Summary
- The world has an estimated 29 million nurses and 2.2 million midwives.
- The World Health Organisation projects a deficit of 4.5 million nurses and 0.31 million midwives by 2030.
- Investing in nurses is crucial for developing efficient, effective, resilient, and sustainable health-care systems.
- Nurses not only provide essential care but also influence health policies and primary care.
- Midwives and nurses play a crucial role in maintaining global health systems and providing emergency care.
Why Do We Celebrate International Nurses Day?
Every year on May 12, International Nurses Day commemorates the contributions of nurses all across the world. The goal is to recognise the nursing profession’s importance and beneficial influence in our societies and economies.
It is observed on May 12 because it is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the well-known British nurse who is frequently referred to as the “founding philosopher of modern nursing”.
On this day, global nursing associations host a variety of events and collaborate on special gatherings to express gratitude to nurses and highlight their positive contributions to society.
International Nurses’ Day: Why Is There a Global Shortage of Nurses?
Nurses play an important role in primary healthcare throughout the world. That is why their scarcity has cast a lengthy negative shadow over the healthcare systems of so many countries.
The problem is so grave that even the world’s wealthiest countries are struggling to educate and retain nurses in their healthcare systems.
Nurses and midwives have essential roles in improving health and contributing to the economy. They are also important because they are deeply rooted in the cultures and communities in which they operate, particularly in developing nations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 29 million nurses and 2.2 million midwives worldwide.
The shortage of nurses is a major issue around the world. The World Health Organisation expects a 4.5 million nurse and 0.31 million midwife shortage by 2030.
Multilateral organisations and countries around the world are working together to invest in nurses so that health systems can be effective, robust, and sustainable.
What Are the Problems for Nurses in Canada?
Nurses in Canada encounter numerous challenges. Some of the primary issues include a nursing shortage, inadequate resource management, various types of inequality, and institutionalised racism against Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, among others.
There are around 450,000 nurses in Canada. They are the largest group of healthcare professionals in the country.
However, nurses encounter major challenges such as workloads, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, high burnout rates, and so on.
Given these issues, the Canadian government is boosting its investment in the Canadian healthcare system.
Is There High Demand for Nurses in Canada?
Nursing, like other healthcare vocations, is in high demand in Canada. Many wealthy countries, including Canada, are eager to hire and train an increasing number of nurses due to ongoing shortages.
According to the Job Bank, there is a significant risk of a national nursing shortage in Canada between 2024 and 2033.
A registered nurse’s median hourly income in Canada is $42. Nunavut has the highest median compensation of $64.69 per hour, while Ontario has the lowest at $40.00 per hour.
In addition to their earnings and wages, registered nurses typically receive additional perks.
These include employer-sponsored pension plans; dental, medical, and life insurance policies; leave entitlements; various types of holidays; and other similar benefits.
Conclusion
International Nurses Day is an excellent occasion each year to get together and celebrate the nursing profession. These nurses are the foundation of any healthcare system, and governments are rapidly recognising their importance.
Let us hope that this International Nurses Day provides our nurses the attention and chances that they deserve.
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