Nurses in France unite for reforms

French nurses, both those working for the government and those running their own practices, are coming together to push for changes in the healthcare system. They are preparing to present a unified set of demands as France approaches its presidential election in April and May. The main focus is on improving access to care, which is a major concern for the public.

Demand for less administrative burden

Nurses are expressing frustration over the heavy administrative workload they face. They want the Social Security system to handle more of the risk management, which they say is currently too burdensome. Many feel overwhelmed by billing procedures and are in a state of ongoing administrative uncertainty. The National Federation of Nurses (FNI) also wants an occupational health service specifically for independent practitioners.

Training as a solution for liberal nurses

The National Union of Liberal Nurses (Sniil) is pushing for mandatory training before nurses can start their own practice. This would help them better understand the local healthcare ecosystem and improve their quality of life. According to John Pinte from Sniil, this training would help nurses establish their practices with a broader understanding of the care environment beyond just nursing procedures.

Law to reduce nurse workload

The National Union of Nursing Professionals (SNPI) is advocating for the implementation of a 2025 law that sets a minimum number of caregivers per hospitalized patient. This law aims to ensure better safety and quality of care. French nurses currently care for twice as many patients as their European counterparts, and their workload has doubled in 15 years. This has led to increased stress and negative outcomes for patients, including longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates.

Nurses face salary stagnation

Salary increases for nurses are a major concern, as they are the second biggest reason for disaffection among public sector workers. French nurses are underpaid compared to those in other European countries. Since 2010, public sector nurse salaries have only increased by 6%, while the cost of living has risen by 28%. This has significantly reduced their purchasing power and contributed to high turnover in the profession.

Measures to improve living standards

The FNI is calling for measures to improve the living conditions of independent nurses, including a "fuel stabilizer." This would link their income to the prices reimbursed by the Social Security, helping to offset fuel price fluctuations. The Sniil is also requesting support for independent nurses in purchasing electric vehicles, as part of broader mobility assistance.

Expanding nurses' roles and responsibilities

There is a shared desire to allow nurses to use the full range of their skills. Despite new laws granting them more responsibilities, implementation has been delayed. Thierry Amouroux from SNPI says no nurse consultations have been set up in either the public or private sectors, and the initiative must come from care departments. This delay is causing a loss of meaning for the profession.

Push for direct patient access

Liberals want to expand direct access to nurses, particularly in areas like dependency and autonomy. John Pinte from Sniil supports this, noting that nurses can already assess patients using the Nursing Care Assessment (BSI) and want to expand this role. The FNI also wants to establish nurse consultations in mental health, which they believe would improve the profession's attractiveness. Daniel Guillerm concludes that they want practical solutions that place nurses at the center of early detection and guidance.