Italy is on track to welcome a significant influx of foreign nurses, with the government aiming to reach a total of 50,000 by early 2025. This recruitment surge is part of a robust response to an ongoing shortage of healthcare staff, particularly nurses.
Reports indicate that Italy currently faces a shortfall of approximately 65,000 nurses. In an effort to bridge this gap, around 10,000 foreign nurses are expected to arrive shortly, according to MonteOzTravels.com.
To address the shortage, Italy has been tapping into a diverse pool of medical talent. Nurses are being recruited not only from neighboring Schengen countries but also from farther regions, as Italy seeks to ensure a well-rounded workforce.
“We’ll be coordinating with consular authorities to verify their language proficiency in Italian,” stated Health Minister Orazio Schillaci. “Their credentials are valid, and we’re dealing with a serious shortfall of about 30,000 nurses here.”
India Set to Play a Key Role in Italy’s Nurse Recruitment
Health Minister Schillaci has highlighted India as a major recruitment market for addressing Italy’s nursing needs. India, with its 3.3 million-strong nursing workforce, presents a substantial opportunity. The Minister noted plans to bring approximately 10,000 Indian nurses to Italy, with regional health authorities managing the recruitment process directly.
Presently, the largest group of foreign nurses in Italy comes from Romania, totaling 12,000, followed by 2,000 nurses from Poland. India and Albania also contribute significantly, each sending around 1,800 nurses, while Peru has emerged as a key market, with 1,500 Peruvian nurses currently working in Italy.
Local Initiatives Underway to Welcome More Nurses
Italian regions, like Lombardy, are taking proactive steps to attract foreign nurses. Lombardy alone plans to welcome 200 nurses from Argentina and others from Paraguay. Additionally, approximately 1,000 nurses trained at Catholic universities in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Congo, Cameroon, Argentina, Peru, and India are expected to arrive in the coming months.
Campania, another Italian region, is accelerating its integration of foreign nurses into hospitals. However, low wages remain a significant challenge, as Italy’s nurses are among the lowest-paid in Europe. Health Minister Schillaci acknowledged the need to improve compensation and expand duties to make the profession more appealing.
Italian Government Simplifies Rules to Attract Foreign Nurses
The Italian government is working to streamline the process for foreign nurses to practice in the country. Proposed initiatives include establishing Italian language centers in India and standardizing foreign qualifications to meet Italian healthcare standards.
To qualify as a nurse in Italy, candidates typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (a four-year program) or a diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery, which takes between three to three and a half years. These credentials, coupled with proficiency in Italian, open doors for a career in Italy’s healthcare sector.
With Italy’s intensified efforts and an international focus on healthcare cooperation, the country is setting the stage for a more diverse and resilient nursing workforce.