The additional burden placed on nurses during the covid pandemic has been revealed in a new survey highlighting longer hours, more stress and fewer staff.

In Scotland just over three-quarters – 77% – reported being more stressed.

A third said they were working at a higher level of responsibility, but almost all – 93% –were not being paid extra for it.

Meanwhile just over a third said staffing levels had worsened during the pandemic and they were putting in longer hours.

The findings come from a major Royal College of Nursing (RCN) survey on ‘Building a better future for nursing’ which gathered more than 3,800 responses in Scotland.

When asked what they would like to see done to make them feel more valued, nearly three-quarters called from improved pay, while half said better staffing levels would help.

Nurses have held a series of demonstrations in recent weeks over the issue of pay, with the Scottish Government saying it is working with unions to agree a timetable to secure a new pay deal for 2021-22.

NHS medical and dental staff received a pay rise of 2.8% in July, but this did not include nurses who signed a separate three-year pay deal in 2018.

Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “The last year is something none of us could have predicted and has shown nursing in a light never seen before.

“Whether in hospitals, care homes or in the community, across the entire health and care sector the nursing workforce has stepped up to care for their patients and residents and support their colleagues.

“The public clapping on their doorsteps must reverberate all the way to the heart of government. We now need to see action. That is why we continue to call for a significant and early pay rise.”

She added the pandemic was not over and there was a risk of many members leaving the profession unless there is improved pay.

Theresa Fyffe, RCN Scotland Director added: “Our members have painted a clear picture of the challenging times they have faced and the additional burden the pandemic has placed on them as individuals and their teams.

“It is also clear that safe staffing and the lack of recognition of the work that nursing staff do were issues before the pandemic that still need to be addressed.”

 

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