Survey shows that Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in northern Ontario communities are experiencing high levels of workload pressure, anxiety, workplace violence and physical and mental exhaustion.
This survey, administered by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) from March to April, was answered by 200 RPNs working at hospitals in Sudbury, Kenora and Fort Frances. The total number of nurses who took the survey across Ontario is 2,650.
Michael Hurley, President of CUPE’s OCHU, said the polling paints a stark picture of exhausted nurses who feel unvalued and unsupported.
“A large number are considering leaving nursing. At every turn, doors have been slammed in their faces. Refused the protective equipment they need to work safely,” Hurley said. “Not fully vaccinated despite working with COVID-19 patients. Not being paid if they catch COVID-19 at work and must take 10 days off. Told to accept real wage cuts. Nurses have really stepped up for the people of Ontario during this crisis and they deserve so much more from their government than platitudes.”
These findings were reported during a teleconference, which was also attended by Sharleen Stewart, president of SEIU Healthcare (Services Employees International Union).
Stewart said there is a growing level of worker dissatisfaction and burnout.
“Research shows us that denying registered practical nurses fair wages and safe staffing levels mean our hospitals are about to experience an exodus of front-line staff,” Stewart added. “The burnout is real and decision makers must heed the warnings. Nurses cannot continue to take on more work done by fewer staff—staff who are now carrying the emotional and physical weight of a pandemic.”
Prior to the pandemic, Stewart said Premier Ford’s government made hallway healthcare worse and allowed wait times to grow.
“In the aftermath of the pandemic, we’re asking for a better deal for Ontario’s registered practical nurses.” she added.
Sharon Richer, treasurer of CUPE and OCHU, provided the breakdown of the survey carried out by Oracle Poll Research.
Richer said the purpose of the poll was to gather information from CUPE’s RPNs on workplace issues, including health and safety, workload and morale during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ninety-two per cent of RPNs who answered the poll said they worked through the entire COVID-19 pandemic, with 89 per cent who said there was potential for medical errors,” Richer said.
According to Richer’s findings, 43 per cent of the nurses in the Northern Ontario area said they had either been infected with COVID-19 or had been exposed to the virus at work, forcing them to self-isolate or quarantine. After being exposed to COVID-19, 36 per cent stated they were not paid for their sick leave, Richer said.
