The nursing workforce in Canada and Australia: two sides of the same coin

Abstract

This paper compares characteristics of the nursing workforce in Canada and Australia and provides insights into reasons why the shortage of nurses is more critical today than ever before. Workplace issues are discussed in a global context. Factors that affect retention and recruitment are described. Factors that make the current shortage moreserious and different than at other times are also presented. Despite the shortage of registered nurses, their replacementwith unskilled workers jeopardises the quality of care.