College of Registered Nurses Finds Agreement Between Manitoba Public and Registered Nurses on Key Areas Related to Nursing Workforce and Regulation

August 25, 2025

WINNIPEG – With ongoing challenges continuing to affect the health system in Manitoba, registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) and members of the Manitoba public broadly agreed on a number of related topics explored in two surveys commissioned by the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (College) from national research firm Léger in May and June of this year.

“Earlier this year, the College engaged Léger to administer two surveys seeking input from Manitobans and from our registrants on a number of areas that affect our regulatory work,” said Deb Elias, CEO/Registrar of the College. “The results show clear backing for enhancing supports for new nurses and nurses who are already part of the health workforce in Manitoba, as well as growing our capacity to educate more nurses here in Manitoba. We found agreement on the importance of the independence of regulatory bodies like the College in setting professional standards. We also take to heart the fact that members of the public, RNs and NPs brought to light some opportunities for improvement, to boost awareness and to build relationships to inform our continued evolution of the regulation of the RN profession.”

Highlighted survey findings included:

• Agreement on the top 3 measures to address nurse staffing challenges:
  

  	Top Priorities	RNs & NPs	Manitobans
  1	Addressing workplace conditions to support retention of nurses working in the health system	95%	79%
  2	Enhancing supports for new nurses	88%	81%
  3	Increasing the number of seats in registered nursing and nurse practitioner education programs in Manitoba	77%	76%

• Most Manitobans (90%) as well as RNs and NPs (87%) agree that standards/requirements for recent nursing practice or experience should be met
• 66% of RNs and NPs also agreed that enhanced on-the-job training and mentorship can be effective in addressing gaps in nursing skills or knowledge
• 64% of Manitobans and 62% of RNs and NPs agree that professional regulatory bodies should operate at arm’s length from the provincial government
• 46% of Manitobans identified some level of familiarity with the education, training and responsibilities of RNs in Manitoba.

“The results of these surveys have helped to inform the College’s work over the summer months to implement a range of initiatives to support new registrants in meeting requirements for recent RN practice, expand expedited registration pathways for internationally educated nurses, and to increase flexibility and supports for all applicants seeking to join the health workforce in Manitoba,” said Elias. “We also know that we can and must continue to engage with RNs, NPs, our partners and the public to bolster awareness of our regulatory mandate and to ensure our work to protect and serve the public interest continues to evolve with changing needs and expectations.”

The College will continue to engage with RNs, NPs, system partners and the public throughout the fall. This will begin with a survey to be distributed this week aimed to gather internationally educated nurses’ perspectives and to open a productive dialogue regarding ongoing efforts to support an effective transition to RN or NP practice in Manitoba. Further information regarding upcoming engagements and consultations will be posted to the College’s website and social media channels.

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Martin Lussier
Manager of Communications and Public Engagement
204-789-0662
mlussier@crnm.mb.ca

Additional resources:

• Highlighted Survey Results, Key Facts & Figures