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Better career progression could help retain nurses

I refer to the report “Nursing vacancies among hardest to fill by S’poreans: Report” (Jan 28). The Health Ministry must address the issue by keeping its ear to the ground.

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Arthur Lim

I refer to the report “Nursing vacancies among hardest to fill by S’poreans: Report” (Jan 28). The Health Ministry must address the issue by keeping its ear to the ground.

As a patient at a public hospital, I have seen many enrolled nurses devoted to their jobs, even during the midnight shift. There are many foreign nurses who are also largely committed.

When the opportunity arises, enrolled nurses should be recognised for their abilities.

One way is to elevate their positions, based on the individual’s experience and, more importantly, commitment, irrespective of age, to oversee a team.

With their income reviewed accordingly for that position, more senior enrolled nurses might be enticed to stay.

I hope that there is no bias against elderly but devoted nurses, who may not wish to retire because their children have grown up and they may want to stay active.

Also, recruitment that is too focused on academic criteria may prove a hindrance. Nurses should instead be retrained where needed.

In the case of doctors, I have seen excellent specialists join the private sector for higher income.

While maintaining costs is critical, there must also be a balance, unless there are intentions to cap the number of private hospitals.

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