In response to nationwide nursing shortages, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has announced its “success in both adopting a U.S./Canadian recruitment pipeline and partnering with Global Healthcare Resources Inc., attracting over 20 registered nurses from Canada, the Philippines and beyond, as part of its new international nursing program.”
“Across the country, hospitals and health systems have struggled to fill open nursing positions as professionals retire or leave the field at a rate faster than new nurses are being licensed,” said Joseph Ruffolo, NFMMC CEO. “For this reason, we are pleased with our international nursing program’s role in improving recruitment efforts as the health care industry continues to face critical staffing issues. Thanks to our proximity to the Canadian border and our partnership with a dedicated health care staffing company in GHR, Memorial has expanded its recruitment focus while introducing fully certificated, experienced nurses to continue providing excellent patient care.”
NFMMC Director of Recruitment Renee DeLuke said, “Memorial and the Niagara Region have much to offer international nurses. Many Canadian nurses have access to several convenient border bridge options and can take advantage of higher wages. We also offer employees up to a $25,000 sign-on bonus, generous paid time off, life insurance, and the option to access U.S. health, dental and vision insurance plans.”
NFMMC said, “Nurses participating in the program also benefit significantly by growing their skill sets due to access to resources and technology unavailable in their origin country.”