Ticino nurses: fleeing to Milan in search of work

Contesto

“It’s frustrating not being able to put into practice, in a professional setting, the skills I’ve learned over years of training.” These are the words of Martina*, 26, a newly qualified nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). She began her job search in May 2025, but after nearly a year without concrete results, the young nurse decided to look beyond Switzerland’s borders. “I sent my CV to the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan. It’s a very specific field, and I didn’t expect my application to be considered. Yet, the day after I submitted it, I was contacted and invited for an interview. Since last May, they’ve been trying to reach me.” Martina’s story comes to light in a context where, according to SUPSI data, 94.9% of graduates in 2023 had found employment within a year of earning their degree. However, Professor Carla Pedrazzani, head of the SUPSI Bachelor’s programme in Nursing, points out that “patient care pathways are changing: we’re seeing a clear shift from acute care to long-term and community-based care.” This shift in training doesn’t always align with the expectations of new graduates, who often seek opportunities in hospitals. Martina worked for a few months in a doctor’s office, but when her contract expired, it wasn’t renewed. “I don’t know if it’s a question of credibility, but there’s no real opportunity to engage with the profession. I feel discouraged: on one hand, experience is demanded, on the other, there’s no chance to gain it. It’s a Catch-22.” Her experience isn’t unique. Some colleagues in similar situations have temporarily set aside their hospital ambitions to turn to nursing homes or other sectors, but even in those fields, the situation hasn’t...

Dettagli operativi

Martina’s story is not just a personal case, but reflects a broader phenomenon affecting young nurses in Ticino. Despite the chronic need for healthcare staff, many recent graduates struggle to find employment in their field of specialization. This imbalance between labor supply and demand is not new, but recent dynamics are highlighting shortcomings that have never been so evident. ### Before and after: the changing expectations Until just a few years ago, the typical career path for a nurse in Ticino involved securing a position in a hospital within months of graduating. Today, however, many young professionals are forced to accept fixed-term contracts or roles in sectors considered "fallback" options, such as medical practices or nursing homes. "I sent my resume to every facility, but apart from a few contacts, nothing materialized," Martina explains. Her testimony highlights a growing gap between educational expectations and the realities of the job market, especially for those aspiring to work in hospitals. ### The problem of lack of experience One of the main barriers for recent graduates is employers’ demand for prior work experience. "On one hand, they ask for experience, but on the other, they don’t give you the chance to gain it. It’s a paradox," says the 26-year-old. While this issue is not new, its persistence points to a structural problem in Ticino’s labor market. Despite needing staff, healthcare facilities appear to favor candidates with at least a few years of experience, leaving recent graduates at a disadvantage. ### Alternatives: the border and mobility For many young professionals, the solution lies beyond the border. Martina decided to send her resume to the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, a specialized center that responded po...

Punti chiave

Are you a Ticino-based nurse looking for job opportunities? Your experience might be similar to Martina’s. Here’s how you can maximize your chances of finding employment, both in Ticino and across the border. ### Step 1: Assess local opportunities Before looking beyond the border, it’s crucial to explore all possibilities in the Ticino job market. SUPSI offers career coaching and placement services for its graduates, helping them identify healthcare facilities interested in newly qualified professionals. «Presenting all professional perspectives to our students» is one of SUPSI’s priorities, as confirmed by Professor Pedrazzani. You can also directly contact Ticino healthcare facilities, such as EOC (Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale) hospitals, to ask about graduate integration programs. Some hospitals offer training pathways that allow you to gain hands-on experience. ### Step 2: Expand your search across the border 📊 If opportunities in Ticino are limited, consider applying to healthcare facilities in Italy, particularly in specialized fields like oncology. Martina found an opportunity at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, but there are also other facilities in Lombardy and Piedmont actively seeking nursing staff. However, working in Italy requires obtaining the Italian professional qualification. The process varies by region, but generally includes: - Submitting a request for title recognition to the Ordine delle Professioni Infermieristiche (OPI) of the destination region. - Completing any required additional training. - Passing a state exam or an evaluative internship. Title recognition is governed by the EU Directive 2005/36/CE, which simplifies professional mobility between EU countries. However, the process can take several months, so it’s adv...

Punti chiave

{"q":"What are the requirements to work as a nurse in Italy with a Swiss qualification?","a":"To work in Italy with a Swiss qualification, you must obtain professional recognition from the Ordine delle Professioni Infermieristiche (OPI) in the region where you intend to work. The process involves submitting an application, completing any required additional training, and passing a state examination. While the procedure is simplified thanks to Directive 2005/36/EC, it can still take several months to complete."},{"q":"Does SUPSI offer job search support services for recent graduates?","a":"Yes, SUPSI provides career coaching and placement services for its graduates. You can access personalised career advice, interview preparation workshops, and job placement platforms to find nursing job listings tailored to your profile. SUPSI encourages students to explore all professional opportunities."},{"q":"Which Ticinese healthcare facilities hire recent graduates?","a":"The EOC (Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale) hospitals are among the main Ticinese healthcare facilities that hire recent graduates. Some offer structured onboarding programmes to help new professionals gain hands-on experience. However, the lack of prior work experience remains a common barrier for many young professionals."},{"q":"How can I prepare an effective CV to apply for jobs in Italy?","a":"To apply for jobs in Italy, tailor your CV to the specific job offer, highlighting the most relevant skills. Include educational experiences such as internships or university projects, and add references from professors or industry professionals. Ensure your CV is in Italian and follows local conventions. Some employers may also require a motivational cover letter."},{"q":"What are the career prospects for a nurse working in...

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