MUMN’s Frustration: Why Nurses Feel Left Behind in Progression Race

Imagine standing in line for a promotion, only to see your colleagues from other departments leapfrog ahead, while you’re left waiting. This is the reality for many nurses in Malta, as the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) expresses its frustration over the recent progression granted to allied health workers, but not nurses.

Background: The Progression Saga

The Ministry of Health has been implementing a new career progression scheme for health professionals. While allied health workers like physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists have seen significant progress, nurses feel overlooked. MUMN President, Paul Pace, recently stated, “We’re seeing a two-tier system emerging, where nurses are being left behind.”

This isn’t the first time nurses have raised concerns. In 2019, nurses protested outside the Ministry of Health in Merchants Street, Valletta, demanding better working conditions and career progression. Two years later, they feel their cries have fallen on deaf ears.

Why the Disparity?

The Ministry of Health maintains that the progression scheme is based on job evaluations and not on professions. However, MUMN argues that the evaluation criteria favor technical skills over the crucial patient care and management skills that nurses bring to the table. Pace explains, “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They deserve recognition and progression.”

the nursing profession has seen significant growth in recent years, with the number of registered nurses increasing by 15% between 2016 and 2020. Despite this, nurses feel their numbers aren’t translating into career growth opportunities.

: What’s Next for Nurses?

MUMN has called for urgent discussions with the Ministry of Health to address this disparity. Pace asserts, “We’re not asking for special treatment, just fairness. We want our members to have the same opportunities for progression as their colleagues in other health professions.”

Meanwhile, nurses continue to care for patients on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication and resilience serve as a stark reminder of the vital role they play in our healthcare system. It’s high time their contributions are recognized and rewarded.

“We’re not just asking for ourselves,” says Pace. “We’re asking for the future of our healthcare system. We want to ensure that the next generation of nurses sees a career path worth pursuing.”