A new survey has found that nearly half of Australia's nurses and midwives are considering leaving the profession within the next few years. The findings, reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, have sparked alarm among healthcare leaders and policymakers.
The poll, conducted by a major nursing union, indicates that burnout, low pay, and chronic understaffing are driving the exodus. Many respondents said they feel unsupported and overworked, with patient safety increasingly at risk.
The timing is critical: Australia's healthcare system is already under strain from an aging population and the aftermath of the pandemic. A mass departure of nurses would worsen waiting times and force hospitals to close beds.
Federal and state governments have announced some spending on recruitment and retention, but union leaders argue the measures are too slow and insufficient. Without urgent action, they warn, the crisis will deepen.
For patients, the impact could be severe. Longer waits for emergency care and elective surgeries, reduced access to rural health services, and higher stress on remaining staff are all possible outcomes.
The survey comes as the health minister has promised to review working conditions and pay. But nurses say they need tangible improvements now, not promises.
Observers note that similar workforce shortages are being reported in other countries, making this a global challenge with local consequences.