In a July 2023 report published by Statistics Canada, the shortage of nursing professionals that the Commonwealth has experienced in recent years was described as a major challenge for the national health system. The report accounted for over 28,000 job vacancies for registered nurses, including those who work in the psychiatric field. This represented an increase of 24% in job demand for professionals in this field, and it does not include 13,600 vacancies for licensed practical nurses.
The nursing shortage runs counter to ongoing trends in the Canadian labour market, which has vastly improved after the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage is the number one occupation with the biggest annual increase in vacancies, and it is a matter of concern because of the critical role that the nursing profession plays in modern society.
In the history of nursing in Canada, periods of labour shortages are often followed by a positive occupational outlook. If you are thinking about pursuing a bachelor of nursing degree in Canada, the aforementioned report should give you a strong motivation. The shortage is expected to persist until 2031 as elderly demographics increase; plus, many nurses will be retiring in the next few years.
High demand in a professional field is often a good indicator of intermediate job security, which not many Canadian workers enjoy. Moreover, Statistics Canada also reported that the average hourly wage for nurses has increased at a steady rate of 2.9%, which is higher than for many other occupations.
Visit Beal University Canada at bealuniversity.ca today to learn more about how a Bachelor of Nursing degree can expand your horizons. Follow them on Facebook!
