The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNUNL) is calling on members of the public to speak out in support of the province’s Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), whose ability to provide consistent, high-quality care is being undermined by persistent staffing challenges and delays in workplace support.

Across the province—from St. John’s to Labrador—nurses are doing everything they can to meet the needs of patients. But behind the scenes, many are facing mounting obstacles that directly affect their ability to provide the care Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve.

“We hear from members every day who are committed to their patients and communities, but who are stretched thin,” said Yvette Coffey, President of RNUNL. “This is not just a workforce issue—it’s a public issue. When nurses don’t have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, it impacts the entire population.”

While staffing shortages have existed for years, RNUNL is increasingly concerned about the centralized decision-making model adopted by NL Health Services. The removal of local autonomy for nurse leaders has led to inconsistent staffing practices—including frequent reassignment of staff and a loss of flexibility that directly affects patient care.

At the same time, the province’s growing reliance on private agency nurses has done little to improve long-term stability. Public dollars are being directed toward temporary measures rather than sustainable solutions that keep skilled nurses in permanent, local roles.

“Our health care system works best when patients are cared for by nurses who are part of their communities, who understand their needs, and who are invested in their long-term outcomes,” Coffey said. “The public deserves a stable, dependable workforce—not quick fixes.”

Recent findings from the Auditor General’s report have further highlighted the province’s escalating spending on private agency nurses, raising serious concerns about value for money, oversight, and long-term sustainability. While these contracts have filled short-term gaps, they have not addressed the root causes of workforce instability.

RNUNL is calling on the Public Accounts Committee to launch a robust and transparent investigation into agency spending, with a focus on accountability, outcomes, and ensuring that public funds support long-term improvements to the health care system.

Equally troubling is the pace at which serious concerns from frontline staff are being addressed. Delays in responding to workload accommodations, harassment, workplace violence, and occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues create unnecessary risks for both staff and patients.

“Our members are advocating for change not just for themselves, but for the patients and families they serve,” Coffey said. “When their concerns go unanswered, it slows down the entire system—and ultimately, it’s the public that feels the impact.”

RNUNL is encouraging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to contact their Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) and ask for meaningful investment in long-term health care planning, appropriate staffing, and timely support for those on the front lines.

“Nurses are here for the people of this province—we always have been,” Coffey said. “Now we’re asking the public to stand with us. Hope is not a course of action. Real change requires public pressure and political will.”

TAKE ACTION:

Contact your local MHA and tell them:

• Nurses deserve respect, relief, and real staffing solutions.
• Denying leave and ignoring violence, harassment, and OH&S complaints is unacceptable.
• Call on the Public Accounts Committee to launch a robust and transparent investigation into agency spending.

-30-

About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador

The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners across the province, advocating for quality health care, safe working conditions, and respect for the nursing profession.

For more information, please contact:

Media Contact:

David Hammond
Executive Director

Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Phone: (709) 753-9961

Email: dhammond@rnunl.ca