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REGINA:  CUPE will hold a news conference in Regina on Wednesday, May 21, to discuss the need for a strategic plan to fully utilize licensed practical nurses.

Although there is a nursing shortage in Saskatchewan, licensed practical nurses  
continue to be woefully under-utilized.

A new report prepared by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, A practical solution to the nursing shortage, says a long-term solution to the nursing shortage won’t be found until the issues facing LPNs are addressed.

The report also notes that prior to 2000, a degree was not required to become an RN in Saskatchewan. In 2006, for example, 65.8% of registered nurses in Saskatchewan reported their highest education level was the two-year diploma.

Practical nurses also graduate with a two-year diploma.

CUPE presented its report and plan to fully utilize practical nurses to SAHO last month.

The news conference will discuss the report and the union’s recommendations to fully utilize practical nurses.

The news conference will be held on: 

Wednesday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Regina CUPE Regional Office
3731 East Eastgate Drive

Participants will include: 

Suzanne Posyniak, CUPE Staff Rep 
Gloria Fingas, Licensed Practical Nurse
Judy Zawyrucka, Licensed Practical Nurse
Gordon Campbell, President CUPE Health Council

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For more information contact Beth Smillie at 229-4908.
Cope491