EORNA Resources & Expert Insights
The EORNA Resources Page is your go-to hub for best practices in perioperative nursing, expert insights, and the latest research shaping the future of surgical care. Here, we feature monthly opinion pieces by perioperative nursing leaders, addressing key topics such as perioperative nursing education and training, challenges in perioperative nursing care, and strategies for improving surgical patient safety guidelines.
Through these resources, perioperative nurses can stay informed on the most pressing issues in their field, from tackling workforce shortages in surgical nursing to advancing sustainability in the operating room. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, explore the latest research in perioperative nursing, or gain insights into reducing surgical risks through nursing expertise, our collection of blogs, research spotlights, and clinical guidelines provides the knowledge you need.
Stay connected with EORNA and continue advancing your professional development for operating room nurses. Check back regularly for updates and expert perspectives on perioperative nursing.
Blog contents
- Why Fewer Young People Are Becoming Nurses (And What We Can Do About it), by Aina Hague, EORNA Secretary
- Addressing the Urgent Shortage of Perioperative Nurses in Europe, by Jaana Perttunen, EORNA President
Why Fewer Young People Are Becoming Nurses (And What We Can Do About It)
By Aina Hague, EORNA Secretary
Nursing has long been a cornerstone of healthcare, yet across Europe, we are facing an alarming crisis: fewer young people are choosing nursing as a career. The OECD’s latest findings paint a worrying picture—by 2030, many European countries may not have enough nurses to meet demand. For perioperative nursing, where specialized skills are essential, the impact could be even more severe.
The Decline in New Nurses: What’s Happening?
Several factors are discouraging young people from entering the profession:
⚠️ Workload & Burnout: Long shifts, high stress, and mental exhaustion make nursing a challenging career choice.
💰 Low Wages: In many countries, nurse salaries have not kept pace with the increasing demands of the job.
📉 Lack of Career Progression: Many young professionals seek roles with clear pathways for advancement, something nursing does not always offer.
🏥 Difficult Work Conditions: Understaffed hospitals, exposure to workplace violence, and limited resources make daily life for nurses even harder.
How Can We Attract & Retain Perioperative Nurses?
👩⚕️ Stronger Career Pathways: Developing clear professional growth opportunities, including advanced roles in perioperative nursing.
📚 Better Training & Mentorship: Investing in structured education programs, preceptorships, and support systems for new nurses.
💶 Competitive Salaries & Benefits: Improving financial incentives to reflect the critical role nurses play in patient care.
🏥 Safer Work Environments: Implementing policies that protect nurses from burnout, ensure proper staffing, and address workplace safety concerns.
What Governments & Hospitals Must Do
European governments and healthcare institutions must act now to secure the future of nursing. Investment in education, working conditions, and retention strategies is vital. Without these changes, the risk of widespread nurse shortages will continue to threaten healthcare systems across Europe.
📢 Read the full OECD report on nursing shortages here.
It’s time to make nursing an attractive, sustainable career again—because the future of healthcare depends on it.
#NursingCrisis #PerioperativeNursing #NursingShortage #FutureOfNursing #EORNA #HealthcarePolicy #SupportNurses
Addressing the Urgent Shortage of Perioperative Nurses in Europe
By EORNA President, Jaana Perttunen
The European healthcare system is facing an unprecedented challenge: a severe and growing shortage of nurses. Nowhere is this more critical than in perioperative nursing, where skilled professionals are essential to ensuring patient safety, surgical efficiency, and high-quality outcomes. As President of EORNA, I want to highlight the urgency of this crisis and explore potential solutions to safeguard the future of our profession.
A Workforce Under Pressure
Recent findings from the OECD’s Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report underscore the gravity of the situation. While the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, the supply of trained nurses is struggling to keep pace. High levels of burnout, increased workloads, and an aging workforce are exacerbating the problem, leading to an exodus of experienced nurses from the field.
In perioperative nursing, these shortages have a direct impact on patient care. Operating rooms rely on highly specialized teams, and when hospitals lack adequate staff, it leads to surgical delays, increased stress on remaining personnel, and higher risks for both patients and providers.
Why Are Nurses Leaving?
Several factors contribute to the declining numbers of perioperative nurses:
- Workplace stress and burnout – The high-pressure nature of surgical nursing, combined with staff shortages, leads to fatigue and dissatisfaction.
- Lack of incentives – Competitive salaries and career development opportunities vary widely across Europe, making retention difficult.
- Aging workforce – Many experienced nurses are retiring, and there are not enough younger professionals entering the field to replace them.
What Can Be Done?
To address these challenges, EORNA advocates for:
✅ Investing in education and training – More funding is needed for specialized perioperative nursing programs to attract new professionals.
✅ Improving working conditions – Hospitals must prioritize staff well-being, ensuring safe workloads and mental health support.
✅ Strengthening recruitment and retention strategies – Competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and mentorship programs can encourage nurses to stay in the profession.
The Role of EORNA
EORNA is committed to advocating for perioperative nurses at the European level. We are working closely with policymakers, professional organizations, and healthcare institutions to develop solutions that ensure a sustainable workforce.
We need action now to secure the future of perioperative nursing. I invite all nurses, hospital leaders, and policymakers to join this critical conversation. Together, we can build a healthcare system that supports and values its nursing workforce.