The RCN is warning that the risks to patient safety and staff wellbeing from staff shortages are significant.
The report shows a slight decrease in the total number of nursing and midwifery vacancies which reflects the number of newly registered staff joining the workforce. However, over 4,000 registered nurse posts are unfilled.
RCN members are currently being consulted on the new pay offer from Scottish government which includes a percentage increase, one-off payment and an agreement to review agenda for change to ensure it works for nursing. The RCN Scotland board is recommending members vote to accept the offer.
The Scottish government has also committed to establishing a Ministerial led Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce which will focus on actions to recruit and retain nursing professionals.
Colin Poolman, Director, RCN Scotland said:
“Thousands of registered nurses are missing from teams across Scotland, impacting on the safety and quality of patient care and putting even more pressure on staff who are already working extra unpaid hours to cover gaps and going home feeling that they are unable to provide the quality of care they want.
“This is clear evidence that the recently announced Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce is much needed, if the nursing workforce crisis is to be addressed.
“Scottish government, employers and education providers must work with the Royal College of Nursing to look at how we can retain our experienced nursing staff, develop new routes into the profession and ensure nursing is a career of choice once again. The next First Minister must prioritise the work of the Taskforce and see it through effectively to secure the nursing workforce Scotland needs.”
