Estonia is short at least 4,000 nurses despite an increase in recruitment
In Estonia, despite growing interest in the nursing profession, the healthcare system is short at least 4,000 professionals. ERR News reported this, citing representatives of the Estonian Nurses’ Association.
After the first stage of this year’s admissions process at the Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, there were 5.1 applicants per spot in the nursing program. At the institution’s branch in Kohtla-Järve, the competition was 3.7 applicants per spot.
Kristi Rannus, an associate professor in the Department of Nursing, noted that the problem does not lie in a lack of people willing to study. According to her, it is important to determine how many professionals the institution can train at one time and how best to utilize graduates’ skills within the healthcare system.
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Kätlin Lillemaa, president of the Estonian Nurses’ Association, reported that the country has approximately 6.6 nurses per 1,000 residents. The average in developed countries, she said, is approximately 9.2 nurses per 1,000 people. To reach the average level of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Estonia needs another 4,000 nurses.
According to data cited by Lillemaa, approximately 40% of nurses in Estonia are over 50 years old, and about 18% are over 60. She explained that about 40% of the 4,000 needed staff are required to replace those who are retiring, 20% to compensate for staff turnover, and the rest to increase the number of positions.
At Tartu University Hospital, which employs nearly 1,800 nursing staff, they are currently seeking nurses for the surgical department. Saima Hinn, a member of the hospital’s board of directors, noted that the healthcare system increasingly needs specialized nurses who can make independent decisions within the scope of their professional competence.
