north shore news }{EALTH Nurse numbers uj Katharine Hamer Contributing Writer IN the fight to recruit and retain hospital nurs- es in B.C., Lions Gate appears to be coming out on top. Clay Adams of the North Shore Health Region says the hospital seems to be having better luck than anyone else in the Lower Mainland at atrract- ing new nursing staff. Since the beginning of the vear, Lions Gate has hired 94 Registered Nurses (RNs) — 10 of them for operating theatres. But other hospitals in the Lower Mainiand aren't having such an casy time. St. Paul’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver recently had to shut down two operating rooms — not because of a lack of funds, but because of a shortage of nurses. Adams says nursing short- ages are “an international prob- lem. “No one is generating enough nurses — and a for of nurses here are moving to the U.S. when they graduate. Because it’s a private system, there are no collective agree- ’ ments or union wages, so they're offered better pay. Quite often they'll get reloca- “gon costs und a signing-cn bonus as well.” But in Canadian terms, B.C. in general and the North Shove in particular aren’t faring, Geensda quite so badly as most. The provincial health min- istry has committed to bringing 1,000 nurses into the system over (WO years, at a cost of $50 tnillion. This year, health regions across the province are being given funding to hire 490 new nurses. When contacted, the min- istry was unable to provide cur- rent recruitment numbers for nurses, however. Spokesman Jeff Gaulin said that those figures had not been tracked by the province previ- ously, and that the task force set up in the wake of last winter’s nurses’ strike had not yet returned a report. The North Shore has a rep- utation as a good health region to work in, according to Adams, who adds that part of the appeal of Lions Gate Hospital is the educational pro- grams and mentoring opportu- nites the facility offers new recruits. In the last year, 33 RNs have been trained in speciality areas such as ICU/Critical Care, ER nursing, OR nursing and maternity care —- all at their own speed and in the area of their choice. “We tell our nurses, ‘when you're ready, we're ready,” ” says Lions .Gate Hospital Human Resources _ manager Brenda MacDonald, who added that the region is becoming more proactive and aggressive in its recruitment we strategies. Most hospitals, she said, rely exclusively on job fairs to find nurses. This year MacDonald attended an OR conference in Halifax and managed to attract 10 nurses. “We were the only hospital there,” she said. Her mission was so successful that she now plans to go to a critical care conference in Orawa looking for nurses. MacDonald says that the way Lions Gate deals with new recruits also scts it apart from other hospitals. “When someone walks in with a resume, we drop every- thing to talk to them,” she says. “They'll get to sce a hun:an resources manager and often get a job offer on the spot.” rmeaith netes GET OVER GRIEF: the North Shore Grief Recovery Group is running free sia-ses- sion programs from Sept. 14 for people dealing with bereavement. Sessions are con- ducted by expericniced leaders and provide a safe environment for grieving individuals to share their emotions. Numbers are liraited to 20 participants per two-hour session. Pre-reg- istration is required. For more information, call Gaye at 921- 7048. Leen SAT & SUN SAM STORE HOURS MON TG FRI GAR TO orn TO 7PM TEL? Sunday, September 5, 1999 — North Shore News — 17 Announcing... The North Shores First Fully Equipped PILATES Facility Experience the outstanding benefits of Pilates - baseci Fitness training in a first class facility with the highest standards of equip- pe ear ment, varied programs to suit all levels and a team of enthusiastic, experienced and qualified Trainers. Discover the vaiue of investing in your most valu- able assets - your health, happiness, mobility and inde- pendence. We can help you improve your posture, strength, fiexibility and balance. Stand taller, stabilize your spine, flatten your abdominals and enhance your overall health and well being. Prevent or treat back pain, injuries and degeneration. Move with grace, free- dom and agility - learn to five in your body! We are pleased to offer: Piiates Training: Private, Semi and Group «Pilates Mat Classes -Seniors Strength at Stretch «Group Reformer Classes *Tai Chi «Body Sculrting *Power Waiking *Yoga °Private Martial Arts Training ¢Nutrition and Weight Management Programs Free Introductory Class Call now to reserve your space! Never been on a Reformer? Book your Introductory Special for private Pilates training now! f Just $135 for 3 one-hour sessions - valued at $180 e (offer expires Oct 31/99) : . e ; Esprit de Core rime seaas #262 1847 iviarine Dr. W.Van . 926-2858. ‘Organic and Natural Food Store Effective Dates September 5-12 1999 30630 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver - rax: 987-6185 987-6644 bas They