A major Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey has revealed how the pandemic has affected the professional lives of nursing staff. From the hours they have worked, to the support they have received, staff in all settings have all experienced major changes.
The 'Building a better future for nursing' survey had nearly 42,000 responses, and found nursing staff going above and beyond, working under pressures of staff shortages, putting in longer hours, and often working above their pay grade. The responses Scotland, over 3,800, reflect the picture across the UK.
In Scotland:
- Just over three quarters (77%) reported an increase in their own stress levels
- 90% agreed with the statement that they were concerned about the wellbeing of those in the nursing profession generally
- Around a third (32%) said they were working at higher level of responsibility, with 93% of those saying they were not being paid extra for it
- A third (34%) said staffing levels had worsened during the pandemic
- A third (34%) were putting in longer hours.
When asked what they would like to see done to make them feel more valued, respondents were clear that pay and staffing levels were top of their agenda:
- Nearly three quarters (73%) said improved pay would make them feel more valued
- Half (49%) said better staffing levels would make them feel more valued.
Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
“The last year is something none of us could have predicted and has shown nursing in a light never seen before.
“Whether in hospitals, care homes or in the community, across the entire health and care sector the nursing workforce has stepped up to care for their patients and residents and support their colleagues.]
“The public clapping on their doorsteps must reverberate all the way to the heart of government. We now need to see action. That is why we continue to call for a significant and early pay rise.
“The pandemic it not over, but unless there is improved pay, we risk many of our members leaving the profession – at a time when the nation needs them more than ever.”
Theresa Fyffe, RCN Scotland Director added: “Our members have painted a clear picture of the challenging times they have faced and the additional burden the pandemic has placed on them as individuals and their teams.
“It is also clear that safe staffing and the lack of recognition of the work that nursing staff do were issues before the pandemic that still need to be addressed. The Scottish Government must ensure that nursing is attractive, well-paid and meaningfully supported.”
