The nursing shortage crisis: a familiar problem dressed in new clothes: Part II

In this second part of a paper examining the problem of nursing shortages in the health profession in Canada, the author draws on nursing reports from three provinces, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, to identify how professional associations are dealing with the nursing shortage. Although education is seen as a major key to the nursing dilemma, the author notes that Canadian nurses are already exceedingly well educated. Neither more education nor public relation campaigns have been able to overcome the systemic problems facing the nursing profession today. If there is a solution, it lies in a more integrative approach, where structural issues, value issues, and even legal issues related to statute can be addressed. The author believes that the issue of nursing shortages cannot be resolved without a substantial degree of empowerment and autonomy for the profession.