The OIIQ and initial training : Prioritize improving working conditions!
The Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) submitted its brief to the Office des professions du Québec. It is requesting that only university level diplomas give access to the profession for future nurses. While this brief is the logical outcome of the Estates General on the nursing profession held in May, it is important to note that the decision on reviewing this standard will come after a governmental process that takes several months. The FIQ and FIQP will continue to make sure their members’ rights and interests are respected. A reflection on nurses’ initial training must be done while taking into consideration the impact on the whole nursing and cardio-respiratory care team. What will happen to licensed practical nurses and respiratory therapists for example?
The FIQ and FIQP will conduct a member consultation in the coming year to inform their reflection. The Federations will be able to use this as a basis for deciding on their position.
For the FIQ and FIQP, it is clear that their members’ priority is to tackle the working condition crisis in the health network so they can provide safe care to the population in humane conditions. As it stands, it is difficult, even almost impossible for nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver all the care their patients require. Adopting a law on safe ratios, implementing stable work schedules that promote work-family-personal life balance and eliminating mandatory overtime (MOT) are the ways to reach these objectives.