According to an analysis by the Royal College of Nursing, the number of nurses quitting their profession in England at a young age is increasing dramatically.
Since 2021 the number of UK educated nursing staff who leave the Nursing and Midwifery Council register within ten years of joining the NMC has increased by 43 percent, and the number that leaves in the first five has increased by 67 percent.
If the current rate of departure continues, the union and professional body estimate that by 2029 11,000 nurses will have quit the profession without having spent a decade on the job.
The RCN warns health ministers of a “perfect hurricane” that will see more staff leave the profession and fewer join, which could threaten patient care.
The government plans to modernise and move care from the NHS into the community. This will require tens or thousands of nurses in community settings. By 2036, the estimated shortage of community nurses will be 37,000.
The NMC’s leavers’ survey shows that nursing staff are leaving the profession for a variety of reasons, including poor mental and physical health, exhaustion or burnout, and a change in their personal circumstances.
Nicola Ranger, RCN’s general secretary and CEO, said: “Nursing should be a career for life. But thousands of nurses are quitting because they are burned out, underpaid, and demoralised. This is a sad state of affairs for people who wish to dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Every nurse who leaves the profession takes their skills, expertise and passion with them. This is not only bad for the patients, but it also means that government investment has been lost. There is much more to do to keep nurses and to attract them to the nursing profession. The shift from the hospital to the community will not be possible if no action is taken.
The health secretary encouraged staff to remain and assist him in reforming the NHS. He must give them a good reason to stay. It is urgent that we invest in nursing. This includes better pay. It is vital to waive the loans for those who are committed to a nursing career in the NHS or public sector. The government can’t afford to wait.
RCN’s analysis of regional data from Universities and Colleges Admissions Service shows that the number of nursing students accepted into courses in England fell between 2020 and 2023 in all regions – and by up to 40% in certain areas.
RCN says the government should take two approaches in order to increase recruitment and retention and reduce staff shortages. First, raise nursing pay substantially to make it more attractive. The second step is to agree to waive graduate loan repayments for nurses who are willing to remain in the NHS or public sector.
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