Study of the nursing workforce is an important issue in health planning. Nurses form the largest group of health professionals. For professional and personal reasons they are also a very mobile workforce, as reflected in nursing turnover rates.
In recent years the nursing workforce has declined in relation to demand for services. This perceived shortfall has been further exacerbated by the introduction of the 38 hour week and the transfer of nursing education to the tertiary sector. The introduction of more part time positions in public service employment has also influenced the situation.