Nova Scotia’s nurses have a chance to receive $20,000 in bonuses from our province.
The $10,000 is for their efforts during the pandemic and the remaining is if they commit to work in Nova Scotia for another two years.
the $10,000 incentive will be paid next year to nurses who commit to staying in the system for another two years.
“Our nurses do such an amazing job day in and day out. I’m proud to recognize our nurses with these bonuses – because they’ve earned it,” said Premier Houston. “My message to every nurse in the province is ‘We need you.’ As long as you keep working in our province’s healthcare system, our government will have your back.”
To qualify for this incentive to remain in Nova Scotia for two years, the nurse will need to agree to take a publicly funded position by March 31, 2023.
Other healthcare workers, including paramedics, telehealth staff, respiratory therapists, continuing care staff, ward clerks, housekeeping and food service staff, among others, will receive a retention bonus of up to $5,000 in the coming weeks.
Eligible employees work for publicly funded health authorities, Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMCI), Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia, the continuing care sector and disability support programs.
“Through the pandemic and beyond, we know the last few years have been long and hard,” said the Premier. “Many healthcare workers have contributed so much, sacrificed so much to keep us healthy and safe, but don’t feel seen or recognized. We see you and this bonus is our way of saying thank you.”
Bonuses and incentives will be prorated based on the percentage of a full-time equivalent position that an employee holds and when they were hired. For example, if an employee holds a 50 per cent position, they will be eligible for half of the bonus. If they started work after January 2023, they will be eligible for a portion of the bonus.
These bonuses are being offered outside any wage agreements that may be negotiated at the bargaining table. Negotiations are now underway between the health authorities, the Council of Nursing Unions and across the long-term care sector.
