February 14, 2012 | Alberta

The nursing workforce in Alberta is one of the lowest in the country, sitting well below the national average, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). This statistic is one that Alberta’s nursing supporters would like to change.

While a weakened economy impacted healthcare budgets in Alberta and ultimately resulted in nursing staff cuts 1990s, the rest of the country overall witnessed a 4.7 per cent increase in nurses from 2006 to 2010, according to the report. Practical nurses (PNs) saw a 20 per cent increase during that time.

According to prominent representatives in the nursing field, hiring a significant number of graduates each year will help curb the nursing shortage in the province.

The majority of practical nurses are middle-aged females who predominantly work in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The number of PNs has increased to 81,000 workers in 2010 from 63,990 in 2006, according to the CIHI survey.

With nurses in high-demand across Canada, practical nurses may have an essential role to play in the healthcare system. Those who would like to pursue this career path can take Practical Nursing program at CDI College. To begin, fill out the form on the right.