In an effort to secure more permanent nurses in our province.

Premier Tim Houston announced today travel nurses will only be hired for a maximum of 180 days when working for Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health or a government-funded long-term care facility.

“Travel nurses have been a critical part of maintaining our healthcare system while we work to train and hire more nurses. But the associated costs are much higher and there is always the risk of them leaving, creating instability in the system,” said Premier Houston. “There will always be nurses who want to travel, but the change we are making today will encourage more to take on permanent positions where they are needed most. I’m calling on premiers across the country to consider doing the same.”

The province adds that once the six months is over, they must wait one year before being hired again, or take a permanent role or work in a different province, entirely.

Houston said travel nurses have been a critical part of maintaining our healthcare system, but there is always a risk of them leaving, creating instability in the system.

The change comes into effect December 15