Alberta Nurses for Change was established to unite nurses and amplify our collective voice. We are currently advocating for legislation that includes nurses in presumptive coverage. This means that the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) would assume a confirmed psychological or psychiatric injury occurred during employment unless proven otherwise. Presumptive coverage would apply to any psychological diagnosis following exposure to a traumatic incident at work, not just PTSD. Currently, this coverage is limited to firefighters, police officers, peace officers, paramedics, corrections officers, and emergency dispatchers. Many provinces have expanded presumptive legislation to include nurses and we are demanding that Alberta do the same. Without presumptive coverage, our nursing colleagues often face the painful experience of having to prove their claims of psychological injury to the WCB, leading to many claims being denied. This denial delays access to treatment and can render it out of reach for those affected. Injured nurses are frequently forced back to work when sick time and benefits are exhausted. If you are injured at work, you should receive the compensation you deserve. Not all injuries are visible.

Nurses are essential in saving lives, providing care, and ensuring the well-being of countless patients. However, their own well-being is often overlooked, particularly regarding the psychological toll their profession can impose.