Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake

The employment outlook will be Good for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• Alberta’s growing population and a national shortage are contributing to demand for this occupation. 
• In 2025, Alberta increased total health spending to $28 billion, marking a 5.4% rise from the previous year.
• Ongoing healthcare needs and retirements continue to support steady demand across the sector.
• However, growth in new positions is expected to be scaled back, as budget constraints and staffing pressures affect hiring capacity.

Here are some key facts about registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

• Approximately 960 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 87%