Nova Scotia’s internal travel nurse program launches slowly, offering nurses flexibility and benefits while aiming to ease staffing shortages.
A Promising Program Begins with Cautious Steps
Nova Scotia’s new internal travel nurse initiative, launched this spring, is taking its first steps with measured optimism. While the program aims to place 30 registered nurses in its yearlong pilot at New Glasgow’s Aberdeen Hospital, only eight have joined so far—a deliberate approach, according to health officials.
Why the Slow Start?
Jennifer MacDougall, a director at Nova Scotia Health, explains that selectivity is key. “We’re focused on emergency departments, so applicants must bring at least three years of emergency medicine experience,” she notes. The program also prioritizes permanent, full-time positions, ruling out those seeking casual work. Importantly, current staff can’t transfer if it would leave their original units understaffed.
Learning from Other Provinces
The measured rollout isn’t accidental. Advice from provinces like British Columbia and Manitoba, where similar programs are already in place, was clear: “Start small, let it grow.” MacDougall assures that ongoing recruitment efforts will continue as the pilot develops.
Reducing Reliance on Private Agencies
Nova Scotia, like many provinces, spends millions annually on agency nurses to fill staffing gaps. This reliance can create workplace tension, as agency nurses often earn more than their staff counterparts and may lack familiarity with local hospital systems. The internal travel nurse program aims to offer a more sustainable, integrated alternative.
Familiar Faces, Seamless Transitions
Sandra Mullen, president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, highlights a key benefit: internal travel nurses are already Nova Scotia Health employees. “They know the system, and their presence reassures existing staff,” she says. These nurses receive a pay premium—either $6 an hour or 15% above their base rate—and enjoy full employee benefits, unlike agency nurses.
Work-Life Balance: The Biggest Draw
Flexibility is a major attraction. Nurses in the program typically work four shifts followed by five days off, and those traveling more than 75 kilometers to New Glasgow receive travel compensation and accommodations. Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union, believes the real incentive is guaranteed time off. With the ability to bank extra hours, nurses can enjoy longer breaks without using vacation days.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Challenges
As the pilot unfolds, officials are considering expanding beyond emergency departments. Both MacDougall and Mullen agree that broader opportunities could attract more applicants. However, Hazelton cautions that careful scheduling will be crucial to ensure nurses get the time off they need without risking burnout.
The Bottom Line
Nova Scotia’s internal travel nurse program is off to a cautious but hopeful start. By offering flexibility, competitive pay, and integration within the health system, the province hopes to build a sustainable solution to ongoing staffing challenges—one careful step at a time.
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