The L’Élyme des sables palliative care home in Sept-Îles has an urgent need for nursing staff, but assures that its future is not at stake.
Two nurses must be hired immediately, but from the outset, the sustainability of the establishment is not threatened, guarantees the general director, Michel Bellavance. Despite the current situation, there is no reduction or compromise being made on the quality of care offered, he insists.
In particular, there are retired nurses who come back to contribute.
“We have staff who, thank God, come to give us a big helping hand. I take my hat off to them, because they know we have difficulty and they agree to put their shoulder to the wheel,” he said, recalling in passing the strong support of people and businesses to encourage the Sand lyme.
The organization released a video on social media to demystify what it’s like to work in a hospice, in hopes of motivating health care workers to join the team.
“We wanted to show that working at L’Élyme des sables is not just about being around death and that it’s sad all the time,” says the care coordinator, Marie-Pier Picard. “I want to send the message that nurses can really flourish here.”
The supervision that is offered is also a plus for a nurse starting out in the profession.
“Here, we have time to learn and look at the working method. Working in a hospital is a different rhythm,” says Ms. Picard.
Working conditions are similar to what is offered in the public health network.
“There is a small difference in the hourly rate, but if we look at all the conditions at L’Élyme des sables, there is a pension plan, there is group insurance,” says Michel Bellavance, director general of the establishment.
He also notes the flexibility of schedules and the absence of compulsory overtime.
Initiatives
Michel Bellavance and Marie-Pier Picard agree that the work and tasks in palliative care homes are little known, which can harm recruitment. In this sense, initiatives have been put in place. In the last year, students came to do internships at L’Élyme des sables. There are also discovery days for healthcare workers, who would like to experience and see what the tasks are.
“Young and old people in the healthcare field can thrive here,” says Mr. Bellavance. It also highlights the gratitude and thanks that come from families who had a loved one who stayed at L’Élyme des sables.
The home must operate with a total of 14 full-time employees to provide care. This includes nurses, practical nurses and beneficiary attendants.
L’Élyme des sables has six rooms.
