Un Nuovo Spreco di Denaro Pubblico: L’Assistente Infermiere

On August 8, 2024, the State-Regions Conference decided to introduce a new professional figure, the Nurse Assistant, with the aim of replacing the traditional Social-Health Operator (OSS). This decision, however, raises numerous doubts and criticisms.

Current OSS are already highly qualified and capable of doing their job excellently. Instead of replacing them, it would be more logical to increase their numbers and improve their working conditions.

The creation of this new professional figure represents a huge waste of public money. We already have highly trained professionals, but with embarrassing salaries.

Instead of investing in new figures, it would make more sense to increase the salaries of existing nurses and OSS, making these professions more attractive and sustainable.

Politics should consult the professionals who work on the front lines in the wards and in the field, instead of inventing new professions together with theorists who have little practical experience. Only by increasing salaries, recognizing the exhausting nature of the profession, and introducing a single national contract and free mobility, can the problem of staff shortages be solved.

Instead of creating new professional figures that will benefit only the trainers, funds should be allocated to those who already work hard to support our National Health System (SSN). An NHS that was once a source of national pride, but since it is no longer centralized has had ineffective management by the regions, the only thing that has increased are the managers with their salaries and productivity bonuses.

Our NHS, once a source of national pride, has suffered a clear decline since management passed to the Regions. The numbers speak for themselves: only the managers and their salaries are increasing, while the staff working in the wards are increasingly struggling. Italian politics continues to ignore international evidence: nurses are irreplaceable, and cannot be replaced by other figures, not even by doctors. The consequences would be devastating, with an increase in the risk of hospital infections, antibiotic resistance, and avoidable deaths.

Another major problem is the lack of a strong union for healthcare professionals, such as nurses, midwives, and also OSS left adrift by everyone. Only a representative union, with 51% of the votes, can really obtain the respect and recognition that these figures deserve. It's time to say enough to miserable salaries, unsustainable shifts, and staff shortages. We must unite and fight for decent working conditions that keep our professionals in Italy, without forcing them to seek better opportunities abroad.

The solution is within reach. If we join the Nursing Up movement and reach 51%, we can truly transform our healthcare system in a short time. Enough with expensive and unproductive solutions, enough with decisions made without consulting those who work hard every day to keep an NHS that is leaking everywhere running. Politics has a duty to invest in the human resources already operating in the system, improving their economic and professional conditions, for the good of all citizens.

The challenge is great, but with the right determination we can win it. Because Italian healthcare deserves to return to being a source of pride for everyone.

Contact lapaginadinursingup@yahoo.com now and ask for info to collaborate or to register or to apply for the next RSU, this is an important step to make your voice heard and promote respect and adequate pay.

With 51% of the votes, Italian healthcare could be changed for the better and in a very short time. United we win, the alternative is the abyss.

LapaginadiNursingUp

Vincenzo Parisi