Iva Dobreva, head nurse of the Oncology Hospital "Prof. Ivan Chernozemski" - Sofia, with 26 years of experience
There is a serious shortage of health care professionals in Bulgaria. Between 17 000 and 29 000 nurses are missing! There is no region in the country where there are enough nurses, with more than 2,500 needed in Sofia alone and over 1,400 in Plovdiv. In addition to being few in number, they are also quite advanced in average age. This means that in the coming years, unless extremely serious measures are taken, the shortage will deepen.
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How did you choose the nursing profession?
I come from a medical family. All my relatives are medical workers and it was just a path that was destined for me.
What are the three qualities a nurse must have to be good at their profession?
First and foremost, they must be extremely responsible, principled in their work, and dedicated to patient care. I do not say this as a cliché, but from experience.
What are the biggest daily challenges you face professionally?
The biggest challenge is dealing with the staffing problem. We have a significant shortage of staff, not only in the hospital, but in the profession as a whole. The profession is ageing. There are simply no young people, or very few, and they are not coming to the state hospitals at all.
Should young cadres whose education has been cofounded by the state be bound by a commitment to work for a period in the country?
Absolutely! I think one of the big problems is exactly that. Young people are studying to be nurses to go abroad. Also, the quality of graduates is very diluted because of the long study period of 4 years. There are nurses from the old generation working here who have studied for 2 years - 2 and a half years, and in no way can I say that they are less competent than those who have just graduated. A longer period of training is not a prerequisite for better staff.
Why did you choose Bulgaria for your professional career and are you satisfied with this choice to date?
Bulgaria is my country. The choice was made without hesitation and I would not change it, despite the difficulties.
Your advice to all those who are facing the choice whether to choose this noble profession?
The profession is very responsible and brings great pleasure when you see the result of your work. It is a wonderful profession and my advice to all those who are starting out now is to dedicate themselves to it!
