Addressing the Burnout and Shortage of Nurses in the Philippines

Abstract

Burnout among Filipino nurses poses a significant threat to an understaffed Philippine healthcare system, leading to resignations, change of profession, and migration to other countries, thereby exacerbating the shortage in the local nursing sector. While workplace mental health programs and interventions can help alleviate burnout, it is crucial to address the structural factors contributing to burnout among Filipino nurses, such as low salaries, delayed benefits, understaffing, overwork, and job insecurity. Therefore, mobilizing existing resources and improving policies are critical steps that need to be taken to effectively address burnout among nurses. Measures such as increasing salaries, timely provision of benefits, and filling vacant government regular positions can contribute to improving the working conditions for nurses in the Philippines. Moreover, by undertaking these measures, the Philippines can advance just working and living conditions for nurses, while also mitigating the challenges posed by the shortage of nurses within its healthcare system.

Nurses’ perception of work and life under COVID-19 pandemic conditions: a qualitative study

“…In line with the results of the present study, the study of Şahin et al ( 38 ) conducted in Turkey confirmed that nurses faced insufficient and unfair payment of salaries and benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, to meet these challenges, it is necessary to improve policies and mobilize existing resources and measures, such as increasing salaries, ensuring timely provision of benefits, and more support for nurses, as these measures can help improve the working conditions of nurses ( 39 ). Contrary to the results of the present study, a survey conducted by Şahin et al (2020) found that nurses and doctors are supported, respected, and described as heroes by Turkish society and that they are appreciated by the general population.…”

Advancing Filipino Healthcare: The Plight of Filipino Nurses in a Postpandemic World

“…Some nurses are even contractual workers (Corpuz, 2021a). Despite their critical role, Filipino nurses often receive relatively low wages, making it difficult to retain workforce domestically (Alibudbud, 2023a). Many nurses quit their jobs once they had amassed sufficient professional experience to be eligible for employment abroad because the nursing profession in the Philippines is export-oriented.…”

“…As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by Filipino nurses and plan for a resilient future. A recent article published in this journal highlighted that burnout has become a persistent issue for Filipino nurses (Alibudbud, 2023a). A global nursing workforce issue that already existed has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Stress No More! Prioritizing the Healthcare Workers’ Pleas for Their Health and Safety

“…During the pandemic, however, understaffing was one of the most severe problems in many healthcare facilities in my country, the Philippines (Alibudbud, 2023a). Nurses were forced to handle 20 to 50 patients per shift, and they worked for up to 16 hours per day with only one day of rest in a week, sometimes no days off if the situation did not permit.…”