BPS responds to figures that show increase in nurses quitting profession early

Responding to analysis published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) that revealed a drastic increase in the number of nurses leaving the profession within 10 years of first registering, President of the British Psychological Society, Dr Roman Raczka said: 

"Nurses do incredible work to look after the nation's health, but the findings from the RCN show that thousands of nurses are leaving the profession, with many citing burn out and struggling with their mental health as their reasons for leaving. 

"Prioritising NHS staff wellbeing helps them continue their vital work and creates a resilient and supported healthcare workforce. This new data reinforces the urgent need for the government to invest in mental health and wellbeing support services for healthcare professionals that are psychologically-led.  

"The BPS has been calling for healthcare staff to have access to the mental health support they need to carry out their work effectively and safely through our campaign to protect mental health services for healthcare workers. The findings from the RCN show exactly what can happen when healthcare staff aren't given the mental health support they need, and the consequences this can have on long-term patient care."