Retired nurses are being called up to apply for positions in state hospitals as the health authorities continue to struggle with a nursing staff shortage.

In a call for applications published on the government’s website (www.gov.mt), retirees who are in possession of a nursing licence are being invited to apply for the posts of Staff Nurse and Enrolled Nurse with the public health sector.

According to the details fleshed out in the call published on Friday, the invitation is open to all “suitably qualified and experienced nurses” who have reached or are expected to reach retirement age by the end of next year.

Nurses who have not served as public officers may also apply for the posts.

The invitation is open to all suitably qualified and experienced nurses

The call also says that the selected person may be employed on a full-time or part-time basis and no contract will be extended beyond a period of three-and-a-half years or beyond the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Eligible applicants will be assessed through an interview.

The call comes at a time when the health authorities continue to struggle through a nurse shortage. For years, the nurses’ union has complained that the number of nurses needed in hospitals was far greater than that of working nurses.

As a result, many practising the profession are facing burnout, which not only impacted them but also the patients they treat, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has repeatedly warned.

The government’s call for nurses comes less than one month after a similar call for retired schoolteachers was made in an attempt to address the teacher shortage in State schools.