European countries are struggling with workforce shortages in healthcare. Christine Antorini, the former CEO of Life Foundation, a Danish non-profit focussed on education, and a member of several boards, made headlines when she left her leadership position to pursue nursing in 2023.

Her decision drew a mixed reaction: While she received support and admiration on social media, there were also cynical comments suggesting she would quit upon facing the realities of clinical practice. Others speculated that her enrollment in nursing school was a politically motivated move, a claim she firmly denies.

"It is my own choice. I've always been fascinated by the health field, but I was unaware that in Denmark, one could pursue a new higher education for free if there are available places on a degree," she remarked in an interview with the Danish Society for Healthcare Management. After completing her first semester and field assignments, Antorini's commitment to clinical practice has only strengthened, and she is optimistic that more young people will follow suit.

The situation in nursing is dire globally. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average number of nurses in EU countries rose from 7.5 per 1,000 population in 2010 to 8.3 in 2020. However, the profession faced immense pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, all countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region are confronting severe challenges in healthcare staffing, as underscored in the 2022 WHO European Regional report "Health and Care Workforce in Europe: Time to Act."

Public sentiment toward nursing often focuses on the negative aspects, such as poor working conditions, low salaries and a lack of respect for their crucial role in driving healthcare systems. Antorini is troubled by this narrative.

"It's a catastrophe that many young people view nursing as important and purposeful but are discouraged by the stories of challenging working conditions," she said.

On 22 March 2023, Member States of WHO and other health stakeholders adopted the Bucharest Declaration on the Health and Care Workforce. This declaration urges political action to enhance the recruitment and retention of health and care workers, optimise workforce performance, and increase investment in workforce education and protection.

Antorini believes many adults are interested in entering healthcare, and she advocates for more flexible opportunities for those interested in entering the sector, emphasising the need for innovative education models that allow for study alongside work.

"If we want people to work for lots of years – and that's the agenda, not only in Denmark, but most countries – then it's important to give the right opportunities to people to change their career and to have the necessary education to do that. I think that's one of the most important things that the politicians can do," Antorini said.

Christine Antorini is a featured speaker at the 2024 HIMSS European Health Conference & Exhibition, which is scheduled to take place 29-31 May 2024 in Rome. Learn more and register.