Taiwan's Nurses Quietly Exit: Over 1,300 Leave in Four Months

A Growing Exodus of Healthcare Professionals Raises Concerns About Staffing Crisis in Hospitals.

Taiwan is facing a concerning trend: a significant number of nurses are leaving their jobs, contributing to a potential staffing crisis within the healthcare system. According to recent statistics, the Taiwan Nurses and Allied Medical Personnel Union (TNAMPU) reports that from January to March of this year, 921 nurses resigned nationwide. The month of March alone saw 548 resignations, the highest figure since 2020. When combined with the 381 nurses who left in December of last year, a total of 1,302 nurses have chosen to leave their positions in the past four months.

The TNAMPU is urging the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to urgently address the working conditions and environment for nurses. The union warns that the current trend of nurses resigning will not abate unless significant improvements are made.

Chen Yu-feng, consultant to the TNAMPU, pointed out that nurses previously tended to resign after receiving their year-end bonuses. Historical data from the MOHW and the Taiwan Nurses Association indicate that resignations during the Lunar New Year period were 613 in 2020, 373 in 2021, and 553 in 2022. The peak was reached in 2023, with 939 resignations, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a shift has been observed since 2023, with some nurses choosing to resign even when they are close to receiving their year-end bonus. In December 2023, 171 nurses resigned, signaling a critical warning.