Abstract: This report documents the results of a survey of a random sample of NZNO members.
A 10% sample was drawn by computer from the 45,000 membership, representing nurses and care givers from across New Zealand. Midwives were excluded from the
sample on this occasion.
Issues related to age demographics, low pay, increasing workload, and significant
organisational restructuring continue to contribute to a considerable part of the nursing workforce who will be looking to leave nursing, to nurse overseas, or to retire within the next ten years. These appear to be balanced for now partly by other factors leading to nurses continuing to work long past the normal retirement age.
Changes to the Enrolled Nurse scope of practice (including a drop in employment
opportunities as Enrolled Nurses), difficulties experienced by some newly qualified New Zealand nurses finding suitable employment or supported Nurse Entry to Practice places, and evidence for a drop in the availability of paid access to continuing professional development particularly in the DHB sector, if not addressed urgently, may have longer term implications for the New Zealand nursing workforce and the health service.
Specific issues for nurses under 30 years of age, particularly related to shift work practices and family responsibilities, were explored in more detail in a separate report Young Nurses in Aotearoa New Zealand and specific recommendations made for the long term retention of these skilled and vital health workers.