Over 260 Organizations Back Proposed ICAN Act to Enhance Nurse Practice

The healthcare system in North West Territories (NWT) is in crisis due to a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, leading to a reliance on contract staff and less continuity of care. Legislative change is suggested to create a nursing-specific collective agreement, as current laws force nurses into a collective bargaining unit unsuitable for their unique challenges. Meanwhile, the United States faces similar issues, prompting support for the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, which aims to remove practice barriers for advanced practice registered nurses and improve patient care access. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare is raising concerns among nursing unions, as it may undermine the expertise of nurses while addressing issues of burnout and staffing shortages. As AI technology becomes more prevalent, nurses are advocating for a say in its implementation to ensure quality care is maintained. These developments highlight ongoing challenges in retaining nursing staff and adapting to technological advancements in healthcare.