Nearly 70 nurses from around the globe are coming to Alberta to bolster staff at Alberta Health Services sites in central and northern Alberta. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Alberta Health Services adding nearly 70 nurses to sites in central, northern Alberta

Oct 5, 2023 | 3:54 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Nearly 70 internationally-trained nurses are arriving in Alberta to bolster staffing at Alberta Health Services (AHS) clinics.

The nurses, who hail from nearly 15 different countries, will arrive over the next six months in order to staff 30 different AHS sites in central and northern Alberta. The sites include hospitals, community health centres and long-term care facilities in greatest need of assistance.

Janice Stewart, Chief Zone Officer for AHS Central Zone, said, “We are grateful to have these nurses joining our teams. Integrating into a community and workplace will be a big transition for them, and we know the warmth and support of our staff and communities will make an incredible difference.”

AHS launched a series of internationally educated nurse recruitment campaigns last year, and reported that thousands of applications were submitted.

All of the arriving nurses were screened to make sure they have the required skills for nursing in Alberta.

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Fadumo Robinson, Associate Chief Nursing Officer said, “These nurses have answered the call from across the globe, and they’re bringing a great deal of skill and experience with them.”

AHS said more nurses will arrive over the next two years to further bolster sites. Plans are also underway to recruit nurses to intensive care units and emergency departments in urban centres.

The plans are part of AHS’ health workforce strategy to build and strengthen its workforce in Alberta.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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