Responding to the NMC's new report, Internationally trained professionals joining the NMC register, RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said:
“The over reliance on international nurse recruitment proves ministers have no grip on the nursing workforce crisis. The huge increase in overseas nurses joining the NMC register shows a focus on short-term fixes rather than long-term solutions.
“It’s deeply concerning that four ‘red list’ countries appear amongst the top 20 most recruited from countries. This approach is unsustainable.
“Ministers must invest in growing the domestic nursing workforce. They need to give nursing staff the pay rise they deserve to retain experienced nurses and attract new people to the profession.
“Liz Truss must ask herself why record numbers are quitting a career they’ve loved. And, more importantly, tell us what her government will do about it.
“Our strike ballot opens this Thursday, and we urge our members to vote in favour. Enough is enough. This workforce crisis won’t fix itself.”
Ends
Notes to editors
NMC report - Internationally trained professionals joining the NMC register
