Nursing Shortage in Norway

The nursing shortage is not just an American phenomenon, it exists across the world and is quite severe in Norway. This summer, there seems to be a dire shortage in Norwegian nursing homes. In Norway, the number of applications coming in for summer work are at an all time low. Some townships have received only one or two application after advertising vacancies for the summer holiday season.

The shortage is mostly among the American equivalent of CNAs and LPNs and LVNs. Some nursing homes are recruiting staff as young as 16 or 17 and giving bonuses to existing staff to postpone their vacations. The situation is so bad that many fear that the elderly will not be able to get even basic care like showering, changing diapers, and feeding.