HMN 2026: What is the urgent regional action to stabilize workforce

A new study recently published in Nursing & Health Sciences reveals critical work environment concerns for the Caribbean nursing workforce. Research led by Penn Nursing provides a high-level view of systemic failures contributing to international migration from a region with some of the world’s highest nurse out-migration rates. Government Chief Nursing Officers (GCNOs) from nineteen countries have identified several “warning signs” that undermine care and drive nurses abroad.

Warning signs of nursing shortages

• Deficient environments: Facilities face serious disrepair, including mold, poor ventilation, and a lack of ergonomic equipment or dedicated rest spaces.
• Significant staffing gaps: Chronic understaffing has led to high patient-to-nurse ratios and decreased standards of care.
• Ongoing violence: Nurses feel vulnerable as community “spillover” violence—including gang activity and gunshots—penetrates clinical settings.
• Stifled development: A lack of leadership training and scope-of-practice barriers prevent nurses from practicing to the full extent of their education.

These poor work environments have contributed to a powerful “push factor,” with over half of Caribbean-trained nurses now working in high-income countries. Lead author Eileen T. Lake, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, the Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor of Gerontology and Associate Director of Penn Nursing’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, emphasizes that high-level paperwork is not enough to stem the tide.

“Formal regulatory frameworks are insufficient to ensure safe working environments,” said Lake. “Critical determinants of effectiveness include enforcement, resourcing, and leadership engagement to translate policy into practice and lessen migration pressures. Given their responsibility and wealth of knowledge, GCNOs should be included in health ministers’ decision-making processes for policy development and implementation.”

While the study highlights 52 distinct policy actions—ranging from “climate-smart” hospital retrofitting to zero-tolerance violence policies—implementation remains inconsistent across the region. The authors conclude that a coordinated regional effort is mandatory to stabilize the workforce and ensure the long-term performance of Caribbean health systems.

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