Many Qualified Nurses Seek Jobs Abroad for Better Wages, Good Working Conditions, Professional Growth

Mumbai: Nilima Pradeepkumar Rane, Assistant Matron at Goa Medical College & Hospital, President of the Nursing Association TNAI Goa State Branch, and Member of the Indian Nursing Council, spoke to ETHealthworld about the current working conditions of nurses in India. She discussed how these conditions can be improved to make India a more attractive destination for nurses, the role of technology, and the importance of upskilling for better patient outcomes, improved working environments, and job opportunities for nurses. Edited Excerpts:

There is a significant shortage of nurses in India. What are the key factors contributing to this shortage?

India is facing a shortage of nurses as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Key factors contributing to this shortage include high population growth and the increasing healthcare needs of an aging population. Additionally, many qualified nurses seek jobs abroad for better wages, improved working conditions, and professional growth.

The limited number of training facilities in India also affects the production of enough qualified nurses each year. A low nurse-to-patient ratio compromises the quality of patient care and increases burnout among nurses. Strengthening the workforce with better working conditions and improved infrastructure is crucial. Moreover, policies on wages and promotions need revision. A focus on hiring and retaining more qualified nurses and support staff is essential to address the shortage.

What is the current state of affairs in nursing in the country? What improvements need immediate attention?

While India has made significant progress in healthcare infrastructure, access to quality healthcare remains uneven. Investment in facilities, technology, and human resources is critical to meeting the growing demand and improving health outcomes.

Recruiting more nurses, doctors, and support staff equipped with modern technology and digital patient record systems would help. Working conditions for nurses need to be improved with adequate salaries and recognition for their contributions. Initiatives like the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award highlight professionals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, advance nursing, and significantly impact patient outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed immense pressure on healthcare professionals and exposed infrastructure gaps, underscoring the urgent need for more trained nurses. Recent government announcements about opening new nursing colleges are a step forward, but more investment is needed to create job opportunities for nurses in India.

Why are Indian nurses choosing to go overseas for better career opportunities? What are the reasons for this exodus?

Many Indian nurses move abroad for better job prospects, higher salaries, and opportunities for professional growth. In India, career growth opportunities in nursing are limited, particularly in the public sector. Nurses often face stagnant career paths, lower pay, and insufficient support for training and continuing education.

Overcrowded hospitals, long working hours, high patient workloads, and inadequate resources further contribute to this trend. These challenges push many nurses to seek better opportunities overseas.

What necessary policy changes could make India a more attractive destination for nurses? How can the talent drain be curtailed, and the working environment made more conducive?

Several key interventions are needed to make India an attractive destination for nurses. Improving the nurse-to-patient ratio is critical to reducing overburdening and enhancing the quality of care. Better working conditions, reasonable working hours, access to modern equipment, and mental health support are essential.

Recognizing nurses for their contributions fosters a more rewarding professional environment and boosts morale. Career development opportunities, specialized training, and professional growth pathways are also vital.

Initiatives like study leave for part-time degree courses through in-service distant education—advocated in Goa—can help nurses balance work and education. Ensuring 24x7 workplace safety with secure, well-lit facilities for nurses to rest between shifts is also crucial.

How can technology be leveraged to improve the working conditions for nurses, and how will it enhance the healthcare delivery system?

Technology can significantly improve working conditions for nurses. For instance, electronic health records (EHRs) with user-friendly interfaces can reduce the time spent on documentation, allowing nurses to focus more on patient care. Currently, nurses in India manually maintain records of drugs, admissions, inventory, and procedures.

With digitization, nurses can upload patient data, including procedure, diet, and medication plans, enabling holistic continuity of care. Telehealth services can also help nurses provide care to patients in rural areas, bridging gaps in healthcare access.

How can international collaborations help bridge the nursing shortage in the country while improving healthcare infrastructure?

International collaborations provide opportunities to learn from other countries, improving patient care and professional development. Nations like the UK and Canada have robust mentorship programs and continuous learning opportunities that India can adopt.

Exchange programs enable nurses to receive advanced training and bring those skills back home. For instance, during my experience with the Diabetic Foot Project in Germany, I participated in the Train the Trainer program, which equipped me with specialized skills to manage and prevent diabetic foot complications. On returning, I organized workshops to share this knowledge with colleagues, fostering continuous learning.

Such initiatives increase job satisfaction, provide a sense of purpose, and enhance career development. They can help address the nursing shortage and strengthen India's healthcare infrastructure, improving outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.