DYNAMICS OF THE NURSING WORKFORCE MARKET IN BULGARIA

Abstract

v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} b\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} BACKGROUND. Bulgaria, as many countries in the world is experiencing a critical period for the health workforce. The shortage of qualified nurses is one of the biggest obstacles for improving the health-system performance. Lack of strategic planning based on profound market research and elaboration of scientifically based prognosis further deteriorate the current nursing labor market disequilibrium. THE AIM of the study is to explore the main factors influencing the nursing market disequilibrium in Bulgaria and to make an evidence-based forecast of the future needs for nurses in order to suggest relevant workforce development strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study employs a combination of sociological and statistical methods . The analysis is based on the official statistical data on Bulgarian nursing personnel up to 2012. Primary information is collected through self-administered questionnaires distributed among 337 practicing nurses from April 2007 to December 2012. Data are processed with the packages MS Office Excel 2010 and SPSS v. 13. RESULTS. Results indicate that a decrease in the demand for nursing labour caused large staff layoffs during the first stage of the restructuring period (1990-2000) followed by a severe drop in the number of nurses due to emigration and exodus from the profession. There are also educational and qualification problems along with unattractiveness of the nursing practice due to high workload and low remuneration. With the mean age of 49 severe nursing workforce???s deficit is expected in 10-15 years due to retirement. According to our estimations the deficit of nurses will account for 3162 specialists by 2030. CONCLUSION. The Bulgarian nursing labor market disequilibrium is due to long-term structural imbalances . As the market mechanism is unable to attain equilibrium Bulgarian government should be urgently involved in workforce planning and initiate actions and strategies for producing and retaining the highly qualified nurse professionals in Bulgaria . Key words: nursing workforce market, Bulgaria, disequilibrium, factors. 285 1 7772400 10058400 359410 259 261 257 280 262 283 1 00_/BRK?6.T2;=J!!1=F$#P 5 1 1 286 False 0 0 -1 304800 243 True 128 77 255 3175 3175 70 True True True True True 282 134217728 1 16 -9999996.000000 -9999996.000000 8 Empty 13056 39321 13424332 13421772 13158 3368550 16777215 40 Rain Forest -87325200 -87325200 (`@````````` 267 263 5