The survey by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) shows 40% of respondents said they had experienced discrimination, most often on the grounds of ethnicity or age – more internationally educated professionals reported this (53%) compared to those educated in the UK (35%).
The trade body says this is particularly concerning given that the Register is more ethnically diverse than ever, with 286,058 Black, Asian and minority ethnic nurses, midwives and nursing associates – a third of the total workforce at 33.2%.
In addition, around a quarter of respondents told the NMC that they are ‘struggling' with workload – meaning they regularly worked beyond their contracted hours and felt unable to cope with their workload at least weekly. This particularly affected midwives.
Almost a third (32%) of respondents – including 45% of midwives – reported witnessing situations where patient safety or care was compromised, often linked to inadequate staffing and pressure on workloads.
However, despite this, 58% of respondents are satisfied in their work, motivated by making a difference to people's lives, the research reveals. Although, only 12% of respondents would recommend the nursing and midwifery professions as a career.
Emma Westcott, executive director of strategy and insight, said: ‘It's encouraging that a majority of the professionals on the Register remain energised by the most positive aspects of nursing and midwifery practice. These include making a difference to people's lives, and forming rich relationships with the people they care for and work with. However, our findings are a stark reminder of the urgent need to tackle unacceptable behaviours that drive people out of work they love.
‘Our insight suggests that employers who take their duty of care for our registrants seriously are more likely to retain their nursing and midwifery staff. A zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying and harassment is needed across the sector. Our review of the Code will strengthen our expectations around equity and anti-racism in the professions.'
In response, RCN chief nursing officer Lynn Woolsey, said: ‘Nursing staff take pride in doing their best for patients but this report shows the dashboard is flashing red for a workforce drowning under unmanageable workloads, unsafe staffing levels within toxic environments. When almost a third say patient safety is being compromised and almost a quarter feel at risk of burnout, it is little wonder so few would now recommend nursing as a career. This is a perfect storm for patient care now and in the future.
‘It is extremely troubling to see so many staff reporting bullying and harassment as well as discrimination at work, with so much of it directed at those from a minority ethnic background. We have repeatedly raised the alarm on this appalling treatment and this report shows we need leadership and action from politicians and service leaders now.
‘Turning around health and social care requires governments to listen to their largest workforce. Investment to boost nurse numbers, alongside strategies to improve retention are crucial to easing workload pressures and freeing up staff to deliver care they are proud of.'
