Shocking pay gap for the same job: in Lithuania, only 600 euros, and in Norway, 4 thousand. euros in hand

“A large part of those entering the nursing profession are already preparing to emigrate immediately, about thirty percent,” says Auristida Gerliakienė, chair of the Board of the Lithuanian Medical Movement.

“It just came to our knowledge then. There are also those who regret not having left on time, because there is family, children, second half,” says Raimonda Suduikienė, general practice nurse.

A woman who works in Marijampolė assures that a public sector nurse has a hard time with at least twice the burden.

“It takes a month, and I am leaving the public sector after eleven years of work, because I do not see the perspective, I do not see the motivation, there is an endless lack of hands,” he says.

Obviously, employees simply do not bear such burdens and wages are low. Nurses receive twice the salary of doctors and the salary offered abroad or in the private sector is much higher.

“More than 600 euros, 630, 650. If the nurse receives 880 euros, it is already a good salary. Meanwhile, in Norway, a nurse who has a very normal workload works a job, she has 4 thousand in her hands. “says the President of the Board of the Lithuanian Medical Movement.

According to the Medical Movement, there is a great lack of respect in Lithuania for the employees of this specialty, both from the society itself and from the employer. The nurse, who has been working in Norway for 10 years, assures that she feels much better here, not only for financial reasons.

“I was not very proud in Lithuania, as if to say that I am a nurse. But in Norway, when you say that you are a nurse, there is a lot of respect and it is only for Norwegians, wow, you are a nurse ”, says Andra Stumbrienė, a nurse in Norway.

In Norway, nurses have more responsibilities. However, salaries also differ slightly compared to the rest of the medical staff.

It is estimated that by 2028 there will be a shortage of more than 7,000 nurses in Lithuania.