Nurses, often considered the backbone of our healthcare system, have showcased their pivotal role in patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention even more prominently during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The surge in intensive care admissions resulted in nurses working extended hours. Unfortunately, post-pandemic, we face a significant shortage of nurses.

A primary factor behind this shortage is the pay scale. In Malaysia, nurses' salaries are noticeably lower compared to their international peers and even other professionals within the country.

For context, a nurse in Malaysia typically earns between RM3,000 and RM8,000 monthly. Comparatively, nurses in Singapore or Saudi Arabia could earn more than double that of their counterparts in Malaysia.

Adding to this, challenging working conditions in many healthcare settings further deter potential candidates. Even though the standard working hours for nurses, as defined by the Health Ministry, is seven to eight hours per day, staff shortages often necessitate 12-to-14-hour workdays.

Pay scales

This extended workload can lead to both physical and mental fatigue, contributing to a high attrition rate. This shortage also hinders nurses from pursuing further education and tempts many to seek better pay and benefits overseas.

The repercussions of this nursing deficit are concerning. Overworked nurses can inadvertently make errors in the administration of medication and patient care.

Addressing this global nursing shortage requires a holistic approach. It is crucial to re-evaluate nurses' pay scales, ensuring they mirror the dedication, expertise, and skills they bring.

Healthcare institutions must also foster a supportive work environment, with reasonable work hours, regular breaks, and appropriate resources.

Initiatives such as continuous training, scholarships for further studies, and clear career advancement pathways can make nursing a more enticing profession.

Emphasising the essential societal role of nurses and promoting the profession's rewards might inspire more individuals to pursue this noble career.

Strengthening partnerships with nursing academies to update curricula and prepare students for the profession's demands is another pivotal step toward ensuring a competent nursing workforce.

Devi Subramaniam
School of Medical and Life Sciences
Email: @email

This article was first published in Malaysiakini, 5 September 2023.