The severe shortage of nurses in Danish hospitals has led to the use of certain categories of non-nursing professionals to fill nursing job vacancies. Accordingly, the two largest regions in Denmark, Central Jutland and the capital region, will begin to employ nutritionists, physiotherapists, social workers, teachers, and medical students to fill vacancies and perform some of the duties of nurses in hospitals.
According to health expert Jacob Kilberg, this solution may continue to be in place for many years, possibly up to 10-20 years.
Both regions are experiencing significant pressure on their hospitals due to several factors, including the increasing number of coronavirus patients, the existence of many job vacancies, and the frustration among nurses who refuse to work following the summer strike.
Accordingly, the aforementioned professional groups will perform what are called “patient-related tasks”.
On the other hand, pharmacists will provide medical assistance, while occupational therapists and physiotherapists will help patients get out of bed and follow them to the toilet, for example.
This measure leads to nurses being concerned about allowing other professional groups to take over their jobs, but the basic condition on which the practical tasks are divided remains ensuring patient safety. For example, the basic tasks of nurses will be carried out by nurses responsible for the individual monitoring of patients and acting as they see fit, according to a statement by Christina Rubins, the regional head of nurses in the capital region, to the Berlingske newspaper.
Source: Berlingske newspaper
