LETTERS: Our nation is facing a severe shortage of nurses. Recently, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the shortage is projected to reach 60 per cent by 2030.
This is compounded by the reluctance of school-leavers to join the profession, an ageing population, and the rapid expansion of hospitals.
These challenges threaten the quality of healthcare we can provide. One factor is the ageing workforce, with many nurses approaching retirement and there are insufficient new recruits to fill their shoes.
Simultaneously, the healthcare landscape is expanding rapidly, with new hospitals and clinics opening, increasing the demand for nursing professionals. Not forgetting also those who left the country for better positions overseas.
Despite the rising demand for nurses, fewer young Malaysians are choosing this vital profession. Several factors contribute to this:
PERCEIVED low status. Nursing is often viewed as less prestigious compared with other healthcare careers, discouraging many young people from even considering it;
WORKLOAD and stress. The demanding nature of nursing, characterised by long hours and high stress, deters many potential candidates; and
ABUSE and harassment. Nurses frequently face verbal and sometimes physical abuse from colleagues, patients and their families, making the job dangerous and less appealing.
For those who do enter the profession, the initial experiences can be challenging.
New nurses must quickly adapt to a fast-paced environment, handle demanding patients, and manage complex medical situations. The emotional toll of caring for critically ill patients and dealing with their suffering can be overwhelming.
It is crucial for healthcare facilities to implement measures to protect nurses and provide support to handle such situations.
Dr Dzulkefly was quoted as saying that a collaboration between the public and private sectors can help improve the shortfall of nursing staff needed to meet healthcare demands in the country.
He also said: "We can build hospitals using bricks and mortar, but what is important is the staff. This is not just the doctors and specialists. It is also important to have enough nurses."
In the same vein, here are six steps we can take to make the profession attractive.
FIRST, enhance the image of nursing: Elevate the perception of nursing as a respected and rewarding career through public awareness campaigns that highlight their critical role, besides their positive impact on patients' lives;
SECOND, improve working conditions: Healthcare institutions must strive to improve working conditions, including manageable workloads, adequate staffing and supportive policies that promote work-life balance;
THIRD, provide comprehensive training and support. New nurses should receive training and mentorship to help them transition to their roles. Regular professional development opportunities are essential;
FOURTH, implement zero-tolerance for abuse. Healthcare facilities must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse and harassment, establishing clear protocols for reporting and addressing incidents;
FIFTH, encourage local recruitment: Initiatives to attract more young Malaysians into nursing, such as scholarships, financial incentives and career counselling, can address the shortage; and,
SIXTH, be appreciative and celebrate our nurses: Simple gestures of gratitude, public recognition and support can boost morale and job satisfaction.
We recently honoured our nurses on May 12, which was the International Nurses Day. Let us remember that their dedication and hard work are fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our nation.
RAJPAL SINGH BALDEV SINGH
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times