Nursing assistants in Spain report high dissatisfaction and workload

A first-of-its-kind report by Spain's Ministry of Health reveals that 40% of nursing assistants (TCAE) are not content with their jobs, and 38% would leave if they could. The study, based on over 30,000 surveys, estimates around 168,000 TCAE work in Spain, 90% women, with an average age of 47. Source: ABC Source: La Vanguardia

Key findings

• Workload : 73% of TCAE say staff shortages hinder care and increase workload; only 25.4% believe there are enough staff. Source: Infobae
• Recognition : Despite 80% saying their work has high social value, only 9.5% feel adequately recognized by the public. Source: ABC
• Mental health : Nearly 40% show symptoms compatible with depression, and one in four suffers moderate or severe anxiety. Source: ABC
• Working conditions : Less than half (48%) have a permanent contract, and salaries vary by up to €500 per month between regions. Source: Infobae

The reaction

Paloma Calleja, head of the National Care Committee, noted that “the figures show us that not even half of TCAE feel part of the nursing team.” Source: La Vanguardia The report warns of an aging workforce (average age 47) and an aging population, with the dependency index rising 31.4% from 2014 to 2025.