EUR 1.3 million against the nursing crisis: a European alert
The EU has allocated €1.3 million to combat the flight of nurses and support specific action plans
The shortage of nursing staff is not a problem confined to Italy, but afflicts many European countries. Our country, however, is experiencing a real emergency, with an exodus of professionals that puts at risk the quality of care and the sustainability of the National Health Service.
The figures of the emergency
Over the past two years, more than 15,000 permanent nurses have left the LSS, often choosing to change completely or move abroad. Estimates for 2023-2024 point to an additional 8,000-8,500 resignations, a worrying figure that confirms an unstoppable trend. The reasons for this mass flight are manifold and complex:
- Excessive workloads: Nurses are often subjected to grueling shifts and an excessive number of patients, which puts a strain on their physical and mental health
- Inadequate salaries: The salary of Italian nurses is among the lowest in Europe, a factor that drives them to seek more lucrative opportunities abroad
- Low professional value: The nursing profession is not always recognized and valued as it should, neither from a social nor economic point of view
- Lack of career prospects: The opportunities for professional growth within SNS are limited, discouraging many young people from pursuing this career
The European Union’s contribution
In response to this emergency, the European Union has decided to intervene with a fund of 1.3 million euros intended to support member states in implementing specific action plans. Funds will be used to:
- Recruit new nurses: Through awareness campaigns and guidance programmes, young people will be attracted to this profession
- Train staff: Continuing education and specialization programmes will be funded to ensure that nurses are equipped with the skills needed to face future challenges
- Improve working conditions: Work will be done to reduce workloads, increase salaries and enhance the nursing profession
- Support research: Studies will be funded to understand the root causes of the shortage of nurses and to identify innovative solutions
The future prospects
The shortage of nurses is a huge challenge for Europe’s health systems. To solve it, a joint effort is needed by the institutions, the regions, health companies and trade unions. Structural and long-term measures are needed to make the nursing profession more attractive and to ensure that citizens receive quality healthcare.
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