At TruMerit, we are driven by a vision to empower a new generation of healthcare professionals — individuals who are not only work-ready but also equipped to anticipate and lead through the digital transformation reshaping health and medical discovery worldwide. We believe that open communication and purposeful collaboration are essential to finding innovative solutions to these pressing challenges.
As the European Union seeks new strategies to address nursing shortages — a critical global issue — TruMerit recognised the opportunity to bring together policymakers, national regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders. Our aim: to share practical tools and forward-thinking ideas that can help chart a sustainable path ahead. This report captures the core themes and recommendations from our recent convening, offering actionable insights for the future. We are convinced that strengthening the health workforce in the European Union requires a dual focus: building capacity and retention within the region while also supporting the expertise and mobility of non-EU nurses. These professionals are an essential complement to national efforts, bringing valuable skills and perspectives that enrich patient care and health systems.
Creating a streamlined, trustworthy system for validating the credentials of non-EU nationals — one that upholds quality, prevents fraud, and benchmarks competencies to EU standards — is a complex but necessary endeavour. TruMerit’s nearly 50 years of global experience in credential evaluation and regulatory collaboration positions us to offer robust, practical solutions. One promising area for collective action is the development and sharing of comprehensive data on third-country2 qualifications. By leveraging data-driven tools, comparability frameworks, and competency-based certifications, EU Member States can accelerate recognition processes, maintain high standards, and safeguard against fraud. Another vital innovation is the introduction of testing tools for third-country nationals, enabling the assessment and benchmarking of nursing competencies before migration. TruMerit’s Certified Global Nurse programme exemplifies this approach, combining rigorous credential verification with a qualifying exam to validate nursing knowledge and skills — empowering nurses worldwide to pursue new opportunities.
In today’s rapidly changing world, the health of populations is foundational to vibrant, resilient communities. Now is the time for decisive action. TruMerit stands ready to work alongside EU institutions, national regulators, and all stakeholders to advance these solutions — ensuring that health systems across Europe are equipped for the future and that nurses everywhere can realise their full potential.
Peter Preziosi, PhD, RN, CAE
President & Chief Executive Officer
