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By Jun Ji-hye
The government will work to reduce the number of patients per nurse to achieve the standard of one nurse for every five patients on average, by expanding financial support for hospitals that hire more nurses.
Additionally, the government will also introduce a year-long clinical training education program for new nurses to help them adapt better and improve the quality of nursing services for patients.
The measures are part of the new policies announced by the government, Tuesday, to improve the working conditions of nurses.
"Nurses are essential resources at the medical site," Health and Welfare Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said during a media briefing. "The government will make consistent efforts to nurture high-quality skilled nurses and induce their long service."
The government drew up the new policies at a time when nurses have long called for institutionally limiting the number of patients per nurse and improving their working conditions.
Demand for nurses especially grew at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic during which time they were at the front lines against the infectious disease leading many to suffer serious fatigue.
The government said the primary goal of its new policies is achieving the standard of one nurse for every five patients on average at general hospitals.
It will work to reform the relevant part of the health insurance system so it can expand financial assistance for hospitals that hire more nurses.
In particular, the government will offer more financial assistance for wards that house seriously ill or dementia patients so one nurse can be posted for every four patients.
The government will also induce hospitals to hire more nurses' assistants so the number of patients per assistant can be reduced to eight. Currently, one assistant cares for as many as 30 to 40 patients per shift on average, according to the health ministry.
For young nurses who tend to put more importance on work-life balance, the government will endeavor to improve the current eight-hour rotating shift system and institutionalize flexibility in the workplace. Options would include blocking work hours through the application of a 12-hour shift.
The government will consistently increase the quota for nursing colleges in preparation for increasing demand for nurses in the future.
In a bid to nurture a high-quality skilled workforce, the government will introduce a year-long clinical training education program for newly-hired nurses. The government will prepare for institutionalizing the appointment of senior nurses in charge of this program at medical institutes.
The government's support of equipment will be expanded to offer field practicum for nursing college students.
"We will continue to supplement and improve policies for nurses to meet their demands," Minister Cho said. "We will begin with listening to academia and senior professors about our policies announced today."
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