A film titled Late Shift shares similarities with Boiling Point and The Bear, as it unfolds its narrative within the confines of a hospital, delivering a tense and nerve-wracking experience that ranks among the top movies I've seen this year.
In the heart of Swiss cinemas, the film "Late Shift" is currently screening, offering a captivating glimpse into the life of a nurse named Floria, brilliantly portrayed by Leonie Benesch. The film, directed by Petra Volpe, focuses on a single shift in a hospital that is always bustling, with constant alarms, alerts, and patient cries. Despite the hectic environment, the staff, including Floria, maintain a steely silence, working diligently without panic or fighting.
Floria's shift is far from routine. She juggles multiple tasks, from doing rounds to dealing with visitors, a nursing student, and a demanding private healthcare patient. The film's kinetic script aims to honor the "athleticism" of nursing, reflecting the character's relentless pace. Despite having a limited backstory, Floria is portrayed as a real, relatable character, making her struggles all the more poignant.
As the film ends, Floria heads home in silence, mirroring the opening sequence, leaving viewers with a sense of familiarity. However, it's important to note that "Late Shift" does not depict or address the nursing shortage in Switzerland or worldwide.
In reality, Switzerland, like many countries, faces a significant and growing shortage of nurses. According to the World Health Organization, there will be a global shortage of 13 million nurses by 2030. In Europe, including Schengen countries, there is a reported need for 1.2 million healthcare professionals, especially skilled nurses. Switzerland, in particular, relies heavily on international professionals, with over 25% of nurses trained abroad.
The high demand for nurses in Switzerland is reflected in their competitive salaries. With an average annual salary around USD 94,869, Switzerland offers one of the highest nursing salaries globally. However, these figures do little to address the looming nursing shortage.
The nursing shortage is not just a Swiss problem. Globally, the WHO projects a shortage of about 13 million nurses by 2030. In Europe, initiatives are being taken to improve recruitment and retention, including support for foreign nurses.
As the credits roll on "Late Shift," viewers may be left pondering the sobering statistics displayed on screen: 36% of nurses quit within four years of starting work. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals worldwide, and the urgent need for addressing the nursing shortage.
For those seeking more insights into the world of cinema, be sure to check out the rest of the "Big Screen Spotlight" series.
[1] Swissinfo.ch, "Swiss healthcare: More than a quarter of nurses trained abroad," 2019. [2] European Commission, "EU-wide initiatives to improve recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals," 2021. [3] World Health Organization, "Global strategy on human resources for health: Workforce 2030," 2016. [4] OECD, "Health at a Glance: Switzerland 2020," 2020. [5] PayScale, "Average Nursing Salary in Switzerland," 2021.
- To delve deeper into the realm of cinema, patients of entertainment may be intrigued by the rest of the "Big Screen Spotlight" series.
- Streaming platforms offering deals on healthcare-related documentaries could raise awareness about the global nursing shortage, with total film coverage on the subject matter.
- Interest in science and health-and-wellness could lead viewers to research more about the projected shortage of 13 million nurses worldwide by 2030, as reported by the World Health Organization.
- Gamers might find a unique challenge in creating virtual environments to illustrate the daily life and challenges faced by nurses, contributing to a better understanding and appreciation for their "athleticism," as depicted in movies like "Late Shift."
