A provincial report reveals that turnover is negating over half of Manitoba’s nurse recruitment progress. Between April 2024 and May 2025, for every 100 nurses hired, approximately 57 nurses exited the public health-care system. Sonia Udod, a University of Manitoba nursing college associate professor, emphasized that despite a net gain of 735 nurses during this period, the province brought in 1,697 nurses while losing 962.
Concerns have been raised about the high turnover rate, with Udod highlighting the need for better retention strategies. Udod’s nurse retention workshop identified issues such as heavy workloads and lack of recognition as major factors contributing to nurse departures. The establishment of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, which the government is working on, is seen as a step toward addressing these concerns.
The data aligns with a recent report indicating a significant number of young nurses leaving the workforce shortly after entering. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara emphasized the importance of a coordinated recruitment and retention approach, mentioning initiatives to expand pathways for internationally educated nurses and collaborate with rural partners.
In terms of regional breakdown, Winnipeg and Shared Health both experienced losses despite initial gains in nurse staffing. Prairie Mountain Health, in particular, saw a net loss of 23 nurses. While there have been efforts to attract and retain nurses in the region, challenges persist, with concerns raised about the stability of casual nursing staff.
Asagwara acknowledged the staffing challenges in Prairie Mountain but noted improvements and ongoing efforts to address the situation. Despite the current setbacks, the government remains optimistic about the overall trajectory of nursing workforce development in Manitoba.