Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system in every country, including Nepal. They play a crucial role in providing care, comfort, and support to patients, often working tirelessly behind the scenes. Despite their invaluable contribution, nurses in Nepal face numerous challenges and hurdles that threaten their well-being and professional satisfaction.
One of the pressing issues plaguing the nursing community in Nepal is the alarming rate of unemployment among qualified nurses. Despite the production of thousands of nurses annually, more than half of them remain unemployed. This unfortunate reality can be attributed to various factors, including a scarcity of job openings, low salaries, and the exploitation of nurses in the workplace.
Even in renowned private hospitals, where one might expect better conditions, nurses are often underpaid and overworked. The disparity between the workload and compensation further exacerbates the situation, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction among nurses. Moreover, the inadequate nurse-to-patient ratio in many hospitals poses serious health risks and contributes to the overall dissatisfaction among nurses.
Additionally, the lack of opportunities for career advancement and insufficient training facilities hinder the professional growth of nurses in Nepal. The rising incidence of workplace violence and mistreatment further adds to their woes, creating a hostile work environment that affects both their physical and mental well-being.
The absence of positive reinforcement, rewards, and engagement exacerbates the problem, fueling burnout and job dissatisfaction among nurses. The combination of low salaries, limited job prospects, and inadequate support pushes many nurses to seek employment opportunities abroad, resulting in a significant brain drain in Nepal’s healthcare sector.
Karanjit is a nurse at Gangalal Hospital in Kathmandu.
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