Shanghai hospitals suffers a lack of nurses
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-17 15:06

Shanghai state-owned hospitals are suffering from a lack of experienced nurses as many in the profession take higher paying jobs with pharmaceutical companies or leave the medical sector all together.

Currently, some 10 to 20 nurses leave local district-based hospitals every year, while the figure is higher at city-based facilities.

"I earned only about 2,000 yuan (US$241) every month, while the job was so tough and tiring. I decided to join a beauty parlor doing facials, which is clean and well paid," said a former nurse surnamed Cheng, who left Changning District Central Hospital last year.

Most local nurses should work under a tight three-day schedule, from 8am to 4pm on the first day, 3pm to 11pm on the second day and 11pm to 8am on the third day. After two days of rest, the rotation begins again.

"Young nurses always earn the least, as medical staff incomes are in accordance with serving years, department income, professional title and academic background," said Lu Ye, an official at Yangpu District Central Hospital. "Newly recruited nurses only get 1,500 yuan a month, having the heaviest work load, and many will be fined if they violate regulations, such as sleeping on the night shift or if patients complain about them."

"People's increasing demands and the high pressure of the medical practice are also reasons why I quit," Cheng said.

Officials said many young nurses left after acquiring experience and a higher degree through further education.

After building up a medical background and work experience, many nurses take jobs with pharmaceutical companies, where they can earn 6,000 to 7,000 yuan a month in sales positions.

The talent drain is bad for the local medical industry, which is in need of more high-quality nurses.

"Nurses with a higher academic background and experience are very much in need," said Zou Hejian, vice president of Huashan Hospital.

According to the local nurses association, there are only 37,100 nurses in the city at present, about 7,000 short of demand. In 15 years, the city will need 63,000 nurses.

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