With the COVID-19 crisis upon us, there's a desperate need for more registered nurses.
The College of Nurses of Ontario is putting out a call to retirees and those who have let their nursing licenses expire.
Windsor Regional Hospital's Vice President of Critical Care Karen Riddell says the registration process for emergency class nurses is being expedited in an effort to boost numbers.
She says the college is looking to reinstate as many nurses as possible.
"We're seeing a worst case scenario right now in northern Italy with what's happening there. So, typical planning involves planning for anywhere between an additional 50% to 100% capacity. So you can imagine you're at least needing a half times more staff or double your staff."
Riddell says any registration fees are being waived.
"What this allows is a quick method of getting registered in Ontario so they can work as a registered nurse or a registered practical nurse and assist our health care services. It's a great thing with the situation that we're in right now."
She says the college will be granting licenses to nurses registered elsewhere as well.
"It's kind of a moving target right now. We're brought a number of people back from retirement already. We've brought in some nursing students. This would help very much to be able to have some trained registered nurses and trained registered practical nurses re-enter the workforce in Ontario."
According to the College of Nurses, the Emergency Assignment Class process goes into effect when the province declares an emergency.
More information about the program can be found HERE.
— with files from AM800's Patty Handysides