Nurses Are Burning Out—Who’s Left to Care?

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet they’re buckling under burnout, migrating abroad, or abandoning the profession entirely. The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, released by the World Health Organization on International Nurses Day, lays bare a crisis threatening global health.

While the nursing workforce grew from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023, a shortfall of 5.8 million nurses persists, projected to ease to 4.1 million by 2030 if trends hold. Low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, bear 70% of this burden. With nurses stretched thin, facing violence, and lacking mental health support, the question looms: Who’s left to care, and how do we fix this?

A Global Shortage, Unevenly Felt

The numbers tell a story of stark inequity. Africa has just 10.6 nurses per 10,000 people, the Eastern Mediterranean 15.5, while Europe boasts 79.5. Globally, 78% of nurses serve only 49% of the population, leaving vast regions underserved.

Insert a world map illustrating nurse density per 10,000 population, with Africa at 10.6, Eastern Mediterranean at 15.5, and Europe at 79.5. Include a red alert box stating: “78% of nurses serve just 49% of the global population.”

This disparity stems from a global tug-of-war for nurses. High-income countries like the UK, US, and Australia rely heavily on foreign-born nurses—23% of their nursing workforce, compared to 14% globally. Low-income countries, like Nigeria and the Philippines, are training more nurses but lack jobs to retain them, fueling a brain drain that cripples their health systems.

Insert a bar chart comparing the percentage of foreign-born nurses: 23% in high-income countries vs. 14% globally.

Harsh Realities on the Frontlines

Working conditions are driving nurses away. Only 42% of countries provide mental health support for nurses, despite heavier workloads and trauma post-COVID. In conflict zones, particularly the Eastern Mediterranean, nurses face violence—63% of global attacks on healthcare in 2024 targeted this region. Shockingly, 86% of national nursing associations report attacks on nurses by patients or the public.

Insert a pie chart showing mental health support availability: 42% of countries have provisions, 58% do not. Include a callout box stating: “86% of nursing associations report violence against nurses.”

These conditions—burnout, inadequate pay, and violence—make retention nearly impossible. Women, who comprise 85% of nurses, also face gender pay gaps and discrimination, compounding the crisis. With healthcare spending projected to surge 65% by 2025, the demand for nurses will only grow, putting further strain on an already fragile workforce.

Signs of Hope

Amid the gloom, some countries offer blueprints for change. Rwanda has expanded nurse education, boosting its workforce capacity. New Zealand has focused on better wages and safer workplaces, reducing turnover. These strategies—investing in training, improving pay, and prioritizing safety—show what’s possible with political will.

A Call to Action

The WHO report demands bold investments in education, jobs, and leadership to meet global health goals by 2030. Nurse-led community health models, especially in rural areas, have proven effective and must be scaled up. Chief nursing officers, as seen in countries with strong health systems, can drive policy reforms. High-income countries must reduce reliance on foreign nurses by training their own, while supporting low-income nations through ethical recruitment and funding.

This crisis affects everyone—longer hospital waits, strained care for loved ones, and weakened health systems. The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report is a wake-up call. Governments, health leaders, and communities must act now to value and protect nurses, ensuring they’re not just the backbone of healthcare but its beating heart.