In light of International Nurses Day, we want to show our appreciation to nurses around the world for all their hard work. Principal Consultant Louise Holmes, who works within our Healthcare division, recently discussed the key observations we are currently seeing with nurses working in the healthcare industry.

Louise has also discussed the kind of nursing recruitment we cover within healthcare here at Compass Associates, along with the options of pursuing a career in nursing.

What is International Nurses Day?

Organised annually by the International Council of Nurses, International Nurses Day celebrates nurses’ contribution to societies worldwide. It is always held annually on 12th May due to this date being one of the most famous nurses in history’s birthday Florence Nightingale.

This year’s International Nurses Day focuses on ‘the economic power of care’. This year’s theme aims to reshape perceptions of nursing, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.

With this in mind, Louise has recently taken the time to discuss key observations within the nursing sector along with any challenges the profession faces.

What specialist nurse markets do you recruit for?

Our Healthcare division focuses on the recruitment of nurses within the following healthcare sectors.

• Ophthalmology
• Cosmetics
• Surgical
• Dental
• Dialysis/Renal
• Theatre
• Occupational Health
• Fertility
• Veterinary
• Pre-Assessment & Outpatients
• Primary care

Career paths into Nursing

A career in nursing has a number of different pathways to achieve getting into this industry, this can be obtained by specialist training, apprenticeships and degree courses. Our consultants generally speak to nurses from the following backgrounds.

• University (BSc) nursing related degree
• Post-graduate position/Preceptorship
• Specialist area/training
• Either a clinical route (Clinical Nurse Specialist) or Management route (Senior Staff Nurse, Sister/Charge Nurse, Lead Nurse, Ward Manager, etc.)

Recent key observations within the acute nursing sector

Recent trends indicate a significant increase in overseas recruitment across both the private and public acute healthcare providers, resulting in a decline in permanent vacancy rates and a reduced reliance on agency staff.

It is anticipated that this shift will lead to an improvement in the quality of care, addressing previous challenges stemming from understaffing.

What could the outcome of this mean?

The potential ripple effects of increased staffing may include:

• Decreased nurse absences due to reduced individual workload pressure.
• Enhanced mental wellbeing among nurses.
• Reduction in the number of patients turned away due to staffing shortages, potentially contributing to a healthier society.
• With a larger working population, there may be increased spending on rent, leisure activities, and travel, which could contribute to the stimulation of a healthier economy.

Find out more about the Healthcare division here.

For the latest news and insights from Compass Associates, click here.