Emilia Romagna in emergency: silent exodus of nurses, healthcare system on the verge of collapse Throughout the Emilia Romagna Region, despite continuous reports at the regional and national level by Nursing Up, the exodus of nurses continues relentlessly and silently. No city is spared: Parma, Bologna, Imola, Piacenza, the Baggiovara Hospital and many other places are experiencing a deep crisis. The Ausl of Piacenza is the emblem of an unprecedented hemorrhage: since the beginning of the year, more than 40 resignations have been submitted, and many more are already scheduled in the coming months. The problem affects several professional categories, but the red alert concerns above all the nurses, who are increasingly tired, disappointed, unheard, and poor. The response should be immediate: an extraordinary hiring plan. But even here the reality is merciless: the rankings are exhausted and over 50% of candidates refuse the calls. The decline is plain for all to see: in 2016, as many as 14,000 people applied for competitions to work in the healthcare facilities of Bologna and its province. In 2025, the candidates have dropped to 1,059, of which only 600 will enter the ranking. Many of these, however, will leave the public system even before the end of the summer. Hospitals and AUSLs are looking for staff everywhere, but many professionals choose different paths: the virtuous private sector, abroad – where working conditions and salaries are unthinkable in Italy – or a radical career change, accepting jobs in factories, large-scale retail or the logistics sector, just to get out of an unsustainable system. A survey conducted by Nursing Up Emilia Romagna has shaken the sector with alarming data and a reality that too many continue to ignore: The 96.3% of respondents (of which 79% nurses and 16% midwives) declare themselves dissatisfied with their salary. The 62.4% report toxic work environments, while a further 29% still consider them unhealthy. The 31% have already accepted another offer, and 13% are actively looking. A mass exodus that risks causing the healthcare system to implode. In Italy, there is a shortage of over 100,000 nurses and 8,400 midwives to guarantee adequate care. But the profession is no longer attractive. Italian professionals earn less than half of their European colleagues, who receive between 2,500 and 9,000 euros per month, with lower workloads, less tax pressure, and better overall living conditions. With rents increasingly unaffordable, rising bills, and a cost of living now out of control, more and more nurses are giving up their vocation or emigrating. Emilia Romagna is already on its knees. In the private sector, we receive reports of grueling 24-hour shifts, with nurses forced to sleep in the ward to be readily available, often subjected to moral blackmail linked to feelings of guilt towards colleagues and patients. Is there a solution? Yes, but what is needed is a real revolution. Radical actions are needed from national and regional politics, but also a new mentality from public and private management. Often, those with decision-making power only know how to say "no", even in the face of minimal and legitimate requests, fueling a climate of distrust, discouragement, and anger. What is needed are decent salaries, healthy work environments, real incentives, concrete benefits. Attractiveness and respect must be restored to the profession. But those in power seem unwilling to understand. The care of the citizen, perhaps, is no longer a priority. While politics wastes time, some AUSLs are looking for staff abroad, or worse, inventing "super workers" who, just to fill staffing gaps, are loaded with enormous responsibilities and risks. Real solutions are not in sight. It is time for professionals to unite and understand that only a category union can truly represent them and fight by their side. No more empty promises. We need those who act. We need those who listen. The Nursing Up can be the key to restoring dignity to healthcare professionals. The time for words is over. Now we need brave choices and immediate actions. Join Nursing Up Emilia Romagna today.
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