Workforce Strain

Spain had 6.1 nurses per 1000 inhabitants in 2020 and would have needed 24,750 additional nurses to reach a cited European standard of 9.5 per 1000. Increasing nursing student numbers can intensify pressure on an overburdened workforce with limited recognition for mentoring. Strained practicum conditions may reduce nurses’ willingness to mentor and contribute to burnout, dropout and adverse practicum experiences. Reduced mentor availability, supervision discontinuity, weaker evidence-based practice and lower student satisfaction may result from current barriers.