Burnout and stress have triggered an unprecedented exodus of nurses worldwide. Record numbers are leaving the sector, intensifying an already severe staffing crisis. It is estimated that as many as 13 million more nurses may be needed by 2030. To address this shortage, governments and employers must improve pay and conditions to match rising living costs, implement robust workforce standards for safe care delivery, and invest adequately in public health systems.

The data is stark: PSI's 2023 Health Workforce Attitudes survey reveals that 58% of healthcare workers leave due to insufficient pay, while 49% cite exhausting hours caused by staff shortages.

But there's hope - when nurses unite, they win. Through strong unions, nurses have secured better wages, guaranteed breaks, improved health and safety policies, transparent scheduling, and stronger job security - unions ensure nurses' voices are heard and respected in the workplace. 

As the only global union federation representing nurses across all grades and sectors, our demands for governments and employers are:

• Safe Staffing: Safe staffing levels through nurse-patient ratios, which is a proven method to ensure that the necessary staff are available when needed.

• Tackle Nurse Shortages: Improve pay and conditions through collective bargaining and respect freedom of association.

• Safe Workplaces: Enforceable policies on occupational health and safety and protection from violence and harassment for all nurses.

• Public Healthcare: Invest in universal, quality public health and care services through progressive taxation.

• End Privatisation: Stop allowing corporations to put profits before patient safety and nurses' welfare.

• Value the Nursing Profession: The feminisation of nursing has historically led to its undervaluation despite the complex, skilled work it entails.

• Ethical Recruitment: Eliminate unethical recruitment practices from countries on the WHO red list. Migrant nurses must have full access to their rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

PSI will continue to fight for secure and safe patient care, especially through the enforcement of safe nurse-to-patient ratios and the creation of safe healthcare workplaces. Our nursing affiliates are leading the way by advocating for stronger workers' protections, organising frontline nurses, and holding governments and employers accountable to ensure quality public healthcare and dignity for both patients and nurses alike. 

Want to hear directly from nurses worldwide? Join our special International Nurses Day event on Thursday 15 May 13:00-15:30 CEST. Nurses will share their success stories in the fight for safe staffing, better working conditions, and patient safety. Interpretation will be provided in English, French and Spanish. Click here to register