“A nurse is a specialist who is closest to the patient, so it’s time to form the right attitude towards this profession. They are already being given more and more rights and independence, workloads are being optimized, and the reward system is being improved. However, this is not enough. All interested groups – representatives of medical institutions, municipalities, higher education institutions, students – must all take equal responsibility – to become ambassadors of nursing policy and increase the prestige of the nursing profession.
Only by cooperating with each other and sharing success stories can we contribute to this,” says Deputy Minister of Health Danguolė Jankauskienė.
Aušra Volodkaitė, president of the Lithuanian Association of Nursing Specialists, pointed out at the event that not only Lithuania, but also the whole world is facing the challenges of attracting nurses – the need for nurses is increasing and will continue to increase due to the aging population and migration of workers, heavy workloads and wages that do not meet the expectations of nurses. “We have to try not only to attract more young people to choose to study nursing, but also try to keep the existing employees”, emphasized A. Volodkaitė.
Answering the question of what would motivate nursing students to choose a job in the regions, the president of the Lithuanian Medical Students Association (LiMSA), Greta Burinskaitė, said that it is important for students to raise their salaries, to compensate for the costs of accommodation and/or travel to the workplace in the regions, to allocate supplements to the salary after signing the contract and after working for a certain period of time, to ensure a safe emotional environment and the opportunity to move up the career ladder.
“The data of the survey conducted by LiMSA showed that only 60 percent of students choose nursing studies to become nurses, almost 15 percent. of those interviewed indicated that they chose nursing studies because the competitive score for the desired specialty was too low. A similar number of students say that they study nursing only for the possibility of working in the field of cosmetology in the future. So, we can see that only 3 out of 5 students are really motivated about the chosen career path – this shows that the specialty of nursing is not valued enough in Lithuanian society”, said G. Burinskaitė.
The conference was attended by representatives of medical institutions in the Klaipėda region, municipal doctors and representatives of administrations, representatives of schools that prepare nursing students – Klaipėda University and Klaipėda State College – and students and guests from the Lithuanian Medical Students Association (LiMSA). In the round table discussions, all interested parties shared the current situation and good examples, discussed the biggest problems and ways each side can contribute to solving the problems.
“Changes in nursing” conference. Where Are We Heading?’ is the first part of a series of events designed to showcase changes in nursing and bring together stakeholders for collaboration and nurse engagement. The next conference is scheduled for October 13. In Šiauliai region, Pakruoji.
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Interview: The Future of Nursing in Lithuania
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Danguolė Jankauskienė, Deputy Minister of Health, and Aušra Volodkaitė, President of the Lithuanian Association of Nursing Specialists. Let’s dive into the pressing issues surrounding nursing in Lithuania. Danguolė, can you share your thoughts on the current state of the nursing profession in our country?
Danguolė Jankauskienė: Thank you for having us. Nursing is a critical component of our healthcare system. Recent changes have given nurses more rights, independence, and we are striving to improve their working conditions and rewards. However, we must recognize that our efforts need to go further. It’s imperative that all stakeholders—from healthcare institutions to educational bodies—take collective responsibility to elevate the status of nursing as a profession.
Interviewer: Aušra, you noted that attracting and retaining nurses is a challenge not just in Lithuania but globally. What factors are contributing to this issue?
Aušra Volodkaitė: Indeed, the demand for nurses is on the rise, primarily due to an aging population and an exodus of healthcare workers. In Lithuania, we face not only heavy workloads but also salaries that often fall short of expectations. It’s essential that we not only attract new nursing students but also create an environment where existing nurses feel valued and are encouraged to stay in the profession.
Interviewer: Greta Burinskaitė from the Lithuanian Medical Students’ Association raised some crucial points about what could motivate nursing students. Danguolė, could you elaborate on any initiatives that might address these concerns?
Danguolė Jankauskienė: Certainly. Raising salaries and offering compensation for travel and accommodation are essential steps we are considering. Additionally, programs that provide incentives for nurses to work in rural areas could also make a difference. Ensuring development opportunities and promoting a supportive workplace culture are among our priorities to create a more attractive career path for nursing students.
Interviewer: Aušra, the survey from LiMSA revealed that many students don’t intend to pursue nursing careers. What strategies can we implement to shift this trend?
Aušra Volodkaitė: It’s vital that we change the narrative around nursing. By showcasing success stories and the profound impact nurses have on patient care, we can inspire students. Furthermore, we need to address the misconceptions about nursing being a fallback option. We need to ensure that nursing programs highlight the fulfilling aspects of the profession while also emphasizing the career prospects available within this field.
Interviewer: Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. It’s clear that a concerted effort is needed to elevate the nursing profession. What final thoughts do you have for our readers?
Danguolė Jankauskienė: I encourage all stakeholders to come together—nurses, students, educational institutions, and healthcare providers—to champion nursing and cultivate an environment where this profession is respected and valued.
Aušra Volodkaitė: Absolutely. Together, we can transform the nursing profession into a first-choice career for students and build a robust workforce that meets the needs of our healthcare system.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time and dedication to this important subject.
Y students select nursing for reasons other than a genuine passion for the field. What is your take on this trend, and how can we address it?
Aušra Volodkaitė: It’s concerning that a significant portion of students are opting for nursing due to low entry requirements or as a stepping stone to other careers. This highlights a broader issue: nursing is often undervalued in our society. To counter this, we must actively promote the significance and impact of nursing as a profession. Initiatives such as mentorship programs for nursing students and showcasing success stories from the field can help inspire a genuine interest in the career path.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about collaboration. Danguolė, at the recent conference, stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of nursing. What was the overarching sentiment or takeaway from that event?
Danguolė Jankauskienė: The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders—medical institutions, municipalities, and educational entities. Participants expressed a commitment to working together to tackle the challenges in nursing. Sharing success stories and best practices emerged as key elements for moving forward. By cooperating, we can unite our efforts to enhance the prestige of nursing and ensure a thriving future for the profession.
Interviewer: What next steps can we expect, particularly leading up to the next conference in October?
Aušra Volodkaitė: The upcoming conference in the Šiauliai region will continue the dialogue. We plan to analyze the feedback from the last meeting, identify specific strategies that can be implemented, and expand upon collaboration initiatives. Our goal is to create actionable plans that address our nursing workforce’s immediate and long-term needs.
Interviewer: Thank you both for your insights today. It’s clear that while challenges exist, there’s a strong commitment to elevate the nursing profession in Lithuania.
Danguolė Jankauskienė and Aušra Volodkaitė: Thank you for having us. We look forward to working towards a stronger, more respected nursing community together.
