NURSING SHORTAGE: THAI PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS AND POLICY PROPOSALS

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the problem of the shortage of professional nurses that affects the public health system in Thailand. It has collected policy recommendations from academics, including presenting the author's opinions from the perspective of public administration, which must be fixed at the real cause to plug various leaks. Otherwise, producing professional nurses will be insufficient if they cannot provide skilled nursing care. “Survive and prosper” in the next career. For example, an experienced nurse graduates but has no available position. Unable to be appointed as a civil servant. There is no stability in life. It is being overwhelmed with unrelated workloads while the compensation is low. Income is not enough to support my current lifestyle. It was working unhappy losing patience and repressing things that affect the mind. Become a person who has relationship problems with family members, coworkers, patients, and relatives of patients. The more complaints they receive, the more they will lose their energy at work. It hurts both physical and mental health. It also affects the efficiency and effectiveness of patient services. This is an important reason that affects the intention and decision to resign. Therefore, there are policy recommendations to solve the nursing shortage problem, including 1) hiring more nurses as civil servants, 2) managing the nursing workforce, 3) promoting advancement, compensation and a better quality of life, 4) developing competency and development plan for nursing personnel 5) Structure of the provincial administrative agencies Under the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health There is a review of the structure of nursing services, in line with the increased health services in large hospitals.