-staffed, robust public healthcare system, and these nurses deserve the chance to do the work they were brought here to do. It’s time for NLHS to be held accountable and to prioritize the people of this province over private profit.”

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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador:
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNUNL) represents more than 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education, and research. The Union advocates for quality healthcare and safe, professional working conditions for all registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Our mission is to advance the social, economic, and professional interests of our members for the betterment of patient care and the healthcare system as a whole.

Media Contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Phone: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca