In a significant step towards supporting healthcare workers, Alberta Nurses for Change (ANC) and the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) have successfully advocated for the inclusion of nurses in the presumptive legislation for psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). This change comes after years of tireless efforts to ensure that nurses, who are frequently exposed to traumatic events on the job, have access to the same protections and benefits already extended to other first responders.

Why This Change Matters

Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, working in environments that demand not only physical stamina but also emotional resilience. From responding to life-threatening situations to witnessing tragic outcomes, nurses often face situations that leave lasting emotional scars. Despite this, many have been denied or forced to wait for Workers’ Compensation benefits when they experience PTSD or other mental health injuries related to their work.

Historically, other first responders such as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), dispatchers, and corrections officers have been eligible for presumptive coverage under WCB for psychological injuries. This means that when these workers are diagnosed with PTSD or other psychological injuries, it is assumed to have been caused by their work unless proven otherwise. Unfortunately, this level of protection has not been available to nurses—until now.

The Inequality: A Gendered Issue

One of the most glaring issues surrounding this omission is the gender disparity. While professions like policing and firefighting are male-dominated, nursing is predominantly female. This has led to concerns of discrimination, with critics pointing out that the lack of coverage for nurses is not only unjust but also deeply gendered. The work that nurses do is no less traumatic or dangerous than that of other first responders, yet the coverage they need has been denied for far too long. The United Nurses of Alberta has long argued that this discrepancy is unfair and that nurses deserve the same presumptive coverage as their male counterparts in other high-risk professions.

The New Presumptive Coverage: What’s Changing?

Thanks to the advocacy efforts of ANC and UNA, the Government of Alberta has agreed to take action. In a letter from Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, it was confirmed that a proposal to extend presumptive coverage to registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) for PTSD and other traumatic mental health injuries will be brought to the provincial cabinet by June 30, 2025.

What does this mean for nurses? If passed, this change would presume that any psychological injury a nurse experiences—such as PTSD—was caused by their work unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. Nurses will no longer have to prove that their trauma was directly linked to their job. Instead, the burden of proof will shift, and the presumption will be that their injuries are work-related.

This shift will make it significantly easier for nurses to access Workers’ Compensation programs and treatment initiatives. Rather than waiting for long periods or enduring the stress of proving their trauma is job-related, nurses will be able to receive timely support, aiding their recovery and enabling them to return to work faster.

A Step Towards Greater Mental Health Support

This victory is not just about providing benefits—it’s about recognizing the mental health struggles that healthcare workers face daily. Nurses experience immense pressure, emotional distress, and exposure to traumatic events that can take a toll on their mental well-being. By extending presumptive coverage for psychological injuries, Alberta is sending a clear message that it values the mental health of its healthcare workers as much as their physical health.

It also highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues within the healthcare system, especially as workers face increased strain from ongoing challenges like staffing shortages, pandemic-related stress, and burnout. The hope is that this change will set a precedent for other provinces and healthcare systems to follow, ensuring that nurses and other healthcare professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve.

The Road Ahead

While the changes are a significant victory, the work is far from over. The UNA and ANC continue to advocate for more comprehensive support for healthcare workers, including better access to mental health services, resources for stress management, and systemic changes that reduce workplace trauma. However, this win marks a crucial milestone in recognizing the invaluable contributions of nurses and ensuring they are protected when the job takes a psychological toll.

As the proposal moves toward the provincial cabinet in the coming months, nurses across Alberta can look forward to a more supportive and fair system—one that acknowledges the emotional and mental health challenges they face every day.

For Alberta’s nurses, this change is a powerful reminder that their voices are being heard—and that their health, both physical and mental, matters.