“The nurse must not only have a role in terms of care and assistance functions, but must become the glue in the hospital. A scenario which must then deal with the shortage of personnel due to economic factors, but also to a poor attractiveness towards new young people who want to undertake nursing courses”. Thus the director of the Discipline Office of the Health Professions Directorate of the Ministry of Health, Cristina Rinaldi, speaking in Arezzo on the last day of the Risk Management Forum where the session ‘Rethinking the nursing profession, rethinking the National Health Service’ took place, of Fnopi, the National Federation of Nursing Professions Orders.
“When we talk about valorisation of nursing staff we must not only think about economic valorisation – underlines Rinaldi – Valorisation also passes through the rediscovery of motivation and recognition, in the field, of merit and results. As a ministry we have collaborated with Fnopi, as early as 2022, at a table set up at the Mur within which a proposal was formalized by the Federation to review the masterS degree course. The idea proposed by Fnopi is to concentrate attention on specialist paths that can implement strategies for the acquisition of enabling skills and knowledge, with a view to making the nursing profession more attractive”.
Ther are 3 areas of nursing specialization proposed by Fnopi: in primary care and public health; in pediatric and neonatal care; in intensive care and in emergencies. “The Ministry of Health welcomed Fnopi’s proposal. The idea – highlights Rinaldi – was to review professional training with 3 specialist courses that could enable the nurse to carry out advanced functions. This will certainly have an impact in terms of career development. All this is aimed at enhancing the nursing profession which will have to be considered even more at the centre of the healthcare system”. always with a view to valorising the nurse,the ministry has carried out other measures,together with the Regions. Among these: “The revision of the agreements on the OSS” and that is the social-health worker, “and the figure of the nurse assistant. Measures aimed at supporting the nurse in what are activities considered to have low discretion and high standardization It remains confirmed that the nurse is in any case responsible for the functional process”, Rinaldi specifies.
Interview with Cristina Rinaldi: Rethinking the Nursing Profession adn Enhancing the National Health Service
Editor: Welcome, Cristina Rinaldi, Director of the Discipline office of the Health Professions Directorate at the Ministry of Health. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the future of the nursing profession in Italy. Your recent remarks at the Risk Management Forum really resonated with many. Can you elaborate on the changing role of nurses in the healthcare system?
Rinaldi: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the role of nurses is evolving. They are not just caregivers; they must also act as the glue of the hospital. We are currently confronting a significant challenge with the shortage of nursing personnel, which is influenced by economic factors and a lack of appeal for young individuals entering nursing courses.
Editor: That’s an vital point. As you mentioned, financial issues are part of this problem, but so are the motivational aspects. How can the nursing profession be made more attractive to young students considering this career path?
Rinaldi: When we talk about enhancing the nursing profession, it’s crucial to think beyond just economic valorization. We aim to rediscover motivation and recognize merit and achievements in the field. Since 2022, the Ministry has collaborated with Fnopi to review the master’s degree program, focusing on specialist paths that can cultivate enabling skills and knowledge. This could truly make nursing a more appealing career choice.
Editor: you mentioned three specific areas of nursing specialization proposed by Fnopi: primary care and public health, pediatric and neonatal care, and intensive care and emergencies. Could you elaborate on how these specializations will impact career development for nurses?
rinaldi: Absolutely. The introduction of these specialist courses will empower nurses to assume advanced roles within their fields. This revamp of professional training positions nursing at the core of the healthcare system. By equipping nurses with advanced skills, we are not only enhancing their abilities but also creating new pathways for career advancement.
Editor: It sounds like a promising initiative. Are there any additional strategies the Ministry is implementing to further support nurses in their responsibilities?
Rinaldi: Yes, indeed. Alongside our collaboration with the Regions, we are revising agreements regarding OSS (social-health workers) and the role of nurse assistants.These measures are designed to support nurses by alleviating burdens associated with tasks typically deemed low in discretion but high in standardization. Though, it’s essential to emphasize that the nurse remains responsible for the overall functional process.
editor: That’s a crucial distinction. As a final thought, what practical advice would you give to both emerging nursing professionals and current practitioners in this changing landscape?
Rinaldi: For aspiring nurses, I encourage you to engage in continuous learning and seek out specializations that pique your interest.It’s vital to recognize the value of professional development. for current practitioners,stay motivated and responsive to the evolving nature of healthcare. Advocate for your profession and engage in discussions that elevate nursing within the healthcare system.
Editor: Thank you, Cristina rinaldi, for your insights and vision for the nursing profession. It’s clear that with the right changes, nurses can become even more integral to our healthcare system.
Rinaldi: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critically important topics. Together, we can create a future where nursing is celebrated and effectively supported.
