Press Release: First-Time Registration Fee Waived for Nurses in New Brunswick
Fredericton, Monday, January 15, 2024 – In a historic move set to enhance accessibility to the nursing profession, starting January 22, 2024, newly graduated nurses from New Brunswick and their counterparts from across Canada will be exempt from registration fees for their initial registration with the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB).
In a collaborative effort between NANB and the Government of New Brunswick, the provincial government will sponsor the initial registration fees for both local and out-of-province applicants who become newly registered in New Brunswick. This initiative to help first-time registrants entering the nursing profession is made possible through funding from the province of New Brunswick. The province has committed $2.7 million over five years.
This decision eliminates financial barriers to entry into the nursing profession. NANB expresses its profound appreciation for the commitment and cooperation demonstrated by all stakeholders within the healthcare sector, showcasing a unified dedication to fostering a robust and inclusive nursing community.
“This agreement with the province is a testament to the shared vision of creating an environment where aspiring nurses can embark on their professional journey unencumbered. We are immensely grateful for the collaborative spirit that has brought about this positive change” said Denise LeBlanc-Kwaw, CEO and Registrar of the Nurses Association of New Brunswick.
“Nursing recruitment is key to ensuring we have a well-staffed health care system that can provide New Brunswickers with the care they need,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch. “Working with the Nurses Association of New Brunswick to reduce the barriers for nurses entering the profession is one more way we are working to increase staffing, which benefits patients and ensures other healthcare workers are part of a well-resourced team.”
“We are encouraged by the exponential growth in the number of students enrolled in nursing programs here in the province, having increased by over 90 percent in the past five years,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Arlene Dunn. “We are pleased to support this initiative that will assist post-secondary students with their transition from learning to becoming established in our health care system.”
This monumental step forward reflects the collective dedication to nurturing a diverse and skilled nursing workforce, ultimately benefiting the healthcare landscape in New Brunswick. NANB and the Government of New Brunswick anticipate the positive impact of this measure on the future of nursing in the province.
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