**** NS College of Nurses Media Release
OVER 300 MORE NURSES LICENSED IN NOVA SCOTIA, ACCORDING TO NEW NURSING REGULATOR
After six-months in operation as the new one nursing regulator, the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) is pleased to share that over 300 more nurses are licensed in the province this year compared to 2018. This reflects 260 (2.7%) more RNs and NPs and 48 (1.1%) more LPNs who are now qualified to work as a nurse in this province as of November 1.
“As the new and only nursing regulator, this was our first time re-licensing nurses of all designations in this province – LPN, RN and NP,” shares Sue Smith, CEO and Registrar of NSCN. “In our public protection role, Nova Scotians are our top priority and the annual licence renewal process is a way to ensure that every nurse working in the province is qualified to provide safe and competent nursing care. As of November 1, there are 13,993 nurses who fulfill this role.”
To celebrate a successful six-months in operation as the new nursing regulator, NSCN is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, December 4 from 3-5 p.m. at their new office in Bedford. The event is open to the public and is a way to meet the organization’s new Board, senior leadership team and staff; network with leaders, nurses and community members; and learn more about how the organization is working on behalf of all Nova Scotians.
The Open House celebration comes on the heels of a historic three-year collaborative effort to create one single body to regulate all nurses in Nova Scotia. On June 4 2019, this work was achieved when the Nursing Act was proclaimed and the two legacy nursing Colleges dissolved, paving the way for NSCN as the sole nursing regulator in Nova Scotia.
In addition to the Open House, NSCN will continue to engage the public, nurses and other key stakeholders in its work. For more information, contact us or visit our website.
