In the intricate tapestry of healthcare, nurses are the indispensable threads that hold it all together. From hospitals to clinics, nursing homes to private practices, their role is pivotal in ensuring the well-being of patients. However, behind the scenes of this essential profession lies a looming crisis: a severe shortage of nurses in the labour market.
At UITM students from all over the world can study Nursing , Social Work, Biomedical Sciences, Occupational Therapy and Healthcare Management as a Master Degree Programme.
What is the situation on the labour market?
The shortage of nurses is not a new phenomenon, but rather a persistent challenge that has escalated in recent years. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the demand for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028, far outpacing the average for all occupations. Yet, the supply of nurses is not keeping pace with this demand.
Several factors contribute to this disparity. One significant factor is the aging population, both among patients and nurses themselves. As the baby boomer generation ages, the need for healthcare services increases, placing greater strain on an already burdened healthcare system. Simultaneously, many experienced nurses are reaching retirement age, further exacerbating the shortage.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the strain on healthcare systems worldwide. The pandemic not only increased the demand for nurses to care for COVID-19 patients but also exacerbated existing challenges such as burnout, staff fatigue, and mental health issues among healthcare workers.
Demand for nurses exists globally, but it can vary significantly from country to country. Here is a breakdown of demand for nurses and the ease of finding a job in English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and in German-speaking countries like Germany and Austria
United States
Demand: The United States has a consistently high demand for nurses due to its large and diverse population and aging demographics. Nurses are needed across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health centres.
Ease of Finding a Job: The ease of finding a nursing job in the United States can vary depending on factors such as location, specialization, and experience. Urban areas and regions with shortages typically offer more opportunities, while competition may be stiffer in saturated markets.
United Kingdom
Demand: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a major employer of nurses. Despite efforts to increase domestic nursing graduates, there is still a significant reliance on international recruitment due to ongoing shortages.
Ease of Finding a Job: Nursing graduates may find opportunities in both public and private healthcare sectors in the UK. However, competition for positions can be fierce, particularly in densely populated areas such as London.
Germany
Demand: Germany has a growing demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, driven by an aging population and healthcare reforms. Nurses are needed in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, and community care settings.
Ease of Finding a Job: Nursing graduates may find opportunities in Germany, especially in regions with aging populations and healthcare shortages. However, language proficiency in German is often a prerequisite, as patient care and communication are conducted primarily in German. That is why UITM meets the expactations and during studies our students have additional language classes.
The shortage of nurses in the labour market is a critical issue that demands urgent attention and concerted action from policymakers, healthcare leaders, educators, and the community at large. Failure to address this crisis not only compromises patient care quality and safety but also undermines the sustainability of the healthcare system. By investing in nursing education, improving working conditions, and fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, we can ensure an ample supply of nurses to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our society. Choosing studies in Europe gives a 100% guarantee of finding a job after graduation. UITM offers the highest level of education that allows to study Nursing and become a hero of today’s world.
