Worsening Shortages, Mass Departures, Intolerable Working Conditions: A Media Analysis of Canada's Nursing Workforce Crisis

AIM: To explore the nature and content of Canadian media coverage surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic by wave - spanning from 2020 to 2024, identifying health policy and system responses that emerged as strategies in retaining the nursing workforce. BACKGROUND: COVID-19 was an unprecedented health crisis impacting healthcare delivery and the healthcare workforce globally. It caused tremendous turbulence and strain, testing system capacity due to staff shortages, resource limitations and issues accommodating high volumes and acuity levels of patients. Across Canada, the pandemic resulted in mobilization of policy and system responses to address workforce challenges that emerged. METHODS: A qualitative content analysis was conducted of online media coverage from nursing organizations and government websites published from January 2020 to March 2024, as well as newspaper articles from the Canadian Newsstream database. RESULTS: Synthesized findings were categorized according to waves of the pandemic, highlighting key themes surrounding system and policy responses that emerged. Government investments to increase wages, educate additional staff and enhance protection for workers were among the measures employed. DISCUSSION: This review captures the evolution and progression of the health crisis, its impact on the nursing workforce and associated responses. Workforce development and retention were emphasized through measures to enhance mental health and wellness, improve protection for workers and address safe staffing practices. CONCLUSION: Nurses played a pivotal role throughout the global pandemic. Multiple system and policy responses were identified as key facets in strengthening, supporting and sustaining the nursing workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND NURSING POLICY: Measures implemented illustrate the instrumental role that stakeholders, including the government and nursing organizations, play in building capacity and prioritizing efforts to protect nurses and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.