European countries are struggling with workforce shortages in the healthcare sector. Christine Antorini, former CEO of the Life Foundation, a Danish nonprofit focused on education and a member of several boards, made headlines when she left her leadership position to pursue industry. nursing by 2023.
Her decision caused mixed reactions: While she received support and admiration on social networks, there were also skeptical comments that said she would give up when faced with the reality of the job. clinical practice. Others speculated that her enrollment in nursing school was a politically motivated move, a claim she firmly denies.
She commented in an interview: “It was my own choice. I was always fascinated by the medical field, but I didn’t know that in Denmark one could pursue a university education new for free if there is space for the degree”. with the Danish Healthcare Management Association. After completing her first semester and fieldwork, Antorini’s commitment to clinical practice is further strengthened, and she is optimistic that more young people will follow.
The situation in the nursing industry is very serious globally. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average number of nurses in EU countries increased from 7.5 per 1,000 population in 2010 to 8.3 in 2020. However, the profession faces under great pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, all countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region are facing serious health care staffing challenges, as highlighted in the Regional report WHO Europe 2022 “Health and Care Workforce in Europe: Time to Act”.
Public perception of nurses often focuses on negative aspects, such as poor working conditions, low pay and lack of respect for their vital role in advancing the health care system. Strong. Antorini has trouble with this story.
“It is a tragedy that many young people see nursing as important and purposeful but are discouraged by stories of challenging working conditions,” she said.
On 22 March 2023, WHO Member States and other health stakeholders adopted the Bucharest Declaration on the Health and Care Workforce. This declaration calls for political action to strengthen recruitment and retention of health and care workers, optimize workforce performance and increase investment in education and workforce protection .
Antorini believes that many adults are interested in entering healthcare, and she advocates for more flexible opportunities for those interested in the field, emphasizing the need for innovative educational models Allows you to study and work at the same time.
“If we want people to work for many years – and that is the agenda, not just in Denmark, but in most countries – then it is important to create the right opportunities for people to change careers and get the education needed to do so. I think that’s one of the most important things politicians can do,” Antorini said.
Christine Antorini was a featured speaker at HIMSS 2024 European Medical Conference & Exhibition, scheduled to take place from 29-31 May 2024 in Rome. Learn more and register.
