Nurse retention must improve amid ‘stubbornly’ high vacancy rates
Posted 18 December 2023 - 09:00
RCN Scotland says retention strategy has been ‘much slower than needed’ and urges government to fund reforms including a shorter working week and a review of band 5 nursing roles
Faster action is needed to improve the retention of nurses as vacancy rates remain ‘stubbornly’ high, a union has warned.
In May this year RCN Scotland called for a retention strategy after the numbers of nurses quitting the workforce reached a decade high. Now, in an update on the progress made, the college said it has been ‘much slower than needed’.
Nurse vacancies at ‘an unsustainable level’
RCN Scotland director Colin Poolman said the challenges across the NHS in the country remain stark.
‘The NHS vacancy rate continues to run at an unsustainable level and social care is still facing major recruitment challenges,’ he added.
‘Two years of not hitting the target for new nursing students is a significant concern because of the impact on registered nurse numbers in the future.’
Union urges government to fund nursing reforms
The college raised the alarm on vacancies, with latest data showing 5,447 unfilled nursing and midwifery posts in the NHS in Scotland.
Additionally, the RCN says 65% of care services who employ nurses are reporting vacancies.
The college called on Scottish cabinet secretary for NHS recovery, health and social care, Michael Matheson, to approve funding required to implement reforms recommended by the Agenda for Change review process, including a shorter working week and a review of band 5 nursing roles.
Developing alternative career pathways into nursing
Mr Matheson said the Westminster government’s autumn statement delivered a ‘worst-case scenario for Scotland’s finances’.
He added: ‘NHS Scotland staffing is at record levels, bolstered by our investment since autumn 2021 of some £18 million to recruit 1,250 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals from overseas by the end of this financial year.
‘The Scottish Government is working closely with the RCN as part of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, which seeks to develop alternative career pathways into these critical professions – recognising a growing interest in flexible learning models that allow students to earn and study at the same time.
‘Following recent discussions with the RCN, we will consider the package of financial support offered to nursing students, which is already the best in the UK.’
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