Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Most registered nurses and practical nurses are already working in the social and health care sector — career changers and pensioners are a possible extra reserve
The employment rate of registered nurses and practical nurses is high, with more than 90 per cent of graduates finding work in the social welfare and health care sector. Unemployed nurses cannot be relied on to respond to the future labour shortage in the sector. People who have sought employment in other sectors represent the most significant resource of unutilised workforce. Some relief can also be provided by pensioners for whom working is increasingly common. However, a new study shows that retaining the employees already in the sector is the most important factor in responding to the labour shortage. Factors that encourage staying in the sector — and returning to it — include high-quality orientation, work ability support, work adaptation opportunities and appreciation of the sector.
An adequate number of registered nurses and practical nurses is of key importance in providing high-quality social welfare and healthcare services. It is estimated that by 2040, Finland will need nearly 26,000 practical nurses and approximately 9,400 registered nurses more compared with 2021.
Based on a new study commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and carried out by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and Statistics Finland, it is possible to respond to the growing personnel need in part by promoting registered nurses and practical nurses who have left the sector, are on old-age pension or are unemployed to find employment in the social and health care sector. However, the shortage of nurses cannot be solved by focusing solely on these groups.
Number of career changers has increased in recent years
According to the study, career changers represent the largest reserve of unutilised workforce. In 2023, there were a total of 15,400 registered nurses and 11,300 practical nurses working outside the social welfare and health care sector. This represents 11 per cent of nurses that have worked in the social and health care sector in the last ten years
"Registered nurses and practical nurses moving to other sectors has become increasingly common in recent years. Registered nurses typically move to the public administration and education sectors, where they often work in jobs that make use of the social and health care sector. Practical nurses are more likely to move further away from social and health care, such as to the trade sector," says Elina Weiste, Chief Researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
The growth of unemployment among practical nurses over the previous years has increased their risk of moving to work outside the sector.
One in five retired nurses already work
In 2023, nine per cent of registered nurses (13,357) and six per cent of practical nurses (6,702) aged 18—64 were outside the workforce, such as caring for small children, studying or on retirement. Approximately half of those studying for a new degree complete a degree related to the social welfare and health care sector. In other words, a temporary absence from work in the field can also lead to the strengthening of professional skills and promoting a career path in the field.
A total of 23 per cent of registered nurses and 20 per cent of practical nurses aged 65—68 who receive an old-age pension continue their careers, which represents a significant labour resource. Retired working nurses are more likely to work as temporary employees than average, which emphasises the importance of flexible work arrangements and work distribution structures during late career stages and when returning to work after retirement.
Retention factors must be strengthened
There are many ways to promote nurses who do not work in the social welfare and health care sector to return: well-functioning work communities, high-quality orientation, flexibility of work, adequate pay, career prospects and opportunities for competence development along with work ability support and opportunities for work modification. Showing appreciation for the sector and improving its reputation is also important. These same factors also contribute to the retention of the sector, which is increasingly important with the threat of a labour shortage.
"The situations of professionals who work outside the social and health care sector are diverse. If your work ability is not sufficient for work in the sector or you have built a meaningful career in another sector, the means of encouraging you to return to the social welfare and health care sector are limited. However, for some, returning to work in the sector is a possibility that should be supported in order to promote the adequacy of workforce," says Elina Weiste.
Read the report
The study was carried out by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in co-operation with Statistics Finland and examined the number of registered and practical nurses and their placement in the social and health care sector at different career stages. The study also examined factors that promote newly graduated, unemployed, retired or end-of-career nurses to find employment in the sector. The study consists of an analysis of register data, research literature and interviews with experts in the field of labour issues.
The study was carried out as part of the Good Work Programme of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which aims to increase the appeal and retention of the social welfare and health care and rescue sectors.
Further information
Elina Weiste, Chief Researcher, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 30 474 2077, [email protected]
Erja Mustonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 179, [email protected]