As government prepares to unveil its 2025 provincial budget, the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) is urging bold action to stabilize and strengthen the public healthcare system. The union says any meaningful plan must start with understanding the true scope of the challenges nurses face — and making real investments to address them.
For RNU, that includes an immediate focus on retention, workplace safety, and empowering Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to meet the growing need for access to care.
“You can’t fix what you won’t measure — and we still don’t have an accurate picture of how deep the staffing crisis runs,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNU. “Nurses are burning out in a system built on outdated staffing models, enduring violence, working short, and feeling like they’re shouting into the wind. If this budget doesn’t address retention and workplace safety head-on, we’re going to lose more of the nurses we desperately need.”
While recruitment continues to make headlines, RNU says retention must be the top priority. That means correcting pay disparities, investing in safe workplaces, and following through on government’s stated commitment to address violence in healthcare. The union believes that commitment must include the creation of an Independent Health Sector Safety Council, an idea that has seen little progress despite previous assurances.
RNU is also calling on government to modernize the funding model for Nurse Practitioners, enabling them to work to their full scope and expand access to care across the province. Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses with advanced education and training — often leading primary care teams and clinics in areas where no other access exists.
“Nurse Practitioners are ready to be part of the solution, but outdated funding structures are holding them back,” said Coffey. “This budget is government’s chance to show that it’s serious about transforming healthcare — by investing in the professionals who are an anchor in our public health system and giving them the tools to lead.”
RNU will be reviewing tomorrow’s budget closely and will continue advocating for immediate, concrete steps to support nurses and strengthen public healthcare for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners working in acute care, long-term care, community, education, and research. The Union advocates for its members and the public healthcare system to improve access, quality, and sustainability of care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Phone: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca