Helsinki area goes after Finnish nurses working in Sweden

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Wine, munchies, and stand-up entertainment were on offer in Stockholm on Wednesday in an event where Finnish nurses working in Sweden were coaxed to return to work in Finland in the Greater Helsinki Area.
      The recruitment campaign was jointly organised by the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, together with the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa.
      "The reason behind the effort, of course, is the awful labour shortage straining all the capital area communities", Leena Karasvirta from the Helsinki Social Services Department explained in Stockholm.
      The recruiters offered plenty of useful information and assistance for those considering remigration. The capital area communities now have a couple of trump cards up their sleeve.
      "We can offer permanent positions immediately. We can also help in finding accommodation. As an initial residence, a dwelling provided by the employer can be offered to anyone who is interested", Karasvirta adds.
     
At least based on Wednesday's experience, it did not look like the Finnish nurses working in Sweden were dying to get back to Finland. Many of them still feel they are better off in Sweden.
      "Here in Sweden the working atmosphere is much better than in Finland", said Jenny Mustonen, who originates from the city of Joensuu in Eastern Finland.
      Mustonen explained that she simply came to get acquainted with the present situation in Finland, even though a move back home was not on her current agenda.
      Kaisu Seppänen also confirmed that she was very happy to work in Sweden. "The pay is better, as are the working conditions. There is more staff here, and one is entitled to full holidays immediately. Furthermore, I have been granted a salaried leave for further studies."
      Mustonen said she has now been in Sweden for three years.
     
In Sweden there are quite a few Finns working as nurses. With Norway the situation is more or less the same, but in the case of Norway the Finnish employers simply cannot compete.
      "In Norway the working conditions and the pay are ridiculously good. The organised accommodation is practically free, and free trips home are being offered", Karasvirta pointed out.
      Norway, too, has suffered from a serious lack of workforce, a situation which has been alleviated with big money. The mass migration of Finnish nurses into Norway peaked five years ago, when there were only part-time jobs available back home.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finnish nurses working abroad are to be recruited back (5.4.2006)

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