Health PEI and PEI Nurses’ Union Announce Completion of Province-Wide RN Reclassification

Health PEI and the PEI Nurses’ Union (PEINU) have successfully completed a province-wide reclassification of Registered Nurse (RN) positions, a major step forward in recognizing the value and complexity of nursing roles across Health PEI. 

The initiative involved a comprehensive review of over 1,400 nursing positions and more than 85 position questionnaires. Through over 30 working group meetings, eight new RN classification groupings were created, each with a standardized position description to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency. It was developed in collaboration with the PEI Public Service Commission (PSC) and supported by the Department of Health and Wellness. 

“This reclassification will make gains in recognizing the expertise and essential role of nurses in our health care system. It reflects the complexity of nursing today and brings greater fairness and consistency across the province. I want to thank the PEI Nurses’ Union, Health PEI, and the Public Service Commission for their collaboration — and most importantly, thank our nurses for their continued commitment to Islanders.”

— Health and Wellness Minister Mark McLane

“This work is about recognizing the critical contributions of our nursing professionals and ensuring their roles are clearly defined and equitable,” said Melanie Fraser, CEO of Health PEI. "We’ve made our hiring process easier by cutting out a lot of red tape. We worked with the union and PSC to do this, and now it better reflects the value all nurses bring to healthcare, no matter where they work."

The reclassification includes a wage rate increase and retroactive pay for any registered nurses classified at a higher level. The financial mandate has been approved by Treasury Board, with the PSC overseeing the classification process. 

“This is a meaningful step forward for our Registered Nurse members,” said Barbara Brookins, President of the PEI Nurses’ Union. “The new classifications reflect the real work nurses do every day and provide a more efficient, and transparent system for the future.” 

This initiative aligns with a commitment made in the current collective agreement and is separate from upcoming bargaining discussions. Health PEI and PEINU will continue to work together to ensure a smooth rollout and ongoing communication with registered nursing staff. 

Media contact: 
Stephanie Kelly 
Senior Communications Officer
Health PEI 
Stephaniekelly@ihis.org  

Michele Beaton
Director of Public and Government Relations
Prince Edward Island Nurses Union  
communications@peinu.com