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The loss of experienced nurses will affect care and training of new nurses, Aug. 22; The ‘bed shortage’ is a facade — our hospital capacity is limited by a lack of nurses, not furniture, Aug. 15

Leave it to a registered nurse (RN) to cut through the confusion as to what is ailing our health system!

The solution is not just simply adding more hospital beds.

No care can be provided to a patient in a bed without a nurse beside it.

And, yet, this is what is served up as the cure to our current health system woes.

People in Ontario deserve to know the facts.

We will not stop the exodus from our profession until we address the factors causing nurses to leave.

Repealing Bill 124 is the place to start.

We also need to make Ontario an attractive place for nurses to build their careers after completing their education. We must reduce workloads, put more workplace supports into place and ensure professional opportunities for development.

Next, add seats in baccalaureate programs so the 30 per cent increase in applications from those who wish to become RNs can realize their dream. And, fund universities to meet the 70 per cent increase in applicants who want to become nurse practitioners (NP).

A concerted effort to understand the problem and tackle its root causes can lead us to a place where Ontarians do not have to worry if care will be there when they need it.

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