Nova Scotia is rolling out its first team of travel nurses to help with staffing at emergency departments.

It’s to help keep travel nurses already working in our health care system and limit hiring from private companies.

The province says it is the first of its kind in the Maritimes.

President of the Nova Scotia Nurses Union, Janet Hazelton says, they have been calling on the province to reduce its reliance on agency nurses since before the pandemic.

“This announcement is a step in the right direction, one that provides structure, support and stability for those interested in working in this area of nursing and for Nova Scotians who require care.”

It will include 20-30 full-time registered nurses who will have $6/hour or 15 per cent – whichever is higher- added to their base hourly wage for all shifts worked as a travel nurse.

Internal candidates will continue to acquire pension, senior and maintain their benefits.

Nova Scotia Health will share details soon abut information sessions for anyone interested.

The program is expected to launch by the end of March.