**** NSHA Media Release
Retired nurses returning to the front lines under new program
Nova Scotia Health’s new Retire-to-Rehire program has seen 73 retired nurses return to work since November 2022.
The program, which accelerated the hiring process and removed barriers, has been implemented across all four health care zones, with 39 nurses coming out of retirement in Central Zone, 15 nurses in Eastern Zone, 11 nurses in the Western Zone, and eight nurses in Northern Zone.
“We know recently retired nurses have so much to offer and getting them back providing care to patients and mentoring newly hired graduates is so valuable. The Retire-to-Rehire program streamlines that process and joins a number of initiatives to fill nurse vacancies across the province,” said Department of Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson.
“As a former registered nurse, I know that each and every one of these returning nurses represents another set of experienced hands to help provide the care Nova Scotians deserve across the province.”
As part of the Retire-to-Rehire program, Nova Scotia Health has implemented a range of enhancements to ensure a seamless return for retired nurses, including:
- Retirees are no longer required to provide a resume/cover letter and proof of education, streamlining the process and saving valuable time.
- Recruitment assistants are available to help retirees who express interest in returning, to guide them through the process and address any questions they may have.
- The onboarding process is now expertly handled by recruitment assistants on behalf of the retiree, making the transition smoother and more efficient.
- Retirees returning within 12 months of retirement are no longer required to submit a new Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Check. Moreover, if their immunization record and health assessment were up to date before retiring, they are exempt from completing a pre-placement health assessment.
- Orientation is now optional, unless there have been significant changes.
“The union has heard from retired nurses that the process to return to work was cumbersome,” said Janet Hazelton, president of the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union. “Nova Scotia Health has listened and made the necessary adjustments to make the process less complicated.”
Retired nurses who are considering returning to Nova Scotia Health can contact recruitment.services@nshealth.
Additional resources:
Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health career opportunities: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/
Continuing care career opportunities: https://jobs.
Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/
Mandate letter of the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_
