The results of a survey conducted by Nursing Homes Ireland, the representative organisation for the private and voluntary nursing homes sector, show that 1,400 nursing posts could be made available within nursing homes across to country in both voluntary and private sectors in the next 12 months. At the moment, 500 jobs are available in both sectors.

71 percent of those surveyed said they would be in a position to offer nursing employment in the next 12 months, 25 percent said they may be able to offer such employment while 4 percent replied they would not be in a position to do so.

The survey also revealed that approximately 70 percent of member nursing homes are reporting difficulties in filling nursing posts.

Following these results, Nursing Homes Ireland intends to hold an inaugural national awareness day/recruitment seminar entitled Nursing Homes: Rewarding Career Opportunities set to take place on Tuesday August 23 at the D4 Hotel, Ballsbridge.