Daniele Lanzoni, nurse and union leader at Bellaria, paints an alarming picture of a situation that risks degenerating. "The exodus of nurses is a deep wound for our healthcare system," says Lanzoni. "To reverse this trend, urgent and decisive intervention by the institutions is needed. Only in this way can we guarantee citizens quality and dignified healthcare." Bringing in nurses from countries like India, without knowing the language and with questionable preparation, risks further aggravating the staff exodus to dangerous proportions. "This is what my colleagues at Nursing Up and I have been predicting and saying for some time," adds Lanzoni. In 2022, about 270 nurses left Bologna's public hospitals, a significant increase compared to 180 in 2021. This exodus represents one of the most serious consequences of a crisis that is worsening day by day, with no sign of slowing down. Nursing Up has raised the alarm about this "nurse exodus," attributing the situation to wages that are too low and unsustainable working conditions. Daniele Lanzoni highlights how the cost of living in Bologna is one of the main obstacles. With net monthly salaries ranging from 1,600 to 1,800 euros for those working night and holiday shifts, living in an expensive city like Bologna has become unsustainable. Rents range between 600 and 700 euros per month, leaving little room to cover other essential expenses. "Many colleagues resign and return to the South," explains Lanzoni, "because they can't make it here." A recent survey by Nursing Up Emilia Romagna highlighted the increasingly difficult working conditions of nurses in the region. 96.2% are dissatisfied with their salary, and only 8% of over 3,000 nurses say they do not work in a toxic environment. Work overload, problematic shift management, and the negative impact on private life are just some of the main concerns. The risk of burnout has increased dramatically, especially after the pandemic, and the lack of adequate psychological support further worsens the situation. Despite unions discussing the new National Healthcare Contract, many nurses are skeptical. "We all know how it will end," says Lanzoni, "an increase that won't even cover inflation." The forecast is that the abandonment of the profession will continue to rise if drastic measures are not taken. To reverse this trend, a strong and united response is needed. Politics must make the nursing profession more attractive, managers must create calm, collaborative, and non-toxic work environments. Colleagues must unite in a single category union, Nursing Up, which not only fights for better economic conditions, but also offers 360° legal and professional liability protection, including home, private life, and services such as free 730 tax assistance. What do we have to lose? Let's unite in a single union, give it 51%, and we will bring the NHS back among the best in the world. - Daniele Lanzoni's PODCAST on mobility Info, details, curiosities, registrations: WhatsApp 3401210916 lapaginadinursingup@yahoo.com
The alarm is red. Nurses continue to leave Bologna hospitals and beyond, putting the stability of the entire healthcare system at risk. A silent but unstoppable exodus, that spares no region in Italy, fueled by wages that are too low, exhausting working conditions, and a cost of living that makes it increasingly difficult to live in the city. The Solution?
- Daniele Lanzoni's PODCAST on our salaries
.jpeg "Infermieri di famiglia e Comunità, proposta Nursing Up")
